Host Cities for EuroBasket Women 2011 Announced

The Organizers of the EuroBasket Women 2011 has released the three cities in Poland which will host the event that is scheduled on June 18 to July 3, 2011.

The Preliminary and Quarterfinal round of the EuroBasket Women in 2011 will be played on Katowice and Bydgoszcz while the Finals will be held in Lodz.

FIBA Europe President Olafur Rafnsson is confident that Poland will be a great host in 2011 because they have have shown their capabilities when they hosted the 2009 EuroBasket for Men, which was ruled by Spain National Team.

"We know from our experiences in 2009 that Poland is capable of hosting a great event. There is a history of great basketball events in Poland and EuroBasket Women 2011 will certainly add to that legacy." Rafnsson said.

The three cities that were selected also played a big role in the 2009 Eurobasket. Katowice also hosted the 1999 Finals of the EuroBasket Women.

"It will be our pleasure to once again work with our friends in Lodz, Katowice and Bydgoszcz," said FIBA Europe Secretary General Nar Zanolin.

Polish Basketball Federation President Roman Ludwiczuk is also optimistic because the three cities are experienced when it comes to hosting.

"They have done a great job in the past and that's why we will return in 2011." Ludwiczuk said.

Meanwhile, the Board of FIBA Europe decided to expand the number of teams that will participate in 2013 EuroBasket from 16 to 24.

The development displayed the continuous growth of Baskeball in Europe. However, the Women’s Division of the EuroBasket will still have 16 competing teams

"The growth of our sport in Europe means that the level of play across the continent has improved and we believe that now is the time to expand the tournament," said FIBA Europe President Olafur Raffnson.

"Expanding from 16 to 24 teams is an important step in allowing basketball to continue to flourish."

The Board also approved the rule that a team will be allowed to have 14 players in both Eurobasket Men and Women but the coach will be asked to name the 12 players he will use in the game one hour before tipoff.