Basketball at the Olympics should be U23. The WC should be the prime competition.

[Victorious2]

The reason why basketball at the Olympics is considered the prime competition is probably due to the old rivalry between the USA and the Sovjet Union. The Olympics were used by the US and Sovjet governments as a tool too showcase their power. And when the US non-professional basketball teams started loosing gold medals during the Olympics, the Americans were out to prove something. So in 1992 they assembled arguably the best team ever in any sport. The USA Dream Team. This team became an example of excellence in any sport. That's because they were so much better than any other team. Due to this, many NBA players want to be part of the same team Jordan, Magic, Bird made world famous. So the best NBA players are usually keen in participating during the Olympics.
In a way though, this underrates the sport. A gold medal at the Olympics is worth as much as a gold for 3X3 basketball, water polo, or whatever sport. Prestige wise however, it is a great achievement to be the number one team in a team sport played by so many people all around the world. As such, basketball should have its own unique prime competition every four years. The World Cup basketball.

What are your thoughts on this?

 

[Dtown2]

I imagine this is FIBA's end goal and what they would love to have happen, it's convincing everyone else of it though, primarily the United States, that's the problem. Because if you don't have an invested US you basically have Eurobasket + Argentina and Australia.

You mentioned the history of Olympic basketball, but it's the Olympics in general that are valued in the US, While an Olympic Gold in Basketball is worth as much as one in Water Polo, a gold medal, regardless of sport, is genuinely considered one of the highest sporting accomplishments you can have here. The World Cup on the other hand is mostly an unknown, it's definitely growing, but the attitude is just slightly better than the empty gyms that we saw in 2002.

Now is it possible to change it? Yes, but it's going to take time. The process is already starting, superstar MVP level players in the NBA from outside the US is becoming normal, and with that comes more desire to see national teams play each other. The Olympics have taken deserved hits for being a corrupt soulless organization, and this years Olympics are only making it worse. That said big stars need to commit to their teams for a World Cup, and FIBA needs to fix their god awful qualification methods to ensure those big stars have a chance to play.

If you can't do those last two things it will never pass the Olympics.

 

[Victorious2]

I imagine this is FIBA's end goal and what they would love to have happen, it's convincing everyone else of it though, primarily the United States, that's the problem. Because if you don't have an invested US you basically have Eurobasket + Argentina and Australia.

You mentioned the history of Olympic basketball, but it's the Olympics in general that are valued in the US, While an Olympic Gold in Basketball is worth as much as one in Water Polo, a gold medal, regardless of sport, is genuinely considered one of the highest sporting accomplishments you can have here. The World Cup on the other hand is mostly an unknown, it's definitely growing, but the attitude is just slightly better than the empty gyms that we saw in 2002.

Now is it possible to change it? Yes, but it's going to take time. The process is already starting, superstar MVP level players in the NBA from outside the US is becoming normal, and with that comes more desire to see national teams play each other. The Olympics have taken deserved hits for being a corrupt soulless organization, and this years Olympics are only making it worse. That said big stars need to commit to their teams for a World Cup, and FIBA needs to fix their god awful qualification methods to ensure those big stars have a chance to play.

If you can't do those last two things it will never pass the Olympics.

I understand the American attitude about the value of a wold cup title in basketball. But we shouldn't forget that the US is just one country. The popularity of the game in the US will not suffer because of it either way, since they have the NBA. So we need to put the US on the side and prioritize the rest of the world here. For the rest of the world, winning the WC does matter a great deal.

If the US team is not invested, it means that other countries will have more chances in beating them. Think of the 3d tier USA team which they sent two years ago. It will not hurt the sport at all. It will essentially make it more interesting, since the world title will be up for grabs. And also, the world cup will be held once every four years, potentially in different countries. So there will be a lot of interest. If the US will loose one tournament, it will be a long time that they are not World Champions. The interest level will rise, even in the US.

On a global scale, just by eliminating basketball at the Olympics, the WC will surpass the value of the gold Olympic basketball medal overnight.

Now, we won't discard history altogether. Watching the U23 squads can be quite interesting and spectacular.

 

[JGX2]

I don't think FIBA is interested. After London some NBA people were calling for the Olympics to be reduced to a U23 competition and one of the main reasons FIBA went to their new competition system was to reduce the workload on top players in order to ensure that the NBA would continue to allow them to play in the Olympics.

Not sure the IOC would go for it either. Soccer gets away with it because it still fills big stadiums and even then they had to allow some overage players.

