As the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 sweeps the Philippines in the next few weeks, FIBA global partner and mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. is empowering Filipino basketball fans to make the most of the historic sports event with amazing live and virtual experiences.

Here are some of the ways you can optimize to the fullest the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 experience, happening from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10 at the Philippine Arena, Smart-Araneta Coliseum, and Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, powered by Smart.

Be part of the biggest FIBA crowd in history

As Gilas Pilipinas debuts against Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena on Aug. 25, 8 p.m., Smart joins the rally to gather all passionate Filipino basketball fans to support the national basketball team and set the attendance record for the biggest FIBA Basketball World Cup, a record currently held by the USA vs Russia finals held in Toronto, Canada in 1994.

After facing Dominican Republic, Gilas will square off against Angola on Aug. 27 before wrapping up the first round of the group phase versus Italy on Aug. 29. After these, Gilas will play at least two more games to conclude the group phase.

Smart is making it easier for fans to secure seats to the games by offering tickets at selected Smart Stores located at SM and Robinsons Malls. This gives fans the chance to see some of the biggest basketball stars from across the globe. Single game tickets are now available on Ticketnet (www.ticketnet.com.ph) and SM Tickets (www.smtickets.com) for as low as PHP 499.

Smart, in partnership with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the local organizing committee for FIBAWC 2023 will be deploying 400 buses across Metro Manila and Clark in Pampanga to bring fans to the Philippine Arena and back for the August 25 game.

Experience the games with Gilas Power 399 & FIBA Basketball World Cup Load Cards

Smart subscribers can make the most of the Smart LiveStream App by topping up with GILAS POWER 399, which is packed with a 78 GB good for 30 days, including 1 GB per day to access all FIBA Basketball World Cup Games on the Smart LiveStream App. Subscribers can avail of this prepaid offer exclusively via the GigaLife App or Maya.

Fans may also get a chance to win premium tickets to the games with every purchase of the limited-edition FIBA Basketball World Cup Load Cards featuring Gilas artwork by Mr. Hoops himself, Filipino basketball artist and advocate Mike Swift, who did the massive art tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant at the Tenement Court in Taguig City. To get your own piece of history, go to https://smart.com.ph/Prepaid/gilaspower.

FIBA access made easy with Smart

Not yet a Smart subscriber? Smart is also making it easier for you to enjoy its fastest speeds and widest coverage by offering the Smart Prepaid eSIM, a quick and hassle-free way for you to enjoy local data, call, and text services without having to insert a physical SIM card or taking up a SIM slot in your device.

The Smart Prepaid eSIM is also well-suited for fans from all over the world flying in to watch their favorite basketball stars. It is available for only Php99 in major airports, Smart Stores nationwide, accredited retailers, the Smart Online Store, and Smart flagship stores on Lazada and Shopee.

Basketball fans may also enjoy Smart WiFi in key areas—like airports and the Smart Araneta Coliseum—so they can share the experience in real time or update friends and family.

Filipinos can live more today with Smart, the Philippines' fastest and best mobile network, according to Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.

According to Ookla’s latest analysis for Q1-Q2 2023, Smart continued to deliver the fastest mobile speeds and best mobile coverage to customers, clinching the “Best Mobile Network” award, a prestigious distinction for mobile operators around the world.  

Smart initially made history by becoming the first and only mobile operator in the Philippines to receive Ookla's recognition as the "Best Mobile Network" during Q1-Q2 2022. It then continued its success in Q3-Q4 2022, and most recently in Q1-Q2 2023.