"VAN" (Sports Desk - 14.03.2026) :: Pau Gasol has been appointed as FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Global Ambassador and is set to continue his support of the famous competition, having also assumed the role for the previous 2022 edition in Sydney.
A FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductee and FIBA World Cup 2006 winner and MVP, Gasol is a legendary basketball figure and will use his status within the sport and beyond to promote this year's showpiece event in Berlin, Germany and also highlight the soaring global popularity and growth of the women's game worldwide.
"This World Cup will reflect the extraordinary growth that women's basketball is experiencing across the world. The level of talent, the competitiveness and the global interest in the game continue to rise, and this tournament will be another important step forward for the sport."
Gasol has passionately advocated for the women's game, and has also been investing in women's basketball for more than four years, with his appointment reflective of his desire to continue the momentum. He also becomes the second basketball icon to take on the role after USA legend and FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2026 member Sue Bird was previously announced as a FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Global Ambassador.
As Global Ambassador four years ago, Gasol helped to ensure that Sydney 2022 was hailed as the best FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in history, with 1.1 billion impressions and 14 million engagements across global social platforms - as well as a record-breaking 145,000 spectators during the competition.
Gasol is also someone who knows about what it takes to be successful at a FIBA Basketball World Cup. He made a huge impact with Spain during his own glittering career, stepping out at three separate editions. On debut during 2002 in Indianapolis, he helped his nation to attain a top five finish by racking up more than 19 points per game.
The biggest moment for Gasol then came when he inspired his country to the top of the podium and the title itself at the 2006 edition in Japan. Amassing a spectacular 21.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game while shooting an eye-popping 63.1 percent from the field, he took MVP honors in what remains one of Spanish basketball's greatest ever achievements.
Also unstoppable at Continental level, he remains one of the most decorated FIBA EuroBasket players in history, playing at seven editions, winning it in 2009, 2011 and 2015 and becoming a two-time MVP in 2009 and 2015.
In addition to his accomplishments on the court, Gasol has continued to achieve success since his final appearance with Spain at the Tokyo Olympics five years ago, his fifth participation in the Olympic basketball tournament. Since retiring from professional basketball, he has focused his efforts on three main areas: his institutional role in sport, reduction of childhood obesity, and investing in sport, health and wellness.
The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 will take place during September 4-13 and it will be the second time that Germany will host the prestigious competition, having previously done so in 1998.
Set to be played at two premium venues, namely Arena Berlin and Max-Schmeling Halle the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 will have an expanded field of 16 teams.
The lineup will be confirmed after the conclusion of the upcoming FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments.
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