Event includes the inaugural women’s edition and International Referees Clinic
The prestigious Elite Basketball Tournament Malta 2025 is set to return this week, and this year promises to be its most expansive edition yet – with new events, international participation, and a renewed focus on youth and officiating development.
Held at the Malta Basketball Association Pavilion in Ta’ Qali, starting on Monday, the tournament will bring together top-level men’s teams from the USA, United Kingdom, and Malta’s elite – Starlites and Hibernians.
As part of its ongoing commitment to elevate Maltese basketball, the event this year introduces two exciting additions, namely the first-ever women’s competition and an international Referees Development Clinic.
Making its debut, the Women’s Elite Basketball Tournament will feature the ARU Basketball Women’s Team from the United Kingdom, marking a historic expansion of the event.
This initiative reflects the tournament’s mission to promote inclusivity, international collaboration, and equal opportunities in sport.
“We’re incredibly proud to introduce the women’s edition,” said tournament director Ruben Baldacchino.
“It’s a significant milestone for the event and a huge opportunity for local fans to witness international women’s basketball live for the first time within this setting.”
The 2025 tournament will also host its first International Referees Development Clinic, led by Bernard Vassallo, a respected international referee and educator.
International referees will officiate the matches throughout the tournament.
This clinic will serve as a learning platform for local and regional referees, aligning with international standards and best practices.
“This year’s tournament isn’t just about the games – it’s about the future of Maltese basketball, from players to officials,” Baldacchino added.
Malta’s representatives in the tournament, Starlites and Hibernians, have a shared goal for this tournament, stepping up their preparations for the new season.
Starlites, the defending national cup champions are to challenge for this year honours.
The ARU University (UK) will be competing in both men’s and women’s divisions, representing top-level British collegiate and national league talent.
Their men’s selection are current champions in their conference.
On the other hand, the USA Select (Men) are the four-time defending champions of the Elite Basketball Tournament, returning with a new wave of top young prospects to conquer their fifth title.
The Youth Basketball Clinic, scheduled to be held between tomorrow and Tuesday will be led by international coaches.
Andrea Stinson, is a four-time WNBA All-Star, who played for Charlotte Stings and Detroit Shock (WNBA), and had also stints at top level in Italy, France and Turkey. She is a former USA Basketball international player in the Pan American Games winning a gold medal.
The other coaches in the clinic are Americans Nick Melissaris and Sean Kilmartin
The three-hour session will focus on core fundamentals and high-performance habits, continuing the tournament’s tradition of giving back to the grassroots level.
“This clinic is always a highlight,” said Baldacchino.
“Every year, we see the impact on young local players – it’s a moment that stays with them. We want our youths to learn from top coaches that are present with the international teams, leaving a legacy in the young generation.”
The event is being held thanks to the assistance of Visit Malta and the Malta Basketball Association.
