
Real Madrid's iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium to break attendance record in different sport as it hosts major event
REAL MADRID'S Santiago Bernabeu stadium is set to host the EuroBasket opener in 2029.
EuroBasket is Europe 's largest international basketball competition.
3
3
Spain are among the continent's most successful basketball nations and are the reigning EuroBasket champions.
World basketball governing body Fiba has announced that Spain are among four countries to host the 2029 edition.
Madrid 's 80,000-seater Bernabeu is set to host the opening game of the tournament, likely to be Spain against a leading contender.
The curtain-raiser could set a new Fiba attendance record, with the largest attendance currently standing at 38,115, set at Philippine Arena two years ago.
Real Madrid's iconic home has undergone substantial renovations in recent years - now featuring a retractable roof and huge LED screens.
In addition to the curtain raiser, final phase games are also set to take place in Spain.
Other games in Madrid are to be held at the 16,000-seater Movistar Arena.
In addition to the Spanish capital - Athens, Tallinn and Ljubljana will also host games.
Fiba Europe president Jorge Garbajosa said: "We are excited to bring FIBA EuroBasket 2029 to some of Europe's prime basketball destinations, each with a strong basketball culture and a clear commitment to delivering an outstanding event.
"We look forward to working closely with the host countries to ensure a successful and memorable tournament for teams, fans, and partners alike."
Fiba chief Kamil Novak added: "The interest our National Federations have shown in organising this event speaks to the growing profile and prestige of Fiba EuroBasket.
"We thank all the bidders for their outstanding proposals and extend our best wishes to the four hosts as they begin their journey toward delivering a fantastic tournament."
This summer's EuroBasket is set to take place in Cyprus, Finland, Latvia, and Poland.
The tournament will run between August 27 and September 14 - and could feature the likes of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic.
3

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


BreakingNews.ie
41 minutes ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Carlos Alcaraz had ‘no expectations' ahead of tennis grass season
Carlos Alcaraz said he had 'no expectations' coming into the grass-court season but he installed himself as a clear favourite to retain his Wimbledon title after beating Jiri Lehecka to win the HSBC Championships. The Spanish top seed regained his crown as the King of Queen's Club and replicated his debut triumph of two years ago with a 7-5 6-7 (5) 6-2 victory. Advertisement Alcaraz lifted the trophy just a fortnight after his epic five-set victory over Jannik Sinner in the final of the French Open. keep smiling @carlosalcaraz 🙌 @QueensTennis | #HSBCChampionships — ATP Tour (@atptour) June 22, 2025 The 22-year-old made the tight turnaround from clay to grass look simple, even though he took time out for a holiday in Ibiza before heading to London. 'It's really complicated, the switch from clay to grass in just few days, because that's the time I had before the tournament began,' he said. 'Just two days of practising and then I had to compete here. So I came here with no expectations at all. Advertisement 'I just came here with a goal to play two, three matches, try to feel great on grass moving, and, you know, give myself the feedback of what I have to improve, what I have to do better. 'So what I'm more proud about this week is the e way that I have been improving every day. You know, since the first day until today, I think I'm a different player on grass. I just got used to it really quick.' Jiri Lehecka was the first Czech finalist in 35 years. Photo: Adam Davy/PA. It was an 18th-straight match win for Alcaraz – in his fifth consecutive final – following his title successes in Rome and Roland Garros. World number 30 Lehecka had knocked out home hope Jack Draper on Saturday to become the first Czech finalist since Ivan Lendl won the title in 1990. Advertisement The 23-year-old played his part in a high-quality final with some huge serves and powerful groundstrokes, forcing the match to a decider via a tie-break. But Alcaraz did not face a single break point and slammed down 18 aces on his way to a 21st career title, proving he will be the man to beat at SW19 again with a stylish win in two hours and eight minutes. Alcaraz celebrated with the ballkids (Adam Davy/PA) There will be no trip to the party island to celebrate this one, though. 'I wish,' he smiled. 'I'm a player who needs days off, days to enjoy, days for myself to spend with my friends, with my family, just to turn off my mind. I need that, and the good thing is that I know that. Advertisement 'The days in Ibiza helped me a lot, just to feel like I'm not a tennis player, just to enjoy life a little bit with my friends, have fun, enjoy those days, and then come back to the court with more energy, I mean, be more hungry to play again. 'So that was really helpful for me. I'm not going to say that I won the tournament because of Ibiza, but, after this tournament, I can't go back home. I'm going to stay here in London, hopefully enjoy London a little bit. 'I'm going to have my days off to rest up, to enjoy, and then be back and preparing Wimbledon the best way possible.'


Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Paul Pogba ‘agrees deal with next club' as ex-Man Utd star posts cryptic four-word message about return to football
The midfielder looks set for a new league after his rumoured agreement POGBA-CK Paul Pogba 'agrees deal with next club' as ex-Man Utd star posts cryptic four-word message about return to football Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PAUL POGBA appeared to drop a massive hint on his future after posting a picture wearing a REAL MADRID shirt alongside a cryptic message. Pogba, 32, is still without a team after agreeing the mutual termination of his contract at Juventus in November following his 18-month doping ban - but has now reportedly agreed terms with his next club. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Paul Pogba has shared pictures of him training in a Real Madrid shirt Credit: 7 Fans are convinced that the shirt is a hint at Pogba's future Credit: 7 Pogba was working out with NFL star Tyreek Hill Credit: 7 Pogba is still without a club after his 18-month doping ban came to an end Credit: The former Manchester United midfielder was slapped with an initial four-year ban for taking banned substance DHEA last year, but saw that punishment slashed to just 18 months after a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sport. Pogba has been able to return to football since March following the end of his ban. Now it looks like the World Cup winner has dropped a hint over where he could be heading next, after he posted photos of himself training in a Real Madrid shirt alongside the caption: "I think it's time". Fans are convinced that the cryptic post is confirmation that Pogba will be heading to the Bernabeu to join Madrid ahead of the new campaign. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL FOOTBALL TRAGEDY Three football fans dead & at least 70 injured in stadium disaster One wrote: "Pogba to Real Madrid - HERE WE GO". While another added: "Welcome to Real Madrid". A third commented: "Time to join Real Madrid". And a fourth posted: "Hope it's time for you to join Real Madrid". 7 Pogba has agreed a deal with a new club, according to reports Credit: 7 The Frenchman is unlikely to join Real Madrid Credit: CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS However, a switch to Madrid seems unlikely in reality - with reports suggesting that Pogba has already agreed a move to Ligue 1 club Monaco as his return to football. It's claimed by French outlet Le Parisien that Pogba will pen a two-year deal with Monaco ahead of the new campaign. 'I take responsibility but...' - Paul Pogba breaks silence as ex-Man Utd star gives first interview since doping ban The 91-time France international insisted he was still able to play at the top level in an interview in October, eyeing a return to the national team. He said: "That's what I hope [to play for France]. It's in my mind for sure but I have to be ready for that. "There's players there that deserve to be playing and deserve to be in the national team. "I have to win my place back in the team again."


The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Paul Pogba ‘agrees deal with next club' as ex-Man Utd star posts cryptic four-word message about return to football
PAUL POGBA appeared to drop a massive hint on his future after posting a picture wearing a REAL MADRID shirt alongside a cryptic message. Pogba, 32, is still without a team after agreeing the mutual termination of his contract at Juventus in November following his 18-month doping ban - but has now reportedly agreed terms with his next club. 7 7 The former Manchester United midfielder was slapped with an initial four-year ban for taking banned substance DHEA last year, but saw that punishment slashed to just 18 months after a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sport. Pogba has been able to return to football since March following the end of his ban. Now it looks like the World Cup winner has dropped a hint over where he could be heading next, after he posted photos of himself training in a Real Madrid shirt alongside the caption: "I think it's time". Fans are convinced that the cryptic post is confirmation that Pogba will be heading to the Bernabeu to join Madrid ahead of the new campaign. One wrote: "Pogba to Real Madrid - HERE WE GO". While another added: "Welcome to Real Madrid". 7 7 However, a switch to Madrid seems unlikely in reality - with reports suggesting that Pogba has already agreed a move to Ligue 1 club Monaco as his return to football. It's claimed by French outlet Le Parisien that Pogba will pen a two-year deal with Monaco ahead of the new campaign. The 91-time France international insisted he was still able to play at the top level in an interview in October, eyeing a return to the national team. He said: "That's what I hope [to play for France]. It's in my mind for sure but I have to be ready for that. "There's players there that deserve to be playing and deserve to be in the national team. "I have to win my place back in the team again." 7