It would be nice if FIBA had their own marquee competition with Olympic-level interest but I don't think the worldwide audience is there without the Olympic brand. You'd probably have to cut the WC down to a smaller tournament of elite teams with star players that people want to see.

 

[usagre2]

Just to clear up a popular but false narrative that I hear all the time, the 1988 US collegiate loss to Soviets didn’t change the US mentality. They wanted to continue sending amateurs and voted against NBA players being allowed to participate. It was FIBA President Boris Stankovic that pushed for NBA players to be allowed.He did this for two main reasons. Firstly he realized that it would benefit the world if they competed against the best even if it meant severe beatings early on. Secondly he also realized that European players were improving and would be handicapped if they had to choose between playing in the best league in the world or representing their national teams. Oscar Schmidt is a good example of that.

 

[JamalJokic2]

I imagine this is FIBA's end goal and what they would love to have happen, it's convincing everyone else of it though, primarily the United States, that's the problem. Because if you don't have an invested US you basically have Eurobasket + Argentina and Australia.

You mentioned the history of Olympic basketball, but it's the Olympics in general that are valued in the US, While an Olympic Gold in Basketball is worth as much as one in Water Polo, a gold medal, regardless of sport, is genuinely considered one of the highest sporting accomplishments you can have here. The World Cup on the other hand is mostly an unknown, it's definitely growing, but the attitude is just slightly better than the empty gyms that we saw in 2002.

Now is it possible to change it? Yes, but it's going to take time. The process is already starting, superstar MVP level players in the NBA from outside the US is becoming normal, and with that comes more desire to see national teams play each other. The Olympics have taken deserved hits for being a corrupt soulless organization, and this years Olympics are only making it worse. That said big stars need to commit to their teams for a World Cup, and FIBA needs to fix their god awful qualification methods to ensure those big stars have a chance to play.

If you can't do those last two things it will never pass the Olympics.

The biggest mistake FIBA made with changing the new WC qualification is the devaluing of the continental championships. Slovenia not making the WC but being the Euro champs made zero sense. Winners of the 4 four continental champs should automatically qualify for the WC.
I’m all for the Olympics changing to an u23 format. I think with the new WC timeline it takes a lot to ask the senior team players to commit to back to back summer tournaments. Especially with the pressure from the nba and Euroleague on the players to skip these tournaments.

 

[Nemanja952]

My opinion will not be Olympics basketball u23.

Best Olympic basketball tournament what I watched, it was 2012. Next tournament 2016 was much weaker than last in order to this tournament playing in last week of July and first week August, on half of period between two seasons.

Result of that is basketball without strategy, tactic, with extremely individual play, with week defense due physical unpreparedness of players and lack of time. Almost, without surprise and without creation and with very predictable play. Actually, extensive version of Nba . I don`t like this and appreciate little .

 

[Steadysoul2]

I don't think FIBA is interested. After London some NBA people were calling for the Olympics to be reduced to a U23 competition and one of the main reasons FIBA went to their new competition system was to reduce the workload on top players in order to ensure that the NBA would continue to allow them to play in the Olympics.

Not sure the IOC would go for it either. Soccer gets away with it because it still fills big stadiums and even then they had to allow some overage players.

It would be nice if FIBA had their own marquee competition with Olympic-level interest but I don't think the worldwide audience is there without the Olympic brand. You'd probably have to cut the WC down to a smaller tournament of elite teams with star players that people want to see.

FIFA also had a way more complicated set up before switching to u23.

 

[Steadysoul2]

The biggest mistake FIBA made with changing the new WC qualification is the devaluing of the continental championships. Slovenia not making the WC but being the Euro champs made zero sense. Winners of the 4 four continental champs should automatically qualify for the WC.
I’m all for the Olympics changing to an u23 format. I think with the new WC timeline it takes a lot to ask the senior team players to commit to back to back summer tournaments. Especially with the pressure from the nba and Euroleague on the players to skip these tournaments.

They could have simply made the schedule

break
zone
wc
olympics
rinse and repeat.

That would have had the same effect.

 

[Giannis34GOD2]

The biggest mistake FIBA made with changing the new WC qualification is the devaluing of the continental championships. Slovenia not making the WC but being the Euro champs made zero sense. Winners of the 4 four continental champs should automatically qualify for the WC.
I’m all for the Olympics changing to an u23 format. I think with the new WC timeline it takes a lot to ask the senior team players to commit to back to back summer tournaments. Especially with the pressure from the nba and Euroleague on the players to skip these tournaments.

