Bob Elphinston has become the third Australian to be named president of an International Olympic Sports Federation when FIBA announced he had been elected on Wednesday.

Elphinston was one of the founding directors of the National Basketball League (NBL) and managed the Australian men's basketball team at the 1984 Olympic Games. He was also the founding president of the Australian Basketball Coaches Association.

"Basketball is at an exciting level as the second most played team sport in the world today behind football and my role as president gives me the chance to directly assist a great sport grow even more," said Elphinston, who has been president of FIBA Oceania for the past four years.

"We are currently experiencing our best ever FIBA world championship here in Japan, with sell out crowds, television coverage in some 155 countries and strong performances from all 5 continents of the world."

"I am grateful to the 21 member federations of FIBA Oceania and Basketball Australia for supporting my election as FIBA president."

Basketball Australia president, John Maddock, said the appointment of an Australian to the pre-eminent position in FIBA was an historic one.

"This is the first time an Australian has ever served in the role of President of FIBA and is a mark of great respect for both Bob and Australian basketball," said Maddock.

"Bob has over 40 years of experience in the game under his belt and an involvement with sports administration that dates back to 1961."

"He will undoubtedly prove to be a fantastic leader for the game of basketball and Basketball Australia extends its sincerest congratulations."