By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Horacio Muratore, the former president of FIBA, is no longer with us.
Per the FIBA press release: FIBA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Horacio Muratore, who served as FIBA President from 2014 to 2019.
Muratore was at the helm of the sport’s world-governing body at an exciting and pivotal time. Primarily during the introduction of a new and transformational competition system in 2017, with international windows proving to be a significant driver of growth for basketball globally.
During his tenure, six new qualifying windows for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 were held in countries all around the globe, allowing fans to attend meaningful national team games at home.
These windows proved to be a major boost to National Federations, helping them grow stronger financially and benefiting in multiple other ways. Meanwhile, players were given new opportunities to showcase their skills and passion for wearing their national team jersey. It proved to be a FIBA blueprint for the success that has followed since implementation.
For Muratore, developing National Federations was one of his biggest aims. He saw it as being instrumental to growing basketball around the world. He also served as Chairman of the Working Group on National Federations Support and Development.
During his time in office, Muratore met with a total of 181 National Federations between September 2015 to April 2017 to assess the needs of each and help shape strategies to develop issues including governance, coaching, refereeing, administration, equipment, venues, promotion and wider commercial opportunities.
He also understood the importance of Federations having strong youth programs and was renowned for his passion in advocating the importance of providing opportunities for young people.
Muratore also played a pivotal role in guiding FIBA through the difficult period following the tragic passing of Secretary General Patrick Baumann in 2018. At a time of profound shock and uncertainty for the global basketball community, he was instrumental in managing the transition of leadership and ensuring stability and unity within the organization.
When his term ended as FIBA President, Muratore became FIBA Foundation President between 2019 and 2023. A lifelong believer in basketball as a tool for education and social impact, he championed Basketball For Good programs that used the game to support and inspire young people around the world.
Mini Basketball was especially close to his heart. Having started his own professional journey in the game through Mini Basketball, he was a strong driving force behind its global growth within the Basketball For Good framework and its play-based approach.
Muratore also supported the expansion of key FIBA Foundation initiatives including Youth Leadership, Community Impact projects and Propose a Project, helping empower a new generation of leaders through basketball.
Meanwhile, he was instrumental in shaping the Foundation’s work in respect of Cultural Heritage, helping to give it a clear identity and direction. This strengthened the approach to the FIBA Hall of Fame, the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball, historical archives and wider efforts to preserve the history of the game.
Prior to becoming FIBA President, Muratore served as the FIBA Americas President from 2009 to 2014. However, his journey and love for the sport actually started on the court, when he played basketball for Tucuman BB, in his beloved native province.
He later served as President of the club from 1983 to 1992 before being appointed as President of the Argentina Basketball Confederation (CABB) from 1992 to 2008. When at the helm, his nation ascended to the highest tier of international basketball. Firstly, reaching the Final of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2002 and then winning the 2004 Olympic gold medal. Argentina also won the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
Muratore has also served as President of the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCL Americas) since its inception in 2019, guiding the competition’s growth and development throughout the region and overseeing its successful completion of seven seasons, most recently in 2025-26.
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis stated: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Horacio. He was a much-loved and respected figure throughout the entire FIBA Family and beyond. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
“He leaves an incredible legacy thanks to his dedication to our sport over so many years. We owe him an enormous amount of gratitude for everything he has done for basketball globally.
“Even when his formal roles had ended, Horacio was still very active in the FIBA Family and was present at various events, including the FIBA AmeriCup 2025, and also at the House of Basketball. Each time, his immense warmth and his passion for both basketball and his beloved Argentina always shone through. He will be dearly missed.”
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