The Caribbean is making its mark on the international basketball scene like never before, with a record number of nations competing across major FIBA tournaments, World Cup qualifiers and global multi-sport events throughout 2026.
The Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) says the unprecedented level of participation signals a new era for the sport, with teams from across the English, French, Dutch and Spanish-speaking Caribbean earning opportunities to compete on some of basketball’s biggest stages.
CBC President Leslie Collymore described the region’s expanding international footprint as clear evidence of basketball’s rapid growth and rising competitiveness.
“The level of Caribbean participation in 2026 reflects the continued growth, diversity and competitiveness of basketball across our region,” Collymore said.
“Our athletes are representing their countries with pride at every level of the game. From youth competitions to senior World Cup qualification, and from 3×3 to 5×5, the Caribbean is not simply participating—we are competing, qualifying and making our presence felt internationally.”
Among the standout achievements, the Bahamas, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Puerto Rico are competing in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers, while Puerto Rico also secured representation at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament, the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, the FIBA U18 AmeriCup and the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup.
The region has also featured prominently in youth competitions, the FIBA AmeriCup Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers, the Commonwealth Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games, showcasing the depth of basketball talent emerging across the Caribbean.
Saint Lucia is among six nations selected to compete in the inaugural ANOCES Under-23 3×3 Basketball Tournament in the British Virgin Islands, alongside the host nation, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Collymore credited the progress to the collective efforts of national basketball federations, athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, volunteers, governments, National Olympic Committees, sponsors and FIBA partners who continue investing in the sport’s development across the region.
“Every international appearance creates greater visibility and opportunity for Caribbean athletes,” he said. “Our priority is to build on this momentum and create stronger pathways for the next generation.”
The CBC says the region’s growing presence on the world stage demonstrates that Caribbean basketball is no longer simply developing—it is emerging as a force capable of competing with the best internationally.
