Kristian Ferrell
The BIG3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league that rapper Ice Cube started in 2017. The BIG3 is in its seventh season as of 2024, with games airing on CBS. The season typically lasts 10 weeks, with the Championship game taking place at the end of the season. The BIG3 experience includes skilled players, innovative partners, and the best venues, attracting fans from all over.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players per team | 3 |
| Number of seasons | 7 |
| Duration of the tournament | 10 weeks |
| Year started | 2017 |
| Founder | Rapper Ice Cube |
| Co-founder and coach | Ice Cube |
| TV channel | CBS |
| Date of the Championship game in 2024 | August 18 |
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What You'll Learn
The Big3 tournament is a 3-on-3 basketball league
The Big3 tournament games are played in 20,000-seat arenas, creating an electric atmosphere for both players and spectators. The league has featured notable players such as Tony Allen, known for his defensive prowess, and Robert Dozier, who was part of the Memphis Tigers' successful run in college basketball. The Big3 has also partnered with well-known brands such as Monster Energy, showcasing its ability to collaborate with major companies.
The tournament structure typically spans a 10-week season, with the seventh season taking place in 2024 ending on August 18. The games are aired on CBS, ensuring accessibility for basketball fans to follow the action. The Big3 has a strong following, with fans attracted to the intense and fast-paced 3-on-3 format, as well as the overall experience the league provides.
The league has a strong presence in different cities, with games taking place in venues such as the United Center Arena in Chicago and TD Garden. The tournament format includes a championship game to conclude the season, with the 2024 championship scheduled to take place at TD Garden. The Big3 has also introduced a celebrity game element, with the third annual edition taking place prior to the 2024 championship. This celebrity game adds a unique twist, featuring stars from music, sports, TV, and film, further enhancing the entertainment value of the league.
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The league was started by rapper Ice Cube in 2017
The 3-on-3 basketball league, Big3, was founded by rapper and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The league consists of 12 teams with rosters that include former NBA players and international players. On January 11, 2017, Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz announced their new basketball league at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel in New York City. The league debuted later that year, and its inaugural season took place during the NBA offseason.
The formation of the Big3 league was likely motivated by Ice Cube's passion for basketball and his desire to create a unique and exciting basketball product. He has been heavily involved in the league's operations and promotion since its inception. As a rapper and actor with a significant following, Ice Cube's involvement has likely contributed to the league's success and media attention.
The Big3 league has deviated from traditional 3-on-3 basketball rules, implementing its own set of rules, which later became the foundation for a new basketball variant called "Fireball3." This rule set was announced in January 2020, along with other significant changes, such as lowering the age limit to 22 and introducing open tryouts.
Since its founding, the Big3 league has undergone several format changes and expansions. In 2022, Ice Cube replaced Chris Hannan as CEO, and co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz became the president. The league also expanded to 12 teams, playing in 18 cities, and reduced the minimum player age to 27. In 2023, the Big3 entered its sixth season, returning to large arenas and showcasing its resilience and dedication to providing a premier sports experience.
Ice Cube has expressed his pride in the league, stating in 2021 that it is one of his greatest accomplishments. His involvement and dedication have been instrumental in the growth and evolution of the Big3 league, attracting fans and skilled players alike.
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The 2023 season was its sixth season
The BIG3 basketball tournament is an annual event, with the 2023 season marking its sixth year. The tournament tipped off at the United Center Arena in Chicago, Illinois, on June 25, 2023, and lasted for 10 weeks.
The BIG3 tournament has persevered through various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to its dedicated fans, skilled players, innovative partners, and top-notch venues. The 2023 season was highly anticipated, with BIG3 CEO and co-founder Ice Cube expressing excitement about returning to 20,000-seat arenas and providing fans with a full BIG3 experience both on and off the court.
While the BIG3 tournament has established itself as a prominent event, other notable basketball tournaments also took place in 2023. The 2023 NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball tournaments stood out, with the men's tournament featuring 68 teams and concluding with the UConn Huskies claiming the championship. The women's tournament saw Fairleigh Dickinson receive an automatic bid despite losing the NEC championship game due to Merrimack's ineligibility.
Additionally, the NBA introduced its first-ever in-season tournament in 2023, known as the NBA In-Season Tournament. This tournament featured 30 teams competing for the NBA Cup, with the Lakers taking the championship led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The 2023 season of the BIG3 tournament contributed to an exciting year for basketball enthusiasts, with various competitions showcasing the talent and passion of players and fans alike.
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Every Big3 game is aired on CBS
The BIG3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The league, which debuted in 2017, consists of 12 teams whose rosters include former NBA players and international players. The BIG3 takes place during the NBA offseason, with the 2023 season lasting 10 weeks.
In 2018, all BIG3 games were broadcast live on Friday nights, with the coverage aired on Fox and FS1. In 2019, BIG3 announced a new broadcast deal with CBS Sports, which saw the coverage move to CBS and the CBS Sports Network. The league has also explored digital media partnerships with platforms like Triller and FITE TV, offering free live game coverage within the apps.
For the 2022 season, BIG3 maintained its partnership with CBS, airing 28 hours of coverage in the US. This included broadcasting the games live on CBS, providing fans with an opportunity to catch the action-packed 3-on-3 basketball matches across the country. CBS, a prominent television network, ensured that the games reached a wide audience, contributing to the growing popularity of the league.
The partnership between BIG3 and CBS showcases the league's commitment to innovation and providing the best sports experience for its fans. CBS, with its extensive reach and reputation, offers a platform for fans to follow their favourite teams and players throughout the season. The network's involvement also underscores the legitimacy and appeal of BIG3, elevating the league's profile within the sports landscape.
With CBS airing every BIG3 game, fans can expect thrilling basketball action, featuring former pros and international players, conveniently brought to their screens. The accessibility of the games on a major network enhances the viewing experience, allowing fans to easily tune in and support their favourite BIG3 teams throughout the intense and competitive season.
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The 2023 season was 10 weeks long
The BIG3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league that rapper and co-founder Ice Cube started in 2017. The 2023 season was 10 weeks long, marking the league's sixth season. The season began on June 25, 2023, at the United Center Arena in Chicago, Illinois.
The BIG3 has persevered through six seasons, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the league's resilience and dedication to providing fans with an exciting and unique basketball experience. The 2023 season promised to be no different, with Ice Cube expressing confidence in the league's return to 20,000-seat arenas and its ability to deliver the "best sports experience of the summer."
The BIG3 has gained popularity for its intense and skilled gameplay, with players like Tony Allen, a former Memphis Grizzlies defender known for his tenacity, joining the league in 2023. Allen, also known as "The Grindfather," made his BIG3 debut on July 9 in Brooklyn, finishing with four points, five rebounds, and one steal.
The 10-week season culminated in the Championship game, which took place on August 18, 2023. The BIG3's fast-paced and high-energy format has attracted fans not just for the games but also for the full BIG3 experience, both on and off the court. The league has become a summer staple, providing viewers with an alternative to traditional basketball leagues and offering a fresh and exciting take on the sport.
Each BIG3 game in 2023 was aired on CBS, ensuring that fans across the country could tune in and follow their favorite players and teams throughout the 10-week season. The league's partnership with CBS has been instrumental in growing its fanbase and reaching a wider audience beyond those who attend the games in person.
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Frequently asked questions
The Big3 tournament is a 10-week series.
The Big3 tournament was started by rapper and coach Ice Cube in 2017.
The Big3 tournament takes place in 20,000-seat strong arenas. The 2023 season started at the United Center Arena in Chicago, Illinois.
