European female power on the Slovenian basketball court

Ten years after the men's EuroBasket, Slovenia hosts the best women's basketball players in Europe together with Israel. From 15 to 25 June 2023, 16 European teams competed for the European title.  The country, original home of the NBA basketball star Luka Dončič, hosted Group C and D matches in the group stage, followed by the quarter-final qualification stage. The quarter-final and final matches for the European crown were also held on Slovenian soil. The Slovenian matches took place in Ljubljana, at the Stožice Arena, while the Israeli leg was hosted by Tel Aviv.

The Belgian women's basketball team celebrated their historic first victory at Stožice, beating the Spaniards in the final. France won the bronze, beating Hungary in the deciding match.

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European Women's Basketball Championship in numbers 

The best European basketball teams competed for the European title on Slovenian soil. Interested in the best 16 matches? Here are some figures on attendance and viewership of the championship. 

Number of competitors
200
Number of fans
almost 23,000
Number of foreign media
100
Number of TV spectators around the world
55 million TV spectators in streaming

The competition is of the highest quality and the work of the local organising committee deserves the highest praise as it has provided a top-class experience for the teams and players and has proven from an organisational point of view that Slovenia is an important basketball destination. 

Kamil Novak, FIBA Europe CEO

Ljubljana - the green capital of Slovenia

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and is considered to be one of the greenest capitals in Europe. Large green areas beckon you to actively spend time outdoors, and there is no shortage of organised sports infrastructure either. Tivoli Park and Kodeljevo are among the most popular sports centres. Anyone who likes to explore city streets and squares will be impressed by the rich architectural heritage of the famous architect Jože Plečnik, which has earned Ljubljana a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will also be charmed by the lively city vibe, excellent restaurants and social spots, and the vistas opening up from Ljubljana Castle on top of the hill in the very centre of the city.

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eurobasket_stozice

Stožice Arena - venue for major sporting events

The largest Slovenian arena, just a stone’s throw from the centre of Ljubljana, can accommodate more than 12,000 spectators. It has hosted a series of popular events, high-profile concerts, and international sporting events. It has hosted the men's EuroBasket, the World and European Volleyball Championships, the European Women's Handball Championship and the European Women's Basketball Championship, among others. 

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Women power shines through in the quiz about Slovenia

The European Basketball Championship was the second women's competition at this level in just over half a year, after the best European handball players also competed in Slovenia in November 2022. That is why we have prepared a special challenge for female athletes from both Slovenian national teams to test their knowledge of Slovenia. See how the basketball-handball quiz unfolded between basketball players Teja Oblak and Tina Jakovina and handball players Barbara Lazović and Alja Varagić.

Goran Dragič and Jan Oblak - ambassadors of the Women's EuroBasket in Slovenia

You might ask yourself why these two top Slovenian athletes were the ambassadors of the Women's European Basketball Championship. Simple.

Basketball player Goran Dragić, who plays in the NBA, is one of the driving forces of the men's national team and, as captain, has experienced the joy of being a European Champion in 2017. Jan Oblak is one of the best football goalkeepers in the world, but he has a good reason to support women’s basketball players. His sister Teja Oblak plays on the Slovenian national team.

Goran Dragić

One of the best Slovenian basketball players went down in the history of Slovenian sports as the first Slovenian to play in an All-Star NBA game. As captain of the Slovenian national team, he won the title of European Champions and was chosen as the most valuable player of the championship (MVP).

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Jan Oblak

The native of Škofja Loka impresses with his goalkeeping skills in the Spanish La Liga, playing for Atlético Madrid. He took his place in history as one of the best and most expensive football goalkeepers in the world.

 

 

 

Explore Ljubljana, the host city of the European Women's Basketball Championship 2023

Experience Ljubljana in the most original way possible. Go for a walk among the many architectural masterpieces that make up the heritage of famous architect Jože Plečnik, take in the views from Ljubljana Castle, indulge in the lively morning hustle and bustle of the main market, and visit renowned Ljubljana restaurants and popular social spots.

Master Plečnik

Experience an intimate journey in the footsteps of the visionary master and his great mind and get to know Plečnik's legacy through an experience puzzle for a small group. Embark on a well-rounded trip that follows the trail of Plečnik's plans and visions, and get a special insight into his achievements and countless interesting architectural details.

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Master Plečnik

Master Plečnik

Experience an intimate journey in the footsteps of the visionary master and his great mind and get to know Plečnik's legacy through an experience puzzle for a small group. Embark on a well-rounded trip that follows the trail of Plečnik's plans and visions, and get a special insight into his achievements and countless interesting architectural details.

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Yummy Market Walk

Yummy Market Walk

Central markets are at the heart of every town. This is certainly true of the Ljubljana Central Market designed by the famous architect Jože Plečnik. During the walk, you will stop to taste seasonal treats produced by local farmers and sourced from places near Ljubljana.

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Open Kitchen

Open Kitchen

Are you trying to decide where to take your loved ones, friends, or even business partners for lunch or dinner? Are their tastes and wishes too different to only go to one place? Then experience the diversity of Slovenian and world cuisine in the street! The Open Kitchen is the most popular culinary market in Slovenia, which will fascinate you with thousands of colours, aromas, and flavours. See you at Pogačar Square when temperatures get warm enough. Occasionally, the Open Kitchen opens its ‘doors’ in other towns, too. In October, don’t miss the Beer & Burger Fest.

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Go up to castle

Go up to castle

You can climb up to Ljubljana Castle along the maintained footpaths or ride the funicular.  Its lookout tower and walls offer breath-taking views. From here the best views of the green capital are enjoyed. Visit two museums and a series of art exhibitions, or let actors in historical costumes conjure up mysterious castle stories on guided tours. Enjoy cultural events and treat yourself to a feast in the excellent restaurants of Gostilna na Gradu and Strelec.

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Experience of gastronomic Ljubljana

Experience of gastronomic Ljubljana

Discover the tastes of Ljubljana on a guided gastronomic tour.  The top-ranking restaurants selected by local gastronomic experts can be recognised by the Ljubljana Quality Mark, and their food can be enjoyed at the Friday ‘Odprta Kuhna’ food market.  Beer lovers can learn about the rich history of brewing and sample local beers, while wine lovers will taste the noble Slovenian wines at a wine tasting.

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Unleash the full potential of your favourite outdoor activity and turn it into the ultimate adventure!

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Feel the sporting energy of Slovenia

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Slovenia is a country of world-class athletes

Experience the active Slovenia and get to know its sporting heart.

Slovenia is a country of world-class athletes

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Largest sporting events in Slovenia and the world in 2024

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Largest sporting events in Slovenia and the world in 2024

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Active holidays

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Activities in Slovenian cities

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Slovenia Green Routes – sustainable cycling routes with a sustainable touch

Green cycling routes are the best sustainable way to discover Slovenia.

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Exceptional Slovenian women

Exceptional and courageous Slovenian women in stories of unforgettable experiences.

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Stories from Slovenia

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