Amanda Knapp
Ice Cube is a hip-hop musician, actor, and entertainment mogul who has made a significant impact in the film and music industries. Beyond his artistic endeavours, Ice Cube has also ventured into the world of sports, particularly basketball. In 2017, he co-founded the BIG3, a 3-on-3 basketball league that debuted during the NBA offseason. The league features former NBA players and international stars, offering a unique ruleset that sets it apart from traditional basketball. Ice Cube has been actively involved in the league, attending events and making strategic decisions. He has also expressed his passion for the league, considering it one of his greatest accomplishments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ice Cube |
| Co-founder | Jeff Kwatinetz |
| Type of league | 3-on-3 basketball |
| Year founded | 2017 |
| Number of teams | 12 |
| Player type | Former NBA players and international players |
| Rules | Deviations from official 3-on-3 rules |
| Season | During the NBA offseason |
| Age limit | 22 and above |
| CEO | Ice Cube (as of 2022) |
| President | Jeff Kwatinetz (as of 2022) |
| Notable players | Jaylen Brown, Caitlin Clark |
| Sponsors | Total Wireless, Walmart, Capital One, Merck, Coors, Lowe's |
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What You'll Learn
Ice Cube co-founded the Big3 basketball league
Ice Cube, the hip-hop musician and actor, co-founded the 3-on-3 basketball league Big3 (stylized BIG3) with entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The league, which consists of 12 teams, features former NBA players and international players. It debuted in 2017 and takes place during the NBA offseason.
Ice Cube has established himself as a reliable, successful, and prolific figure in the entertainment industry. He is known for his music career, with over 10 million albums sold, and his work in films as a producer, writer, and director. He has also had a successful career as an actor, appearing in acclaimed movies such as "Boyz n the Hood," "Barbershop," and "Are We There Yet?."
Ice Cube's involvement in the Big3 league extends beyond his role as a co-founder. In September 2022, he became the league's CEO, replacing Chris Hannan. Ice Cube has also actively participated in league operations, offering a $5 million private contract to Caitlin Clark in 2024, expressing his desire to expand the league to 16 teams, and overseeing the sale of four franchises for about $10 million each to groups in Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, and Detroit.
The Big3 league has continued to evolve, with rule changes, broadcast deals, and digital media partnerships. In 2020, the league announced that its rule set would be the foundation of a new basketball variant called "Fireball3." The league also formed partnerships with CBS Sports and digital platforms like Triller and FITE TV to broadcast games and provide live coverage.
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The league features former NBA stars and international pros
BIG3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The league consists of 12 teams, including former NBA players and international players. The BIG3 league debuted in 2017 and takes place during the NBA offseason.
The BIG3 league has a mix of former NBA stars and international professionals. In 2023, Jaylen Brown became the first active NBA player to play in the BIG3 All-Star game. The league also includes players like Corey Maggette, who was awarded MVP and Captain of the Year in 2018.
In March 2024, Ice Cube offered Caitlin Clark, a 'generational athlete', a $5 million private contract to play in BIG3. Clark would be the first female player in the league, showcasing its inclusivity and potential for groundbreaking moments in basketball.
The league has also attracted the involvement of other NBA personalities. For example, Clyde Drexler, a former NBA player, served as commissioner of BIG3, and NBA Hall of Famer George Gervin is one of the owners of the Detroit franchise.
With its mix of former NBA stars, international players, and groundbreaking format, BIG3 has offered a unique basketball experience and provided a platform for players to continue their careers and showcase their talents.
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Ice Cube attended the Monster Energy Big3 Celebrity Game in 2023
Ice Cube is a hip-hop musician and actor who co-founded the BIG3 3-on-3 basketball league with entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The league consists of 12 teams whose rosters include former NBA players and international players. It debuted in 2017 and takes place during the NBA offseason.
Ice Cube has been a premier cultural watchdog, commenting on, examining, and detailing the breadth of the American experience with unflinching honesty and a comedic touch. He has also established himself as one of the most successful and prolific figures in entertainment, with a successful solo music career and accomplishments in film as a producer, writer, director, and actor.
