Originally founded in 1993 as the FIBA Research and Study Centre, the department is responsible for ensuring that equipment used in basketball is safe and that the quality is up to standard, whilst constantly seeking to improve standards for this equipment.

The department is also responsible for compiling key publications such as safety guides and guides to basketball facilities.

The FIBA Equipment and Venue Centre has provided its knowledge to venues around the world, including those used at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey and the London 2012 Olympics basketball arena.

The FIBA Equipment and Venue Centre provided its expertise to the London 2012 basketball arena

FIBA Secretary General and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member Patrick Baumann spoke of the importance of the department and its work in the sport.

"Basketball should be played in the best functional and organisational conditions," he said

"With this in mind, we look to ensure that all the sports facilities are secure and safe for athletes and public alike and that the events are as spectacular and engaging as possible,"

Baumann also paid tribute to those that have contributed to the development of the department since its inception.

"The on-going tasks of the FIBA Equipment and Venue Centre could only be fully achieved with the help of our partners, associates and the contribution of all national federations who wish to have state-of-the art sports halls for their teams, their visitors and most of all, the general public."

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