The International Handball Federation (IHF) is proud to announce the signing of the purchase agreement for a new state-of-the-art headquarters, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to shaping the future of handball and enhancing the global administrative, operational and strategic development of the sport.

The new headquarters, located in Basel, Switzerland, will be the centre for the IHF’s growing global activities and will offer an inspiring, modern environment that reflects the Federation’s values of excellence, innovation and resilience.

This milestone represents a major investment in the future of handball, underscoring the IHF's long-term vision to foster an even more dynamic, interconnected and professional global handball family.

With six floors and an area of 4,869 square metres (3,089 square metres of office and social spaces, 281 square metres of storage and 1,499 square metres of secondary usable area (including parking spaces), the new IHF House will serve as the main hub for the IHF Office as well as for cooperation between the International Handball Federation, its members and the entire handball family.

The building is situated in a prime location in Basel, just a short walk from the old town. Its connectivity is impressive, as the principal motorways near Basel are just eight minutes away. The well-known border triangle of Switzerland, France and Germany can be reached in about ten minutes, with France in about eight minutes and Germany in ten minutes.

Strategically designed to meet both current and future operational needs, the new headquarters will feature cutting-edge office facilities, dedicated innovation and training spaces, eco-conscious architecture, and expanded meeting areas to welcome delegations and stakeholders from all over the world. The building will also be equipped with the latest digital infrastructure to support hybrid collaboration and the increasing demands of global digital transformation.

"This new headquarters is more than just a building – it is a symbol of our ambitions. The IHF is growing rapidly, both in terms of our international reach and the complexity of the sport’s ecosystem. This new house will allow us to better serve our Member Federations, athletes, coaches and fans across the world. It will be a place where ideas are born, where strategic decisions are made and where the heart of international handball beats stronger than ever. Congratulations to all the handball family on this extraordinary achievement," said the IHF President, Dr Hassan Moustafa.

The IHF Museum, integrated seamlessly into the new building, will offer a captivating journey through handball’s past and present. Visitors will experience interactive exhibits, rare memorabilia and curated displays that honour legendary players, landmark tournaments and the evolution of the sport on and off the court. Special exhibitions will also spotlight handball’s global expansion, grassroots stories and Olympic heritage.

The museum is designed to be a destination for fans, students, historians and international visitors, as well as a resource for researchers and Member Federations seeking to deepen their understanding of handball’s global impact. It reflects the IHF’s ongoing commitment to education, legacy-building and accessibility.

The move into the new headquarters is scheduled for October 2025, following a phased transition process to ensure continuity of operations and services.

The negotiation and contracting process spanned nearly a year, reflecting the IHF’s dedication to securing the most advantageous and strategic outcome for its long-term future. 

The IHF would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the current owners of the building, for their exemplary cooperation, professionalism and gracious consent in facilitating the sale of this distinctive property to the IHF. Their support has been instrumental in enabling this important step forward for the international handball community.

As the IHF continues to elevate the status of handball on the world stage, this significant investment in its infrastructure demonstrates a clear and ambitious commitment to professional excellence and long-term sustainability. It marks a new chapter in the IHF’s storied history — one built on progress, passion and the collective vision of growing handball everywhere.

About the IHF

The International Handball Federation (IHF) is the global governing body for the sport of handball, representing 210 Member Federations. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the IHF is dedicated to the promotion and development of handball worldwide through its world championships, educational programmes, grassroots initiatives and partnerships with the Olympic Movement and other sports stakeholders.