Spain to host EuroBasket 2029 opener in 80,000-seat Santiago Bernabeu stadium if awarded hosting rights.
Four countries are emerging as the favorites to host EuroBasket 2029 as we approach this year's EuroBasket.
According to Lukas Katilius from BasketNews, Lithuania, Spain, Greece, and Slovenia are strong contenders to host EuroBasket 2029.
However, the location of the final stage remains uncertain. Sources from BasketNews reveal that the Spanish and Greek basketball federations are in fierce competition for the hosting rights.
Spain has expressed a clear interest in organizing both the group stage and the knockout rounds. Spanish Basketball Federation president Elisa Aguilar confirmed this to BasketNews during the EuroBasket 2025 draw in Riga.
"We're preparing our presentation, which we'll present here in Riga in May," Aguilar shared. "Then we'll see what happens. We really want to be selected and are working hard on this project."
Spain's plans include hosting its group-stage games at the Movistar Arena in Madrid, which serves as the home venue for Real Madrid's ACB and EuroLeague games. Adding to its bid's uniqueness, Spain has proposed hosting basketball games at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
"This would be the first time basketball games are played at the Santiago Bernabeu, one of the world's top stadiums," Aguilar stated.
Spanish media outlet AS has confirmed that if Spain's capital is selected as the host city for the next continental tournament, the Santiago Bernabeu stadium would host the opening game.
According to AS, the opening match at the Bernabeu is already agreed upon by Real Madrid and the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) and could become a decisive factor in the race for EuroBasket 2029. The final host city decision will be made on May 22 in Riga.
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