Swiss Basketball wants to set up in German -speaking Switzerland

Swiss Basketball wants to conquer German -speaking Switzerland. image: watson

The Federation (Swiss Basketball) sets out to conquer the overseas territories, essential to succeed in its major reforms.

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“It is sad, because as soon as the media speak of Swiss basketball, it is to say negative things,” confided to us at the turn of the 2020s a frame of Swiss basketball, disappointed.

It is true, in our country, basketball is much less publicized than football or ice hockey, for example. On the other hand, the big financial problems of certain clubs in recent years have been widely relayed. Like those for example, in early April, of Union Neuchâtel, whose survival now depends on private donations. This fall, there was also administrative relegation to the 3rd Division of Vevey, deprived of a license, or even the “voluntary” tall in the 1st Boncourt League – another historic club – in 2023.

In 2023, the ex-star of NBA Thabo Sefolosha (in yellow) returned to Vevey. Today, the club is evolving in the 3rd division. Image: KEYSTONE

But Swiss basketball has also had enough to rejoice lately. In February, the national women’s team qualified for Euro 2025 (it will take place in June), a first since 1956. And our country will host its very first World Cup, in this case that of the U19, in Lausanne (June 28 to July 6).

These two positive events, Andrea Siviero hopes to make a base for “Revitalize Swiss basketball”in his words. History of avoiding, in particular, that clubs disappear due to financial concerns. The original Ticino, former president of Union Neuchâtel, resumed the head of Swiss Basketball in early 2024. Under its direction, the federation launched A large reform program To develop this sport, still a minor, inside our borders.

And to get there, there are more practitioners, particularly new licensees. Especially on the other side of the Sarine, where the orange ball is less popular and culturally anchored than in French -speaking and Ticino. Evidence? A single German club (Basel Starwings) evolves in the first male division, alongside six “Welsches” and two Ticino. Among women, it is hardly more (two German -speaking teams – Aarau and Baden – out of nine).

Keegan Records (in blue) and the Basel Starwings are the only German -division German team.Image: KEYSTONE

“Without German -speaking Switzerland, it is impossible to make a sport prosper in our country”finding Andrea Siviero entry. And for good reason:

Interest them children

So yes, seducing the “Bourbines” has become essential for the Federation. “It’s a priority,” said his chef. And she has several tactics. The first: put the orange ball very early in the heads and hands of children. Thanks to the impetus of the Swiss Basketball “More basketball” program, which targets German -speaking Switzerland, 30 mini-basketball schools (6 to 12 years old; land, balloons and baskets are smaller) have been opened up to the Sarin since the beginning of 2024.

The body has instructed two of its employees to find rooms and coaches (parents, for example) to set up these schools, half of which are grafted to already existing clubs and the other half created from nothing. “Swiss Basketball provides kits (balloons, liquettes, strings, cones, manuals, etc.), support for communication as flyers and technical and logistical support,” specifies Andrea Siviero.

30 mini-basketball schools (6 to 12 years old) have emerged in German-speaking Switzerland since the beginning of 2024. image: swiss basketball

The Federation also tries a breakthrough directly in public schools in German -speaking Switzerland. From the start of the school year this summer, in collaboration with the movable (five years contract), she will organize a tournament in schools for students between 8 and 13 years old. This test phase will take place in the areas of three regional associations.

Visibility and anchoring overseas

But for Swiss Basketball, the conquest of overseas territories is not only via children. The federation tries to increase its visibility there By organizing important events. “This year, we organized the Swiss Cup finals in Bern (they traditionally took place in Friborg),” recalls the president.

Andrea Siviero and Swiss Basketball want to set up in German -speaking Switzerland. image: keystone

But that’s not all. The national teams have played certain matches in German -speaking Switzerland and the championship finals 3 against 3 will take place at Zurich station on August 2.

Another strong measure: the move, in September, of the National Training Center – He welcomes the best basketball players in the country aged 15 to 18 – from Lausanne to Macolin (BE), on the heights of Bienne. “This center was created four years ago, but it costs too much and is decentralized,” argues Andrea Siviero, who also sees it as a symbolic gesture.

These young basketball players form a team in the National B League. By having their home in a mainly German -speaking commune, it will pass the number of half -division to seven (out of sixteen) in the second division.

A count that is not trivial. Because, in finethe goal of Swiss Basketball is to increase the number of high -level clubs on the other side of the Röstigraben. “They must serve as locomotives to create a craze among young people and the media,” sums up Andrea Siviero. What fuel the famous virtuous circle and boost the popularity of basketball across the country.