10 nations in running to host Olympic basketball qualifiers

MIES, Switzerland (AP) Basketball's governing body says 10 countries are in the running to host the qualifying tournaments that will determine the final three teams in the Olympic basketball field.

FIBA says Monday that the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Philippines, Serbia and Turkey had expressed interest in hosting one of the three events that will run from July 4-10. Each will consist of six teams, and the winner of each will qualify for Rio de Janeiro.

Germany, Turkey and Israel have not qualified to play in the tournaments and would only gain a place if they are chosen to host. FIBA set a Nov. 11 deadline to submit details of all the bids and said evaluations would take place afterward.

FIBA identified the player and fan experience, and chances for financial success as criteria to determine which countries will be picked.

Nine teams have already secured spots in the 12-team Olympic field.