The designation confirms the country's ability to host large-scale international competitions, backed by its sports infrastructure, security, and logistics.

The championship will bring together more than 250 teams from the Americas, plus guests from Europe, Asia, and Oceania, divided into women's categories +30, +35, +40, +45, +50, +55, +60, +65, +70, and +75, and in the men's categories +30, +35, +40, +45, +50, +55, +60, +65, +70, +75, +80, and +85.

During the 10 days of competition, matches will be played at 17 venues, including the José Adolfo Pineda National Gymnasium, the Carlos “El Famoso” Hernández Sports Palace, the University of El Salvador, the Technological University of El Salvador, Santa Tecla, San Marcos, the “Chapupo” Rodríguez Sports Complex, Be Sport, and the Inclusive Sports City.

Since 2005, El Salvador has been an active part of the FIMBA movement, participating in events in Argentina, Spain, Finland, and Italy. Now, for the first time, the country will host the most important continental tournament in the discipline.

Members of the Salvadoran teams that will represent the country in this championship were present at the conference held this morning in the multipurpose room of the Playa Sports Stadium.

The table of honor included Yamil Bukele, honorary president of INDES; Morena Valdez, Minister of Tourism; Franco Zullich, Secretary General of the International Maxibasketball Federation (FIMBA); Ana María Ruano, President of FIMBA El Salvador; and Javier Milián, President of the National Charity Lottery.

During the presentation, Ana María Ruano highlighted the growth of maxibasketball in the country and the importance of organizing a tournament of this magnitude. “When we joined FIMBA in 2005, we did so with only one women's team. Today, seeing how we have grown and how El Salvador is hosting the Pan American Championship demonstrates the work and passion that exists in this discipline,” she said.

She also thanked FIMBA for its trust: “I reiterate my gratitude for allowing us to organize a tournament that will mark a before and after for maxibasketball in the region.”

The president of INDES, Yamil Bukele, underscored the historic dimension of the event and what it represents for the country. "We are talking about more than 250 teams that will come to compete in El Salvador. This reflects the passion for this sport and the confidence that exists in our country to host international events," he said.

He also highlighted the economic impact that will be generated at the different tournament venues. “When we multiply the number of players, family members, and companions, we understand that this is not just sport: it is tourism, economic revitalization, and an opportunity to show the world the new El Salvador,” he said.

Tourism Minister Morena Valdez noted that the tournament fits into the national strategy for growth in sports tourism. “International events have allowed us to reach historic numbers. In 2024, we received 3.9 million visitors, and this year we expect to reach four million. Next year, the Pan American Maxibasketball Championship will strengthen that momentum,” she said.

FIMBA Secretary General Franco Zullich shared the results of his inspection in El Salvador. “Everything I reviewed in El Salvador far exceeds our expectations: the infrastructure, organization, and institutional support are top-notch,” he said.

He also highlighted the global dimension of the tournament: “We are talking about more than 300 teams, including representatives from Europe, Asia, and Oceania. It will be one of the largest Pan American tournaments in FIMBA history. In addition, he indicated that the revenue for the country from hosting this tournament is more than $5 million,” he said.

LNB President Javier Milián expressed his institution's commitment as a sponsor of the event. “We are proud to support a tournament that puts El Salvador in the international spotlight. More and more people outside the country are recognizing the positive change we are experiencing,” he concluded.