IWBF & PSF – 2025 Year in Review
The partnership between the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) and People’s Sport Foundation (PSF) continues to provide meaningful support to the development and delivery of wheelchair basketball activities worldwide.
Throughout 2025, PSF’s contribution has assisted IWBF in delivering key competitions and strengthening international pathways, supporting both established programmes and emerging nations.
2025 IWBF U23 World Championship – São Paulo [SG1]
A key highlight of the year was the 2025 IWBF U23 World Championship in São Paulo, Brazil, which brought together 12 teams from across the globe, featuring 144 players representing the next generation of international wheelchair basketball talent.
The championship provided an important competitive platform for emerging athletes and reflected the continued growth of youth development programmes worldwide. The participation of teams from across all four Zones demonstrated the strength and diversity of the global pathway system.
First-Ever IWBF 3×3 World Championship – South Africa[SG1]
2025 also marked a significant milestone for the sport with the first-ever IWBF 3×3 World Championship, hosted in South Africa.
The inaugural event featured:
- 14 men’s teams
- 8 women’s teams
The championship highlighted the continued expansion of the 3×3 format and its role in widening participation. The event saw new and developing nations competing on the world stage, including the Swiss women’s team making its international debut. Participation from countries such as Kenya, Croatia, South Africa, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates further reflected the growing global reach of wheelchair basketball. The 3×3 format continues to offer an accessible entry point for emerging nations while complementing the traditional 5-on-5 game.
Zonal Championships Begin the Road to 2026
Across all Zones, 2025 has seen the start of the qualification cycle for the 2026 IWBF World Championships. Zonal Championships are now underway, with teams competing for places at the global event.
Valued Partnership
Reflecting on the year, IWBF President Ulf Mehrens commented:
“We are grateful for the continued support of PSF and the stability this partnership provides. Their contribution helps us strengthen international competition pathways and support developing programmes across our Zones. Partnerships like this are important in allowing us to deliver events consistently and continue building wheelchair basketball in a sustainable way.”
As qualification for the 2026 World Championships progresses and development initiatives continue across the Zones, the partnership remains a valued part of IWBF’s work and ongoing development strategy.
Photo Credit: IWBF – X-1 & Aldworth