Women’s World Cup logo revealed; Opals legend Jackson named ambassador

Yesterday marked 500 days before the start of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 in Australia, and to signify the occasion, the official logo for FIBA’s flagship women’s event was revealed along with the event ambassador.

International basketball and Opals legend Lauren Jackson took center stage by being named the event ambassador for next year’s women’s world cup. The creation of the New South Wales Legacy Program was also announced.

FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2006 champion and four-time Olympic medalist Jackson said: “I feel really honored to be the ambassador for this event. I love this sport so much and I am still giving my life to this sport, but being able to be part of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in a different capacity is such a huge honor.”

The event’s logo was also revealed today, representing Australia’s heritage and spirit of unity in a design inspired by 14-year-old Aboriginal basketballer and artist Amarlie ‘Marlii’ Briscoe.

Briscoe created a stunning piece of Indigenous artwork titled ‘My Story’, representing everything she loves in her life, including her biggest loves – ‘art’, ‘basketball’, ‘culture’, and ‘country’. These symbols of love from her artwork have been represented within the traditional basketball-shaped logo, which also features the newly launched FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup trophy.

Inspired by Briscoe’s painting, the logo was created by VMLY&R Branding, based in Portugal, together with Campfire x, an Indigenous Australian-led creative consultancy, and the young artist to transform her piece into the brand that will show the world the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022.

Next year will be the first time the tournament has been staged in Australia since 1994, and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis was pleased to see the event come to life through the creation of a meaningful brand.

Zagklis said: “FIBA is really looking forward to the world-class city of Sydney again hosting the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, 27 years after it was first held in the country when so many legendary players took part. I extend my congratulations to the 2006 FIBA Women’s World Champion, Lauren Jackson, who will play an important role as event ambassador. Lauren has inspired a huge number of girls not only in Australia but across the world, to play basketball and her contribution to the sport and her achievements are exemplary.

“With 500 days to go, today’s milestones and the launch of this unique logo, inspired by a very talented young Indigenous artist, are both exciting steps towards next year’s tip-off.”

Attending the launch in Sydney, the Minister for Investment, Jobs, Tourism & Western Sydney, The Hon. Stuart Ayres MP said: “I have no doubt the Australian public will be eager to soak up the atmosphere of this world-class sporting tournament featuring the best international female basketballers in Sydney, and I’m sure the participating nations will feel right at home throughout the competition.

“We can’t wait to stage this fantastic event as part of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative, which supports our ambition for Sydney and NSW to be the events capitals of the Asia Pacific.”

Minister for Sport, The Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Lee MP, announced the NSW government’s additional investment to deliver a significant legacy to the people of NSW and basketball as a sport.

Minister Lee said: “With tournament ambassador and basketball legend Lauren Jackson AO having grown up in regional NSW, we have seen first-hand how important it is to provide opportunities across the State to empower participants to reach their potential.

“From delivery of a basketball-specific version of the Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered program, new 3×3 competitions and scholarships for aspiring female leaders in the sport, this investment will ensure people of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to engage with one of the world’s most popular sports.”