INTERSPORT has officially joined FIBA as a Global Partner through 2031, combining the international basketball governing body with one of the world’s leading sporting goods retail networks to expand fan engagement and retail operations worldwide.
According to announcements from both organizations, the agreement spans major international tournaments. INTERSPORT is set to support FIBA’s flagship competitions, including the next two editions of the men’s and women’s FIBA Basketball World Cups, FIBA Continental Cups, and the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cups.
The partnership builds upon existing regional ties, including engagement with the Fédération Française de BasketBall. Under the new global scope, INTERSPORT will serve as FIBA’s Official Event Retail Operations Partner for selected national team competitions, including the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2031 in France.
Global Retail Network Meets International Competition
The collaboration aims to merge FIBA’s international basketball platform with INTERSPORT’s retail network. Founded in 1968, the INTERSPORT Group reported a turnover of EUR 14.1 billion in 2025, operating 5,260 specialist stores across 40 countries, according to corporate data.
Frank Leenders, FIBA’s Director General of Media and Marketing Services, stated that the agreement provides a platform for enhanced fan experiences. “This is great news for fans of flagship national team competitions who can look forward to exciting retail and event activations worldwide,” Leenders said. He added that the alliance will expand the availability and visibility of official FIBA licensed merchandise.
Tom Foley, CEO of IIC – INTERSPORT International Corporation GmbH, emphasized the accessibility of the sport. “Basketball is one of the world’s most accessible sports, with a unique ability to bring people together across communities, cultures and generations,” Foley noted, pointing to the retailer’s local connections as a bridge to bring fans closer to the game.
Exclusive Lifestyle Products and Future Timeline
Beyond traditional match merchandise, the partnership outlines a collaborative push into lifestyle and non-competition related products. According to the agreement, these exclusive items will roll out across the INTERSPORT retail network starting in 2027.
The agreement positions the sporting goods retailer at the center of fan engagement strategies leading up to the 2026 Women’s World Cup in Berlin and extending through the 2031 showcase in France.
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