Rumors

Despite the ongoing war in Iran, organizers of next year’s FIBA World Cup are not changing plans to hold the top global men’s basketball competition in Qatar in August of 2027. Andreas Zagklis, secretary general for FIBA, said Friday that Qatari officials have made clear the World Cup “is a project of national importance,” and preparations to hold the 32-team championship, with dozens of NBA stars expected to participate, are “going according to schedule.”

New York Times

“Unfortunately, we know how to deal with these situations,” said Zagklis, referring to war outbreaks in Ukraine and the Middle East that coincided with FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments. “And also, unfortunately, the federations in the area are resilient and are ready to respond in the best possible way,” Zagklis continued. “We have excellent partners in Qatar. If things arrive at that spot, I’m sure we will have very good and direct conversations, and we’ll find the best possible solution for the players and the fans.”

New York Times

The war in Iran, which spread quickly across the Middle East, has altered the impact for what is likely a mid-eight-figure sponsorship agreement—among the most expensive patch deals in the NBA. Abu Dhabi has built a reputation in recent years as a safe option for tourists and professionals across the region, but as tens of millions of people globally see the Experience Abu Dhabi patch during the Knicks’ Finals games, the emirate is reckoning with a shift in circumstance. “No matter what type of tourism advertising they do, they can’t overcome the geopolitical realities or facts on the ground,” Eric Lob, a Middle East expert and professor at Florida International University, said in an interview. “They’ve sustained a lot of damage and destruction to their civilian and energy infrastructure. Their image as a hub of stability—for investment, tourism, finance, etc.—has really taken a hit. … It’s a precarious time for them.”

Sportico

Cook, 32, also agreed to contract terms in early January to play in Iran, but he opted not to go because of fear of a war between the United States and Iran that is now taking place. "My whole life, until now, I've never had basketball stop for political things that happened in the world," Cook told Andscape in a phone interview. "It's a first for me, but it opens your eyes that there is more to life than just basketball. People who depend on basketball for happiness and a job, you have to understand that there are bigger things in life.

ESPN

Three former South Carolina women's basketball players have been competing in Israel, Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley said on social media Saturday, and an effort is being made to get them home in the wake of the United States-Israel military strikes against Iran. Staley wrote that Tiffany Mitchell, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan and Destiny Littleton were "in a war zone in Israel." "We are working a plan to get home," Staley wrote on X. "Let us pray for our loved ones to return home safely asap! Thank you in advance."

ESPN

Enes Kanter Freedom: Hey @SHAQ , Let me teach you a lesson. At what point do you choose morals over money? Whether you were paid for these photo ops or not is irrelevant. You willingly posed next to a man the entire world knows is a dictator. And let’s be clear about who you chose to stand with. This is a dictator who - Bombs Kurdish villages and is responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent civilians. - Actively weaponizes ISIS for political leverage. - Controls and weaponizes HTS. - Uses refugees as a weapon to threaten and blackmail Europe. - Helps criminal regimes like Iran and Venezuela evade U.S. sanctions. - Throws infants and innocent civilians into prison. This is not ignorance. This is not neutrality. This is complicity. So before smiling for cameras with a world known dictator, ask yourself one question: How much is your integrity worth? Because when you choose money and access over morals, values, and principles, you are no longer neutral. You are helping normalize evil. I am not trying to embarrass you. I am holding you accountable. You are one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet. Millions of people, especially kids, look up to you. When you stand next to a tyrant, you help launder his crimes and give him legitimacy. You do not need this. You do not need his money. You do not need his approval. What you are doing is beneath you. History is very clear about people who chose comfort and profit over courage. Choose wisely.

x.com

Former Rockets player Michael Frazier signed with Iranian team Naft Abadan BC for the 2025-26 season.

HoopsHype

Olgun Uluc: The Australian Boomers are through to the final of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, thanks to a 92-48 win over Iran overnight. Jack McVeigh led the Boomers with 17 points, while Will ‘Davo’ Hickey had 14-6-6. Australia faces China in the final. Tip-off is 2am (AEST) on Monday, Aug. 18.

Twitter

The building where Hapoel Tel Aviv coach Dimitris Itoudis stays was hit during the missile strike that Iran launched on Israel, ONE reports. Itoudis is currently in his home country Greece. According to ONE, while there is damage in the building, the coach’s apartment remained unaffected.

EuroHoops.net

The tension between Israel and Iran has made the situation even more difficult, especially with the ongoing military conflict in the region. While a recent ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has somewhat eased the atmosphere, Beverley's decision still remains uncertain. "I'm 50-50 [if I'll stay here]," he admitted. "This ain't about the money. I'm rich as f**k. She's richer than me. It's not about money. It's about who I want to make happy. "I'm in the middle. I'm trying to fulfill my promise of competing," he went on to say. "It's like I'm choosing the love of my life and my first love, basketball. I'm left a lot of days drained. It just put a lot of added pressure on my relationship. A lot of added pressure, especially from her side. ... It's so f**ked up because, in the middle of the season, we get this f**king phenomenal coach. [Dimitris] Itoudis is a phenomenal coach. On the first day of practice, I was like, I'm running a wall for this guy. Absolute European legendary coach, which makes it even harder. ... He's Gregg Popovich of Europe. When a legacy is in the building, you smell it; I want some of that."

BasketNews

Iranian team Tabiat Eslamshahr has secured former Grizzlies player Russ Smith for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

HoopsHype

NBA G League: Sarem Jafari (Iran) and Kenny Kasiama (France) led the way as four G League teams added the Returning Player Rights to future international NBA Draft prospects during the 2024 NBA G League International Draft.

Twitter

Former Pacers player Joe Young signed with Irani team Shahrdari Gorgan BC for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

HoopsHype

Former Clippers player Diamond Stone signed with Iranian team Shahrdari Gorgan BC for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

HoopsHype