International basketball’s governing body has taken a decisive step toward modernising the sport by completing its second Tracking Solutions test event, a milestone that brings the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin closer to reality.
The trial, which ran from June 3 to 5 at the Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, gathered five distinct systems developed by four different companies, each subjected to rigorous assessment of accuracy and player safety.
Tracking Solutions, the technology at the heart of the evaluation, capture detailed movement data during games and practices, translating raw motion into metrics such as positioning, speed and intensity.
The Role of Tracking in Modern Basketball
Beyond the raw numbers, the systems provide insights into player fatigue, injury risk and tactical patterns, enabling teams to fine‑tune strategies without compromising the flow of the game.
Participants observed how the systems record every sprint, pivot and jump, offering coaches and analysts a richer understanding of performance while also monitoring workload to protect athletes from overload.
The first iteration of the test was held last year in Leiria, Portugal, where the inaugural set of FIBA‑approved trackers was evaluated under the supervision of the Institute for Sports Tech Standards.
Oversight by the Institute ensured that every metric met the stringent criteria required for eventual FIBA approval, a process that will culminate in a formal list of certified solutions later this year.
Looking ahead, FIBA plans to host an Automated Video Solutions test event later in 2026, expanding the scope of digital assistance to include camera‑based recording and analysis.
Implications for the 2026 World Cup
The initiative underscores FIBA’s broader commitment to innovation and sustainability, aiming to embed cutting‑edge tools into the sport while preserving its traditional spirit.