FIBA Plus Fuels Swedish 3x3 Basketball Growth Strategy

STOCKHOLM (Sweden) - The future of 3x3 basketball in Sweden is brighter than ever after the Federation recently harnessed the expertise offered by FIBA Plus to help shape a Sporting Strategy for the successful growth of the discipline over the next two years. The Swedish Basketball Federation had expressed its desire to develop 3x3 in the country, and as a result of its work with the FIBA Plus team, they now have what is expected to be a game-changing 3x3 development plan for 2026-2028. A three-day FIBA Plus workshop was facilitated in Stockholm, with a team of 10 people working to deliver the desired outcomes. The workshop was concentrated around a series of capacity building sessions, including enhancing the Federation's understanding of the international 3x3 structure. As with all FIBA Plus collaborations, an analysis was done to assess the existing state of 3x3, with interviews held with key stakeholders both within the Swedish Basketball Federation and also outside the Federation. This included the Federation's Secretary General, Head of Competition, Sales and Marketing Director and Competition Developer. There was also feedback obtained from an external promoter of 3x3 within the country and a former Swedish professional player. Jidesten continued, "FIBA Plus has given us a unique opportunity to delve deeper and explore our current and desired position within 3x3 together with very competent representatives from FIBA," enthused Susanne Jidesten, Swedish Basketball Federation President. "It has been an incredible privilege to meet together for three full days and to have time to focus and calibrate a focus area. We have built on our own knowledge, had time for discussion and received solid advice and tips for what needs to happen for us to take the next step within 3x3. "We have wanted to develop 3x3 for a long time, but haven't really succeeded. We needed help and advice to understand and choose which path we should take in the next step. FIBA Plus, with a focus on 3x3, has done exactly that. "It is clear which path choices we have and which path choices we should take. FIBA Plus has focused completely on our current situation and our opportunities. In this way, the days and the results were tailored for us. It has been very helpful." Meanwhile, Peter Oqvist, Swedish Basketball Federation Secretary General, added: "The FIBA Plus program helped us organize our ideas, clarify our direction, and define the strategy and actions needed to continue to build a sustainable and strong 3x3 program." FIBA Plus assists National Federations in developing strategies to enhance their ability to organize, professionalize, and commercialize basketball activities, including offering planning and implementation support to all members. FIBA Plus is an important and key element of FIBA's own strategic priority to Empower National Federations.