Paris 2024 Paralympic Games I Program, favorites... everything you need to know about the Wheelchair Basketball tournament

Present at the Paralympic Games since the first edition in 1960, Wheelchair Basketball is one of the most emblematic sports. Its rules are the same as those of basketball. At the Bercy Arena, the competition promises to be intense. Here's everything you need to know, before the start on Thursday August 29.

Where?

As with the men's and women's basketball finals, the Paralympic athletes will play all their matches at the Bercy Arena. Built in 1984, the Bercy Arena is renowned for hosting major sporting events, concerts and other shows every year. During the Games, an average of 20,000 people are expected to attend each day, with peaks of 50,000 depending on the program.

When?

Wheelchair basketball fans, rejoice! From the day after the opening ceremony on Thursday, August 29, to the closing ceremony on Sunday, September 8, every day will be punctuated by armchair basketball. The preliminary phase runs until Monday, September 2. Then the finals begin with the quarter-finals on Tuesday, September 3 for the men, and Wednesday, September 4 for the women. The gold medals will be awarded on Saturday September 7 for the men's competition, and the following day for the women's.

Who's who?

As in basketball, one nation stands out in both the men's and women's competitions. As you may have guessed, it's the USA. On the women's side, the Americans have won three of the last five Paralympics. But this American hegemony has taken a turn for the worse since the advent of the Netherlands. The Dutch, reigning Paralympic champions, have also won the last two World Championships, in 2018 and 2022. China, often placed but seldom titled, remains in ambush.

On the men's side, Team USA is the reigning double Paralympic champion, with a world title to come in 2022. But there is no shortage of contenders behind them. Like Great Britain, unfortunate finalists in 2022 and bronze medallists in 2016 and 2021. Lurking in the shadows could be Japan, Spain and the Netherlands.

How can you attend?

Tickets are available on the official Paris 2024 Games ticketing service. For the return match after the Olympic Games, take advantage of the opportunity and treat yourself to a second dose of happiness and thrills!