The Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) President Mohammed Saad Al Mughaiseeb recently announced the upcoming West Asian Super League (QASL) Final 8 tournament, signaling the country’s journey towards hosting the 2027 Basketball World Cup. In a press conference held at the QBF Headquarters, Al Mughaiseeb expressed his gratitude to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) for their support and stated that Qatar is ready to host a successful event. The tournament, scheduled for May 25-June 1, is expected to attract a significant turnout at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall.
The WASL Final 8 will feature teams divided into two groups – Group A and Group B. Group A will include Al Riyadi, Manama, Sagesse Sports Club, and BC Astana, while Group B will consist of Kuwait Club, Shahrdari Gorgan, Kazma, and India’s Tamil Nadu. Six teams represent the FIBA WASL Sub-Zone Leagues, with BC Astana and Tamil Nadu as representatives of Central and South Asia in the Final 8. Al Mughaiseeb emphasized that the tournament will elevate Qatar’s sports destination status and generate interest in basketball among the youth. Additionally, it aims to promote tourism and boost the local economy.
Al Mughaiseeb highlighted the significance of the tournament in preparing and training individuals in various areas, such as operations and services, to organize major sporting events effectively. The event also presents an opportunity for Qatari personnel to gain experience in event organization and service delivery. Qatar has previously hosted multiple FIBA events, including the FIBA U16 Asia Cups and the FIBA Asia Cup. QBF Secretary-General Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari praised Doha’s selection as the host city, citing confidence in Qatar’s sports infrastructure and organizational capabilities.
Despite time constraints, QBF has arranged accommodations for players and officials and recruited around 130 volunteers for the event. Al Kass Sports Channels will broadcast the tournament, and tickets are available at Virgin Store and other sales points, as well as on-site at the Lusail Hall. The tournament will kick off with a triple header on May 25, with Kuwait SC facing Tamil Nadu, Shahrdari Gorgan playing against Kazma, and Manama taking on Sagesse. The group stage will continue until May 29, followed by the semi-finals on May 31, and the title clash and third-place playoff on June 1.