I don't think so... Look at the viewers of 2019 than 2014 and before?

This is 2014 FIBA WC viewers
https://www.fiba.basketball/basketb...1-Spain-2014-Group-Phase-games-register-stron

This is 2019 FIBA WC viewers
https://www.fiba.basketball/news/bi...-reaches-record-breaking-three-billion-people


It was triple or more than the previous one... Whatever we said about these WC... basketball already gaining fans every single WC event... And with 50K staduim in the Philippines in 2023, The viewers will be more bigger than before....

 

[jamesalan2]

I appreciate the historical context you've provided about basketball at the Olympics and the emergence of the 1992 USA Dream Team, which indeed set a high bar for excellence. It's fascinating to consider how political rivalries and a quest for superiority bolstered the sport's prestige at the Olympics. However, I do agree that basketball deserves its unique prime competition distinct from the Olympics, much like football has the World Cup. Restricting the Olympics to U23 would allow new talent to shine on a global stage, while the World Cup could become the ultimate showdown of the best in the sport. It's an interesting proposal that would definitely reshape international basketball dynamics and prestige.

 

[Alfric6532]

The prominence of basketball in the Olympics traces back to the intense rivalry between the USA and the Soviet Union, which used the Games as a platform to display their power. As the US amateur basketball teams faced losses in Olympic gold medals, there was a determination to prove something significant. In response, the 1992 Dream Team emerged, often regarded as the pinnacle of sporting excellence, showcasing an unprecedented level of skill. This elevated basketball's appeal, drawing top NBA players eager to join a team that reached global fame through icons like Jordan, Magic, and Bird.

 

[lewiswood2]

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[Sarika5392]

The idea of implementing an age restriction for basketball at the Olympics, such as the Under-23 (U23) rule, is an interesting proposal and has been discussed in various sports. It would align with the approach taken in football (soccer), where the Olympic tournament is restricted to players under 23 years old with a few overage exceptions.

Advocates argue that such a rule could make the Olympic basketball competition more focused on developing young talent, providing a platform for emerging players to showcase their skills on a global stage. This could potentially enhance the competitive balance of the tournament and create a unique dynamic compared to other major basketball competitions.

However, there are also counterarguments. The Olympics are traditionally considered the pinnacle of sports, and some may argue that restricting the age group for basketball could diminish the overall quality of the competition, as it would exclude some of the best players in the world who are over 23.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup, on the other hand, is already a premier international basketball competition. It serves as a global showcase for top basketball talent, regardless of age restrictions. Both the Olympics and the World Cup have their own significance in the basketball world, and opinions may vary on whether one should take precedence over the other.

Ultimately, any proposed changes to the age eligibility in Olympic basketball would likely involve discussions among basketball governing bodies, athletes, and other stakeholders to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks. It's essential to consider the impact on the athletes, the quality of competition, and the overall objectives of international basketball events.​https://topfollowapks.com/

 

[sterycop2]

I don't think FIBA is interested. After London some NBA people were calling for the Olympics to be reduced to a U23 competition and one of the main reasons FIBA went to their new competition system was to reduce the workload on top players in order to ensure that the NBA would continue to allow them to play in the Olympics.
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[hassoalbert2]

Your idea suggests a shift in the age restriction for basketball at the Olympics sportzfytvapk, proposing that only players under the age of 23 (U23) should be eligible to compete, while the FIBA Basketball World Cup (WC) would become the primary competition for all age groups.​

 

[Riya212]

The idea of restricting Olympic basketball to under-23 (U23) players while positioning the FIBA World Cup as the premier competition is an interesting proposition with several potential benefits and challenges.

### Benefits

1. **Increased Importance of the World Cup:**
- **Focus on Global Competition:** Elevating the World Cup as the prime basketball competition would increase its prestige and ensure that it receives more attention from fans, media, and sponsors.
- **Consistent Participation of Top Players:** Top-tier athletes might be more inclined to participate in the World Cup, knowing it's the pinnacle of international competition, similar to how the FIFA World Cup functions in soccer.

2. **Development of Young Talent:**
- **Spotlight on Young Players:** A U23 Olympic competition would give younger players an international platform to showcase their talents, accelerating their development and providing valuable experience.
- **Balanced Competition:** With all teams fielding younger, less experienced players, the competition might become more unpredictable and exciting.

