When Estonia was confirmed as one of the co-hosts of EuroBasket 2029, the announcement felt like more than a sporting victory; it was a national statement. A country of 1.3 million people had once again proven that ambition, unity and strategic storytelling can outshine size. In the words of Gerd Kiili, Secretary General of the Estonian Basketball Federation, this was not just a win for basketball but for Estonia’s spirit of resilience and collaboration.
The bid, led by the Estonian Basketball Federation together with the City of Tallinn and backed by the Minister of Sports, was built on something more powerful than money or infrastructure: a story. Estonia presented itself not as a giant trying to impress, but as a small, agile nation that knows how to make big things happen. The 6.500-seat arena in Tallinn, though smaller than those in other candidate cities like Rotterdam, became a symbol of the country’s values, efficiency, sustainability and heart. Instead of promising new construction projects, Estonia promised authenticity and seamless organization. The decision to host without building a new arena sent a clear message: legacy is not measured in concrete but in community impact.
The bid video told the story beautifully. A nation where everything is close: the airport just 13 minutes from the city center, the arena only 15 minutes from major hotels. A city compact enough to walk through but big enough to celebrate in. Tallinn’s promise was simple: to offer a tournament experience free of stress and full of soul. That authenticity resonated with the decision-makers at FIBA, who saw in Estonia a rare blend of humility and confidence.
What made this bid truly stand out was how it transformed limitations into advantages. Where other nations flaunted size, Estonia leaned into its scale. The federation built relationships carefully and strategically, focusing on shared values rather than competing narratives. Instead of relying on bloc voting or political deals, Estonia built personal connections and trust. The result was a win that reflected not just diplomacy but belief, in the team, the city and the nation.
Tallinn’s logistical strengths gave the bid a practical edge. Visitors to EuroBasket 2029 will move effortlessly between airport, hotels and arena, enjoying free public transport throughout the event. The city plans to turn its streets into a living celebration, with fan zones in public squares and cultural events that blend sport, music and community. Tallinn has already proven its ability to host large-scale international events, from marathons to music festivals, and the basketball championship will add another chapter to that story. The emphasis is on creating an experience, not just for fans in the arena, but for everyone in the city.
But basketball in Estonia is more than a sport; it’s part of the national DNA. During the Soviet era, it was a symbol of resistance, a way to express identity, pride and unity. Players became heroes not just for their skill, but for what they represented: the spirit of free and determined people. Today, that legacy continues. A new generation of players, raised in freedom, carries the torch of their predecessors. For them, EuroBasket 2029 is not just an event, it’s a dream come full circle. It connects history with the future and invites young Estonians to see themselves on an international stage.
“... crafting a story that only Estonia could tell.”
That’s precisely why the Estonian Basketball Federation views the tournament as a springboard for long-term development. The goal is not only to deliver a world-class event but to inspire a new wave of youth participation. The years leading up to 2029 will focus on expanding grassroots programs, improving coaching standards and ensuring that basketball remains accessible to every child. The federation’s leadership sees the championship as part of a four-year development plan, turning visibility into action and enthusiasm into sustained growth. Estonia wants EuroBasket 2029 to be remembered not for its matches alone, but for how it reshaped the country’s relationship with sport. Financially, the event reflects Estonia’s pragmatic mindset. No new arenas, no overblown promises, just a carefully designed, sustainable event model. Hosting a single group phase, with six teams competing in Tallinn, minimizes complexity and cost while maximizing atmosphere and quality. This structure allows Estonia to focus on operational excellence and fan experience. Based on similar events in neighboring Latvia, the economic ripple effects could easily reach millions in local revenue, tourism and international visibility. It’s a low-risk, high-impact formula that fits Estonia perfectly. Gerd Kiili and his team knew from the beginning that the path to victory lay not in matching larger nations euro for euro, but in crafting a story that only Estonia could tell. They turned the smallness of their arena into a metaphor for the closeness of their community. They made sustainability a strength. And most importantly, they built trust within their own institutions and across international networks. Their approach shows how modern sports diplomacy is less about spectacle and more about substance. For small nations, opportunities like this don’t come often. Larger countries can host major tournaments repeatedly, but Estonia must seize such chances decisively. This bid was a masterclass in timing, unity and execution. Every part of the ecosystem, government, city, federation, and fans, moved as one. When the confirmation finally came, it was a moment of national pride that transcended sport. EuroBasket 2029 will be about more than basketball. It will be about identity, belonging and belief. About a nation that once used sport to keep its spirit alive, now using it to celebrate how far it has come. The tournament will bring thousands of visitors to Tallinn, but its real impact will be felt in the generations of young Estonians who will pick up a basketball for the first time, dreaming of playing for their country on home soil. Estonia’s success story carries an important lesson for others: greatness in sports hosting is not measured by arena size or financial scale, but by purpose, creativity and unity. In the end, it was not the size of the arena that won the bid, but the size of Estonia’s vision.
Gerd Kiili secretary general @ Estonian Basketball Federation