FIBA EuroBasket 2025 will be staged at Limassol’s Spyros Kyprianou Sports Centre from August 28 to September 4, marking Cyprus’ debut in the tournament.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis said the event offered a “first-class opportunity” to promote Cyprus both as a tourist destination and as a venue for international sporting occasions.

He said it was with “great satisfaction” that Cyprus would host the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 in Limassol, calling it “a very special event, which is expected to attract the interest of millions of viewers.”

According to the local organising committee, Cyprus is preparing to welcome a five-digit number of foreign visitors, a development expected to boost both tourism and local businesses.

Broadcast coverage from Limassol is set to reach, and possibly exceed, the 300 million viewers who tuned into EuroBasket 2022, while social media will further extend the event’s global visibility.

Koumis pointed to the arrival of five elite national teams and more than 80 athletes competing at the highest European and international level, alongside hundreds of visitors travelling to the island to follow the games.

He also emphasised that the first ever participation of the Cyprus national basketball team in EuroBasket was a particular honour for the country.

In the run-up to the opening match, Limassol has already been immersed in the EuroBasket atmosphere. Throughout the competition, a Fan Zone will operate at the city’s Old Port, giving visitors the chance to enjoy entertainment activities and watch live screenings of all games.

Moreover, foreign journalists covering the EuroBasket 2025 will be taken on a tour of Lefkara on September 1, where they will be introduced to Cypriot traditions and local delicacies.

“Sports tourism, as a special form of tourism, is a priority for the Deputy Ministry of Tourism,” Koumis added, noting that his office actively supports EuroBasket 2025 as well as other events to be hosted in Cyprus in the coming months.

He also expressed his congratulations to the Cyprus Basketball Federation’s leadership and to all those working towards the success of the competition.

Organisers meanwhile stressed that safety will be paramount, with measures including drones, sniffer dogs and a strengthened police presence. Security rehearsals have already been held at the Spyros Kyprianou Sports Centre to test logistics, crowd management and emergency procedures.

Beyond safety, the event is expected to bring significant economic benefits. Estimates put the impact at €13–17 million, with thousands of visitors boosting local businesses and the games giving Cyprus invaluable international exposure.

The Cyprus Basketball Federation described EuroBasket as a turning point that places the island firmly on the international basketball map.

Federation president Andreas Mouzourides said arena renovations were completed ahead of schedule, allowing organisers to focus on presenting “the right image abroad.”

Finally, organising committee president Mark Klerides highlighted the contribution of sponsors, pointing to the support of Allianz, EKO and the Bank of Cyprus, alongside ticketing partner more.com, as vital for delivering the event.