In addition to his cultural influence and entertainment career, Ice Cube has been actively involved in the BIG3 league. He has served as a celebrity coach for Team Webull, captained by Rob Gronkowski, during the Monster Energy BIG3 Celebrity Game. Ice Cube has also been instrumental in expanding the league, with plans to increase the number of teams and cities involved.
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Ice Cube sold four of the 12 Big3 franchises in 2024
Ice Cube, the hip-hop musician and actor, co-founded the 3-on-3 basketball league Big3 (stylized BIG3) in 2017. The league initially consisted of 12 teams, whose rosters included former NBA players and international players. In 2024, Ice Cube sold four of the 12 Big3 franchises to ownership groups in Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, and Detroit for approximately $10 million each.
The first franchise sale was announced in May 2024, with a group led by investment firm DCB Sports purchasing the Los Angeles-based franchise for $10 million. This was followed by the sale of franchises in Miami, Houston, and Detroit. The Miami franchise was purchased by a group of investors led by business executive Heath Freeman for $10 million, with plans to debut in 2025. The Houston franchise was sold to Eric Mullins and Milton Carroll, and the Detroit franchise was acquired by GameAbove Sports, a sports-focused business development entity backed by CapStone Holdings Inc.
Ice Cube and his co-founder, entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, decided to sell the franchises to local owners as part of a strategy to further engage local markets and add more people with sports expertise. They also aimed to strengthen the league's respective fanbases by transitioning from a travelling model to one where each team is based in its home city with its own arena.
Ice Cube has expressed his satisfaction with the new owners, stating that he wanted "guys who are dedicated" and passionate about the game. He also hopes to expand the league from 12 to 16 teams, with all teams having local owners.
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Ice Cube called the league one of his greatest accomplishments
Ice Cube is a hip-hop musician and actor who has also established himself as a successful figure in the entertainment industry. He has had a prolific career in music, selling more than 10 million albums and remaining one of rap's most respected and influential artists. In addition to his music career, Ice Cube has also had an active film career since the early 1990s, appearing in numerous successful films and establishing himself as one of the most bankable actors in cinematic history.
Beyond his accomplishments in music and film, Ice Cube has also ventured into the world of sports. In 2017, he co-founded the BIG3, a 3-on-3 basketball league that features former NBA players and international players. The league debuted during the NBA offseason and quickly gained popularity, with Ice Cube attending matches and promoting the league. On August 4, 2021, Ice Cube stated that the creation of the BIG3 league is one of his greatest accomplishments. This statement underscores the importance and pride he associates with this venture.
The BIG3 league has continued to evolve and expand since its inception. In 2021, Ice Cube assumed the role of CEO, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the league's success. The league has also forged partnerships with media platforms to stream games and expand its reach. Additionally, Ice Cube has actively sought to engage local markets and involve individuals with sports expertise, reflecting his dedication to the league's growth and development.
Ice Cube's involvement in the BIG3 league extends beyond his role as a co-founder. He has been actively involved in shaping the league's direction and implementing rule changes. For example, in 2020, the BIG3 league introduced the "`Fireball3`" rule set, which deviates from the official rules of 3-on-3 basketball. This rule set was further refined and utilised in subsequent seasons. Ice Cube's influence on the league's rules showcases his hands-on approach and dedication to creating a unique and dynamic basketball experience.
Ice Cube's declaration that the BIG3 league is one of his greatest accomplishments highlights his passion for basketball and his commitment to creating a successful and sustainable league. His involvement has attracted prominent players, media partnerships, and investments from dedicated owners. Ice Cube's vision for the league's future, including his desire to expand to 16 teams and create a 'Big Cup', indicates his ambition to continue growing and elevating the BIG3 league in the world of basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
Ice Cube is a hip-hop musician and actor. He has sold more than 10 million albums and is one of rap's most respected and influential artists. He is also a successful figure in the film industry, working as a producer, writer and director.
Ice Cube is the co-founder of BIG3 basketball, alongside entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. Ice Cube has described the league as one of his greatest accomplishments. He has also attended BIG3 games, such as the Monster Energy BIG3 Celebrity Game in 2023.
BIG3 basketball is a 3-on-3 basketball league that was founded in 2017. It consists of 12 teams, including former NBA players and international players. The league features unique rules, such as a 4-point shot, and aims to provide a fresh and innovative basketball experience for fans.