3. **Reduced Player Fatigue:**
- **Less Burden on Superstars:** Established NBA and international players often face a grueling schedule. Limiting their participation to the World Cup would reduce the risk of burnout and injuries, potentially extending their careers.
- **Better Season Preparation:** Players would have more time to rest and prepare for the NBA or other domestic leagues without the added pressure of Olympic participation.

4. **Aligning with Other Sports:**
- **Uniformity with Soccer:** Soccer uses a similar U23 rule for the Olympics, with a few exceptions for older players. This alignment could simplify the understanding of international sports competitions for fans.

### Challenges

1. **Tradition and Prestige:**
- **Historical Significance:** The Olympics have a long tradition and prestige in the sporting world. Changing the format might be met with resistance from fans and stakeholders who value the historic significance of Olympic basketball.
- **Athlete Aspirations:** Many players dream of becoming Olympians. Restricting participation might take away a unique and cherished opportunity for the sport's biggest stars.

2. **Logistical and Structural Changes:**
- **Coordination with Leagues:** Implementing this change would require coordination between FIBA, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and professional leagues like the NBA to align schedules and regulations.
- **Qualification Processes:** Modifying the age requirements would necessitate changes to the qualification processes and possibly the introduction of new tournaments to determine eligible U23 teams.

3. **Financial Implications:**
- **Sponsorship and Broadcasting:** The Olympics draw significant sponsorship and broadcasting deals, partly due to the participation of star athletes. Restricting the age limit might impact these financial aspects.

4. **Public Perception:**
- **Fan Interest:** There's a risk that the public might lose interest in Olympic basketball if the biggest names are absent, which could affect viewership and overall popularity.

### Conclusion

The proposal to make Olympic basketball a U23 competition while elevating the World Cup as the prime event for senior players has its merits, particularly in terms of talent development, player welfare, and aligning with practices in other sports. However, it also faces significant challenges related to tradition, logistics, and financial implications. A balanced approach, perhaps with gradual changes and pilot programs, could be a way to explore this idea further without disrupting the sport's established structures and fanbase.​

 

[Riya212]

The idea that basketball at the Olympics should be an Under-23 (U23) competition and that the FIBA Basketball World Cup should be the prime competition has been discussed within the basketball community. Here are some arguments for this perspective:

### Arguments for U23 Olympic Basketball

1. **Alignment with Other Sports**:
- In several other sports, including soccer, the Olympics feature U23 teams with a limited number of overage players. This structure helps to maintain the Olympics as a development stage for younger athletes while preserving the primacy of sport-specific world championships.
- For example, soccer's Olympic tournament is a U23 competition with three overage players allowed per team, whereas the FIFA World Cup features the best players without age restrictions.

2. **Player Fatigue and Scheduling**:
- Top basketball players already have intense schedules, including the NBA season, playoffs, and international competitions. Adding the Olympics to their schedule can lead to player fatigue and increased injury risks.
- By limiting Olympic participation to U23 players, it could reduce the strain on veteran players while giving younger talents a platform to showcase their skills on a global stage.

3. **Promotion of Youth Talent**:
- A U23 format at the Olympics would provide an opportunity for younger players to gain valuable experience in international competition, which can aid in their development and transition to senior-level play.
- It can also help to identify and promote rising stars who might not yet be regulars on their senior national teams.

### Arguments for the FIBA World Cup as the Prime Competition

1. **Historical Significance and Structure**:
- The FIBA Basketball World Cup is designed to be the premier international basketball competition. It has a long history dating back to 1950 and involves teams from around the world competing for the top honor in the sport.
- By emphasizing the World Cup as the prime competition, it aligns basketball with other sports where the World Cup or equivalent is the pinnacle event (e.g., FIFA World Cup in soccer, Rugby World Cup).

2. **Frequency and Format**:
- The FIBA World Cup is held every four years, which allows for a comprehensive qualification process and ensures that the best teams in the world compete at the highest level.
- The World Cup format typically allows for more teams to participate than the Olympics, providing broader international representation.

3. **Focus and Prestige**:
- Shifting the focus to the World Cup can help in building its prestige and viewership. The Olympics, while globally recognized, encompass multiple sports, which can dilute the attention basketball receives.
- Making the World Cup the prime competition can enhance its status as the ultimate goal for national teams and players.

### Conclusion

Adopting a U23 format for Olympic basketball and emphasizing the FIBA World Cup as the primary international competition can have multiple benefits. It aligns with practices in other sports, reduces player fatigue, promotes youth talent, and enhances the prestige of the World Cup. However, implementing such changes would require significant coordination between FIBA, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and national basketball federations.