IAKS and FIBA agree collaboration to help better basketball facilities around the globe

World basketball governing body FIBA and IAKS, the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities, have announced a collaboration to work closely together to help better basketball facilities around the world. 

Confirmed at the 2021 IAKS Congress in Cologne, Germany, the collaboration was announced by FIBA Head of the FIBA Equipment and Venues, Bart Prinssen and IAKS Secretary General, Klaus Meinel - the pair signing a Memorandum of Understanding, outlining the cooperation for the next two years.

Based on a shared commitment to improve knowledge through the exchange of design, construction and expertise for industry professionals and stimulate innovation, the cooperation includes the creation of an Expert Circle made up of specialised architects able to advise on the design, construction and renovation of modern basketball facilities (including multi-purpose buildings) and continuously adapt and enhance the knowledge that covers a broad range on architectural and building-related best practices and operational topics, including the areas of venue and event management.

Together the group will continually enhance the knowledge and regional expertise that covers a broad range of architectural, building-related, and operational best practices.

The collaboration also aims to promote the highest standard of facilities by offering FIBA's National Federation members and other stakeholders closer access to know-how expertise in all stages of developing new basketball facilities, as well as for the refurbishment of existing venues.

Commenting on its significance, Prinssen explained “this collaboration offers the FIBA Family preferential access to high-level expertise in the benefit of our sport.

“FIBA and IAKS have a shared interest in fostering sustainability, innovation in design and technology. The Germany-based non-profit organization has expressed its commitment to sustainable and high-quality indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities that are fully inclusive, universally accessible, as well as socially relevant.

"This new partnership will help FIBA and IAKS in our common interest to promote and develop innovative and sustainable basketball facilities for all,” said Klaus Meinel, the IAKS Secretary General.

FIBA's Equipment and Venue Centre aims to promote innovation and know-how to help improve the overall level of basketball facilities around the globe.

Investors, owners and operators are kindly invited to contact FIBA and IAKS in the early stages of their sports venue projects.

Click here for more information.

Images: The Screaming Eagles Arena at the University of Southern Indiana, USA (top: credit: CannonDesign/Timothy Hursley) and IAKS Secretary General Klaus Meinel and FIBA Equipment and Venues Bart Prinssen mark the collaboration (below).