The Eurobasket 2025 group stage has wrapped up, featuring exciting matchups like Turkey vs. Serbia. However, a number of one-sided games have sparked a debate: is the 24-team tournament too large?
While some critics suggest shrinking the tournament to a more “exclusive” 16 teams, this overlooks the long-term benefits of a larger format. The current structure is designed to help basketball grow across Europe, and the responsibility for improving competitiveness falls on the national basketball organisations.
🤔 A Debate Over a Bigger Tournament
The idea of cutting the number of teams from 24 back to 16, a format last seen in 2009, has gained some attention. The main argument is that fewer teams would lead to more competitive games from the start. However, this view may be short-sighted, as it could limit opportunities for developing basketball nations to gain valuable experience on a major stage, especially when superstars like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are showcasing the sport’s peak.
📈 More Teams Mean More Opportunities
A larger tournament creates important moments for growth. For example, Great Britain, after several tough losses, pulled off a victory against Montenegro to help Sweden advance. While teams like the Czech Republic and Iceland didn’t get a win, Iceland remained competitive throughout. For Cyprus, a co-host, just participating was a historic achievement for the small nation, and their players showed tremendous heart, which was celebrated by their fans. These experiences are crucial for building basketball culture back home.
🎯 The Real Challenge: Improving from Within
Ultimately, the issue isn’t about the number of teams, but about their quality. In every major sports tournament, there is a natural gap between the top contenders and the emerging teams. FIBA’s role is to provide a platform for everyone. The real challenge now lies with the national federations. It’s their job to invest in their programs, develop talent, and build teams that can compete at a higher level, especially as European talent continues to make a huge impact in the NBA. A surprise win or a hard-fought tournament can be the spark, but the federations must be ready to fan it into a flame.
