TOKYO -- With the help of Yao Ming, China won the right to host the 2019 Basketball World Cup.
China beat out the Philippines in a vote at a FIBA meeting in Tokyo on Friday.
The 2019 tournament will feature 32 teams for the first time.
It will be the first World Cup played under FIBA's new qualifying process which begins in November 2017 and last 18 months.
The United States is the defending champion.
Yao came to Tokyo to promote China's bid.
Manny Pacquiao was on hand to support the Philippines.
Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Suzhou, Foshan, Wuhan, and Donguan will host games.
