The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup is upon us.
Before the 2023-24 NBA season gets underway, some of the biggest names in basketball will compete in the World Cup for a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. A total of 32 teams will battle in the tournament for seven Olympic spots.
The World Cup is made up of three stages: two group phases, followed by a knockout phase. Countries will have to get off to strong starts in the first round of the group phase to qualify for the Olympics.
Which groups in the World Cup will be the most competitive? Let's take a closer look.
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Hardest groups in 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, ranked
8. Group G
Countries: Spain, Brazil, Iran, Cote D'Ivoire
There's a clear top two in Group G with Spain and Brazil. Iran and Cote D'Ivoire finished in two of the bottom three spots in FIBA's most recent Power Rankings.
7. Group C
Countries: United States, Greece, New Zealand, Jordan
This would've been a tougher group with a healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo taking the floor for Greece. Without him, the United States should make it to the second round with relative ease.
The only real question is which country will join Team USA. Greece vs. New Zealand could be a battle.
6. Group F
Countries: Slovenia, Georgia, Venezuela, Cape Verde
Slovenia is missing some key players in Goran Dragic and Vlatko Cancar, but it would still be a shock if Luka Doncic isn't able to lead his country to the second round. Cape Verde, Georgia and Venezuela are at a similar level, so the No. 2 spot in Group F could be competitive.
5. Group D
Countries: Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, Egypt
Lithuania will be a tough opponent even without Domantas Sabonis. It still features Pelicans big man Jonas Valanciunas, as well as former NBA players Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Ignas Brazdeikis and Donatas Motiejunas.
Two-time NBA All-Star Nikola Vucevic will run the show for Montenegro. Mexico lacks star power, but it made it to the Round of 16 in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup and defeated Team USA in the World Cup Qualifiers in 2021. Don't be surprised if it pulls off another upset.
4. Group B
Countries: Serbia, Puerto Rico, China, South Sudan
Even without Nikola Jokic, Serbia has the talent to make some noise in the World Cup, led by Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. Neither Puerto Rico nor South Sudan will be an easy out, and the addition of Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson makes China a wild card.
This has the potential to be a great group.
3. Group A
Countries: Italy, Dominican Republic, Philippines, Angola
Italy has once again put together a solid roster. It is the country to beat in Group A, but it will be tested.
The Dominican Republic is led by three-time NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns and showcased its potential with a win over Canada prior to the World Cup. The Philippines is led by Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson, a one-time Sixth Man of the Year who is coming off a season in which he averaged a career-best 20.8 points per game.
With each Group A game being played in Manila, the Philippines will be playing in front of a home crowd. That could be a huge benefit.
2. Group H
Countries: France, Canada, Latvia, Lebanon
This is one of only two groups with two top-10 countries in FIBA's latest Power Rankings: Canada and France.
The difference between finishing in first and second is a big deal. With Group H crossing over with Group G, the country that finishes in second could face the defending champion, Spain, in the second round. That should make for a thrilling matchup on Friday when Canada and France open group play against each other.
Not having Kristaps Porzingis is a big loss for Latvia, but it still has sharpshooter Davis Bertans and former NBA player Rodions Kurucs. While Lebanon lacks experience, it is trending upward. It will receive a boost from former first-round NBA Draft pick Omari Spellman, who recently obtained Lebanese nationality.
Spellman averaged just under 20 points per game in South Korea last season.
1. Group E
Countries: Australia, Germany, Finland, Japan
It's crazy to think that Germany, Finland or Australia won't advance to the second round of the Group Phase.
Unlike Germany and Australia, Finland didn't land in the top 10 in FIBA's most recent Power Rankings, but that doesn't mean it should be counted out. Not only did Finland finish in seventh place in EuroBasket 2022, but it also has Jazz star Lauri Markkanen, who ranked behind only Antetokounmpo (29.3) in scoring in last summer's tournament with an average of 27.9 points per game.
Unfortunately for Japan, Lakers forward Rui Hachimura has decided to skip the World Cup. His presence would've made Group E even more competitive.
Where to watch FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023: Live streams, TV channels & more
- Dates: Aug. 25 to Sept. 10
- TV channels: ESPN2 | ESPN+
- Live stream: ESPN App | Courtside 1891 | Sling TV
The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will take place between Aug. 25 and Sept. 10, with games being played in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.
The tournament will feature a total of 92 games, all of which will be broadcast on ESPN2 or ESPN+ in the United States. FIBA's official streaming service, Courtside 1891, and Sling TV also offer a streaming option.
Courtside 1891 offers two subscriptions. Courtside 1891 Plus is free and gives you access to "extended highlights and a curated feed for your favorite teams and competition." Courtside 1891 Max is a paid subscription that allows you to watch "live game streams and full game replays."
If you just want to watch FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, you can buy a pass for the entire tournament for $9.99. An annual pass, which includes FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 and other international competitions, costs $44.99. Use code TSN10WC to receive a 10 percent discount.
Geo-restrictions may apply to certain regions. Click here to find out which games are available in your region.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Sling TV, which is now offering half off your first month! You can stream the sports you love starting at just $20 in your first month with Sling Orange, which includes ESPN2.
