Games of the Small States of Europe (EU) 2023/24

Games of the Small States of Europe basketball is a permanent fixture in a multi-sport framework founded in 1985. The event opened following a decision during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, driven by the National Olympic Committee of Malta with backing from the International Olympic Committee. It gathers European nations with populations under one million, though Cyprus remains a permanent participant despite exceeding that threshold today.

The tournament operates as a senior national team competition for both men and women. Formats adapt to the number of entrants. The 2023 edition in Malta featured four teams: Cyprus, Luxembourg, Malta, and Montenegro. These sides played a single round-robin before progressing to semifinals, a bronze medal match, and a gold medal match. Larger groups have historically bypassed the knockout stage entirely.

Historical dominance differs between genders. Cyprus holds nine gold medals in the men's competition, while Iceland claims three and Montenegro two. In the women's bracket, Luxembourg leads with seven titles. Malta and Montenegro follow with three apiece. The 2023 champions were Luxembourg in the men's final and Montenegro in the women's final.

The competition sits outside the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries structure. While that separate tournament allows for promotion and relegation based on rankings, the Games of the Small States of Europe remains a closed group of specific small states. The format prioritizes a games atmosphere over the strict ranking-based qualification seen in standalone continental championships.