Historic break through: PNG Women’s 3×3 basketball qualifies for Commonwealth Games

Team PNG 3x3 Basketball at the Mini Pacific Games in Palau last year *(Image: FIBA Oceania)*

The Papua New Guinea Women’s 3x3 Basketball team has officially qualified for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. This marks the first time in history that any PNG basketball squad has reached the Commonwealth stage, joining an elite field of just 12 nations globally.

The qualification ends a 16-year drought for Papua New Guinea in team sports at the Commonwealth Games. The last time "Team PNG" was represented in a team format was at the 2010 New Delhi Games by Rugby 7s and Netball.

Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea [BFPNG] president David Peter expressed immense pride in the team’s resilience as the selection was based on PNG’s strong regional ranking as of late 2025.

"This is a historic breakthrough," Peter told NBC News. "BFPNG is now working to ensure the team is fully prepared for the international stage. Our women’s team, alongside the Fiji men’s team, will be the two representing the Pacific in Glasgow."

President of the PNG Commonwealth Games Association, Emma Waiwai said the qualification is a watershed moment for the sport.

"Our women's 3x3 team showed their resilience, determination and never say die attitude to reach the finals at the Mini Pacific Games in Palau in 2025," Waiwai said. "Their inclusion as part of the 12 teams in Glasgow is a testament to PNG Basketball Federation's investment in long-term athlete development, especially in female participation and demonstrates what the future for women in basketball looks like."

An explosive match between Fiji and PNG during the 2025 Mini Pacific Games in Palau *(Image: FIBA Oceania)*

The team secured their spot through the FIBA regional ranking system released on December 1, 2025. Key to their success was a dominant first-place finish in the FIBA Conference 1 Series pool in Koror, Palau, in July 2025, which provided the ranking points necessary to leapfrog global competitors.

Chef de Mission for Team PNG, Elaine Iorive, said this is a significance feat for Team PNG.

"To qualify among just 12 nations worldwide shows our athletes can compete at the elite level. Our women have returned us to the Commonwealth Games stage in spectacular fashion."

The Commonwealth Games will take place in Scotland from July 23 to August 2, 2026. PNG is set to face a powerhouse field, including Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Scotland, Kenya, Jamaica, Singapore, Uganda, Cayman Islands, and a final European qualifier.

Peter said BFPNG will now move into a high-performance phase, conducting rigorous tests and trials to finalize a squad capable of contending for a medal.

All selected athletes must pass the PNG Commonwealth Games Association’s eligibility and readiness evaluations before final endorsement.