Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Host 10th Paco Apeles U18 Women’s International Basketball Tournament

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is cementing its status as a hub for European youth basketball with the tenth edition of the Paco Apeles U18 Women’s International Tournament. The city council has confirmed the event will take place from July 17 to 19, 2026, at the Quico Cabrera pavilion, marking a decade of support for the women’s game.

Supported by the Cabildo de Tenerife and the Tenerife Basketball Federation, this year’s tournament features a high-level lineup including national teams from Spain, Germany, and Hungary, as well as a local Tenerife squad. Beyond the court, the event is part of a broader strategy to boost the city’s tourism and economy by showcasing the island on an international stage. At the official launch at the Hotel Escuela, basketball stars Elena Buenavida, Maite Cazorla, and Laura Herrera highlighted how these competitions are vital for the professional development of young athletes.

The city’s commitment to the sport extends to grassroots and urban basketball as well. This summer, Santa Cruz will host the 3x3 Spanish Cup, featuring elite national teams, alongside the fourth annual 3x3 Tenerife Grassroots Tournament on the pier esplanade. These initiatives aim to encourage youth participation and promote community values—a key priority for Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez and Sports Councilor Alicia Cebrián.

These events provide essential training for young players and reflect the rapid growth of women’s basketball in Spain over the last ten years. By partnering with the Cabildo and the Island Federation to keep these games free for spectators, local authorities are successfully using grassroots sports as a strategic tool to inspire the next generation and increase the visibility of the sport.