The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is set to relocate its regional headquarters for Asia from Beirut, Lebanon, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as part of a strategic shift to strengthen its focus on the Asian market.
The new office is expected to be operational in Kuala Lumpur by January 2027. The move will coincide with the appointment of a new executive director for FIBA’s Asian operations.
FIBA identified Kuala Lumpur as its new regional base because of the city’s strong international connectivity and strategic importance as a sports hub. The Malaysian capital is already home to the headquarters of major sporting organisations, including the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the World Badminton Federation (WBF).
Wasim Khan to lead FIBA Asia
The relocation will coincide with the departure of Hagop Khajirian, FIBA’s executive managing director for Asia since 2012.
The Lebanese executive will retire at the end of 2026 after almost 30 years with FIBA, during which he held several senior positions. Following his retirement, Khajirian will remain connected to the organisation as a senior advisor to FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis.
Khajirian will be succeeded by British-Pakistani former cricketer Wasim Khan.
Khan has served as the International Cricket Council’s general manager for cricket since May 2022. Before joining the ICC, he was chief executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board between January 2019 and December 2021.
In his new role, Khan will oversee the administration and development of basketball across Asia. He has already joined FIBA as executive director-designate and is working alongside Khajirian during the transition period ahead of his formal appointment in January 2027.
Asia becomes increasingly important to FIBA
The restructuring comes as Asia continues to grow in importance for FIBA from both a sporting and commercial perspective.
Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines co-hosted the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Qatar will host the 2027 men’s World Cup, marking the first time the tournament will be held in the Middle East, while Japan is set to host the 2030 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
Asia is also a major market for 3×3 basketball. Singapore will host the 2027 edition of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup.
By relocating its Asian office to Kuala Lumpur and appointing a new leader for the region, FIBA is positioning Asia as a central pillar of its global strategy, with the continent playing an increasingly important role in the growth of basketball, major events and the sport’s commercial ecosystem.