Overview

• The tournament runs Aug. 27–Sept. 14 with 24 teams in four groups of six, and the top four in each group advance to a 16-team knockout phase in Riga.
• Opening day features Great Britain vs. Lithuania, Czech Republic vs. Portugal, Montenegro vs. Germany, Latvia vs. Turkey, Sweden vs. Finland and Serbia vs. Estonia.
• Serbia is widely viewed as the favorite behind Nikola Jokic after a 7-0 tune-up slate, with every win by at least 10 points.
• NBA headliners set to play include Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, Lauri Markkanen and Franz Wagner.
• Tournament context includes individual honors such as MVP and All‑Tournament teams, and federation-directed payouts that are modest and not paid directly to players.