EuroBasket 2029: Madrid to Host Historic Tournament with Record-Breaking Opener at Santiago Bernabéu
On Wednesday, April 21, 2026, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, and Elisa Aguilar, president of the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB), unveiled the collaboration agreement for EuroBasket 2029 at an event in Madrid. The presentation confirmed Madrid as one of the host cities for the continental championship, with the Spanish capital set to stage group-stage matches and all knockout rounds.
The tournament will feature a landmark opening game at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid CF, which Aguilar described as “the jewel in the crown” of Madrid’s bid. With a capacity of up to 80,000 spectators for basketball, the venue would set a latest FIBA attendance record for a basketball game.
“We are capable of convincing FIBA to organize this tournament,” Aguilar stated during the presentation, recalling efforts that began nearly a year prior in Latvia with national team coach Sergio Scariolo and point guard Sergio Rodríguez. “When we say it is more than a tournament, it is because we will do it in a Community that feels sport. We will elevate basketball, taking it to a new and transcendent dimension.”
The Movistar Arena will host all other basketball matches in Madrid, while the Bernabéu will stage only the tournament’s opening game. Madrid will host 15 games in total — all matches from one of the four first-phase groups (which will include the Spanish men’s national team) and every knockout-round contest from the quarterfinals onward, including the semifinals, third-place game, and final.
Aguilar emphasized the sustainable growth of Spanish basketball under her leadership, noting that the sport “is gaining more fans every day.” She referenced her personal experience from nearly a year ago: “It will almost be a year since May 22, 2025, that I lived one of the greatest joys since I became president.”
The collaboration agreement outlines a joint budget of approximately 25 million euros for organizing the event. Both leaders stressed their shared vision to transform global perceptions of basketball through innovation and excellence.
Attendees at the presentation included prominent figures from Spanish basketball: Rudy Fernández, Felipe Reyes, Sergio Rodríguez, and head coach Chus Mateo, alongside Aguilar and Ayuso. The event took place at Casa de Postas, located near Puerta del Sol in central Madrid.
Madrid’s bid was selected by the FIBA Europe Board following evaluations in Riga, Latvia. The city aims to deliver “the best EuroBasket in history” by leveraging its sporting culture and infrastructure.
The tournament will mark a significant moment for Spanish basketball, coming shortly after the national team’s recent international competitions. Hosting duties will provide the Spanish men’s and women’s teams with home-court advantage throughout the event.
As preparations advance, organizers will focus on logistical details, venue readiness, and fan engagement initiatives. The official tournament schedule, participating nations, and ticketing information are expected to be released by FIBA in the coming months.
For continued updates on EuroBasket 2029 and other major basketball events, follow Archysport’s coverage of international competitions.
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