DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Karl-Anthony Towns, World Cup 2023 / Diario Libre

The Virgilio Travieso Soto Palacio de los Deportes, known as the “Media Naranja,” is set to officially reopen its doors on 3 July 2026. The landmark event will feature a high-stakes matchup between the Dominican Republic and the United States as part of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers. On 6 July, the DR will play Nicaragua in the same qualifiers at the same renovated venue.

This game carries significant weight following the Dominican Republic’s historic performance in Window 2 of the qualifiers. On 26 February 2026, the Dominican squad stunned the basketball world by defeating the United States 87–79 at the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California.

In that historic victory, the Team DR’s fourth consecutive road win, Jassel Perez led with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double, supported by veteran center Angel Delgado...