MIES, Switzerland – Following the introduction of an improved ranking system for men’s basketball in November 2025, FIBA has announced it will adapt the calculation method used to establish the FIBA World Ranking Women, presented by Nike. The move aims to create a more streamlined, responsive, and rewarding system for national teams competing on the international stage.
The updated model is guided by three core objectives: simplicity, a stronger reflection of recent results, and increased recognition for teams that advance deep into tournaments. This adjustment comes as FIBA continues to refine its ranking methodologies to better represent the current competitive landscape of women’s basketball globally.
How the New System Works
Similar to the updated FIBA World Ranking Men, national teams will earn points for each match played, with no points deducted for losses. In any given contest, both teams receive base points, with the winning team earning additional points based on several criteria. Matches in the later stages of tournaments carry a higher point value, rewarding teams for sustained success.
The points awarded will also vary depending on the competition or region. This regional weighting acknowledges the differing levels of competition and ensures a fair assessment of team performance across the globe. The system is built on the same principles as the recently implemented men’s ranking, but incorporates key adjustments to reflect the unique structure of the women’s basketball competition calendar.
Key Adjustments Compared to the Men’s System
Updated Refresh Model: 25% Annual Application
The women’s basketball calendar features major competitions – the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, the Olympic Women’s Tournament, and FIBA Continental Cups – annually. Recognizing this, the refresh model has been adapted accordingly. A 25% reduction in points is applied before each major event, ensuring the ranking remains sensitive to recent performances while respecting the annual cycle of competitions.
Maximum of Two Updates Per Year
The qualification structure for the FIBA Women’s Continental Cups varies by region, with different schedules and formats. The new system is designed to remain equitable to all national federations while maintaining overall stability. An update occurs after each annual major event, and a second update takes place in March, accounting for matches played since the previous major update.
This improved system will be applied during the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments. The FIBA World Ranking Women update following these tournaments will determine the seeding for the draw for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, scheduled for April 21st.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the methodology behind the FIBA World Ranking Women, detailed information can be found in the “How It Works” document, the Frequently Asked Questions, and the detailed examples provided by FIBA.
The rollout of the new FIBA World Rankings Men and Women, presented by Nike, will be followed by updates to the FIBA World Rankings Boys and Girls, all based on the same methodology. This comprehensive approach ensures consistency and fairness across all levels of FIBA competition.
The current version of the FIBA World Ranking Women, presented by Nike is available on the FIBA website.
This update represents a significant step forward in accurately assessing and recognizing the performance of national teams in women’s basketball. By prioritizing recent results and rewarding deep tournament runs, the new system aims to provide a more dynamic and representative ranking that reflects the evolving landscape of the sport. The changes will undoubtedly have implications for seeding and qualification pathways for major tournaments, adding another layer of excitement and competition to the international game.
FIBA
