Bengaluru to host FIBA Women's Basketball League Asia from October 20

Bengaluru will host the FIBA Women's Basketball League Asia 2026 from October 20 to 25, with six leading women's basketball clubs from across the continent, including India's national champions Indian Railways, competing for the title.

The tournament will feature Denso Iris of Japan, Cheongju KB Stars of South Korea, Sichuan Yuanda Meile of China, Akari Sparks of the Philippines, Cathay Life Tigers of Chinese Taipei and Indian Railways.

The competition will bring together established clubs from some of Asia's prominent basketball nations, providing Indian players with an opportunity to compete against international opposition on home soil.

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗿𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara welcomed the opportunity to host another international basketball event in Bengaluru, describing it as an important occasion for the state's sporting community.

"Bengaluru is honoured to host another FIBA competition. Hosting the FIBA Women's Basketball League Asia 2026 is a proud moment for Karnataka and reflects our commitment to promoting sports and providing athletes with opportunities to compete at the highest level," he said.

The six-day competition is expected to provide a platform for women's basketball in India while offering local spectators an opportunity to watch leading Asian club teams.

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

K Govindaraj, president of FIBA Asia and secretary of the Karnataka State Basketball Association, said the tournament would showcase the growing strength of women's club basketball across the continent.

"The FIBA Women's Basketball League Asia is an important platform for bringing the best women's club teams in the region together and showcasing the growing strength of women's basketball in Asia," he said.

The participating teams will also feature international talent, with each club including two imported players from the United States, Australia and Europe.

The presence of overseas players is expected to add to the competitive quality of the tournament, which will see Indian Railways test itself against clubs from five other Asian basketball nations.