Southeast Asian Games 2025/26

The Southeast Asian Games basketball tournament is a biennial competition distinct from regular leagues. Founded in 1959 as part of the SEAP Games, it predates many modern sporting structures in the region. The event features senior national squads from participating nations rather than club teams. Participation is determined by membership in the Southeast Asian Games Federation, not by league performance.

The format combines a group stage with a knockout phase for both 5x5 and 3x3 variants. The Philippines holds the record for most men’s gold medals with 21 victories. Malaysia leads the women’s category with 13 titles. Indonesia achieved a notable result by defeating the Philippines in the 2021 final, held in 2022. This outcome broke a long period of Philippine dominance in the men's event. The Philippines reclaimed the title in 2023 against Cambodia.

A defining characteristic separates this competition from the FIBA Asia Cup and the ASEAN Basketball League. Eligibility rules are set by the host nation rather than strict international standards. Host countries can field multiple naturalized players. Players considered naturalized in FIBA events due to residency may be classified as local players here. This rule allows teams to field significantly stronger rosters than in continental championships. There are no age restrictions for basketball players in this tournament.

The women's 5x5 tournament began in 1977, while the 3x3 variants were introduced in 2023. Vietnam won the first women’s 3x3 gold medal. The number of participating teams varies between eight and ten for 5x5 events. The competition does not involve promotion or relegation. It serves as a regional showcase for national talent rather than a professional club circuit.