Kristian Ferrell
The BIG3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz in 2017. The league consists of 12 teams with rosters that include former NBA players and international players. While I couldn't find explicit information on whether BIG3 is co-ed, it has been recognized for its efforts in promoting diversity and creating opportunities for female athletes beyond the court. For example, it was the first professional sports league to enlist female coaches of men and appoint a female CEO, Amy Trask.
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What You'll Learn
- The Big3 league is co-founded by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz
- The league consists of 12 teams with rosters including former NBA players
- The rules of Big3 games deviate from the official rules of 3-on-3 basketball
- The league has a two-week post-season including a championship game
- The Big3 has sold four of its franchises to new ownership groups
The Big3 league is co-founded by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz
BIG3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league co-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 features deviations from the official rules of 3-on-3 basketball, as administered by FIBA. The league debuted in 2017 during the NBA offseason and has since gained popularity, attracting high-level basketball talent and a dedicated fan base.
Ice Cube, a renowned rapper and actor, brought his star power and passion for basketball to the league. He has been actively involved in the league's development and promotion, seeing it as one of his greatest accomplishments. Ice Cube's involvement has helped attract media attention and a diverse range of players, including active NBA players and top athletes from other sports. In 2023, Ice Cube offered Caitlin Clark, a highly acclaimed athlete, a $5 million private contract to play in BIG3.
Jeff Kwatinetz, an entertainment industry veteran, brought his extensive experience in talent management and production to the league. As the CEO of The Firm, Kwatinetz has a proven track record of identifying and nurturing talent across various entertainment sectors. His partnership with Ice Cube dates back nearly two decades, with Cube Vision producing projects like the blockbuster "Straight Outta Compton." Kwatinetz's expertise in media production and his understanding of market trends have been instrumental in shaping the league's success.
Together, Ice Cube and Kwatinetz have created a unique basketball league that offers a platform for players to showcase their skills outside the traditional NBA framework. The league has evolved since its inception, with rule changes, partnerships, and expansions. In 2021, BIG3 introduced the "Bring the Fire" rule, allowing teams to challenge one foul call per half. The league has also formed notable partnerships, such as with Adidas to launch the Young3 youth initiative and with CBS Sports for broadcast rights. BIG3 has continued to expand its reach through digital media partnerships with platforms like Triller and FITE TV.
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The league consists of 12 teams with rosters including former NBA players
The 3-on-3 basketball league BIG3 (stylized BIG3) was founded by hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The league consists of 12 teams with rosters including former NBA players and international players. The BIG3 debuted in 2017 and takes place during the NBA offseason.
The inaugural week of games took place on June 25, 2017, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The Trilogy took home the BIG3's first championship trophy that year. In 2018, the league's trophy was named in honour of Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and current Tri-state head coach Julius Erving. The Power were awarded the trophy that year, and the Triplets were the champions in 2019.
In 2021, the championship round was held in the Bahamas in early September. In 2022, the format returned to the 2017-2019 structure, but without a third-place game. BIG3 has generated millions of fans and has a unique format with no garbage minutes, where trash talk is allowed, defence is emphasised, and every point counts.
Ice Cube and Kwatinetz have recently sold four of the 12 franchises for about $10 million each, with the new owners based in Miami, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Houston. The new ownership model will be implemented for the 2025 season, and Ice Cube has expressed his desire to expand the league from 12 to 16 teams, featuring eight teams in two separate conferences.
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The rules of Big3 games deviate from the official rules of 3-on-3 basketball
The Big3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league founded by hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. The rules of Big3 games deviate from the official rules of 3-on-3 basketball, which are administered by FIBA. The league consists of 12 teams, including former NBA players and international players. The Big3 season runs from June 18 to August 7, followed by a two-week postseason that includes semifinal and championship rounds. Each team plays eight regular-season games.
One notable difference between Big3 and traditional 3-on-3 basketball is the absence of a defensive 3-second rule in the Big3, which keeps the game fast-paced. Additionally, steals in the Big3 do not have to be cleared outside the 3-point line, as they do in FIBA three-on-three. The Big3 also employs instant replay, which can be used at any time to review scores, out-of-bounds calls, fouls, and clearances.
Another significant deviation from FIBA rules is the introduction of a 4-point shot in the Big3. The 4-point shot can be attempted from any of the three circles on the court, all located 30 feet away from the basket. These circles are also known as "four-point zones" in Fireball3, the basketball variant played by the Big3. There is no jump ball at the start of a Big3 game; instead, the home team inbounds the ball, and the first possession is determined by a 4-point shootout.
The bonus free throw rules also differ between the Big3 and traditional 3-on-3 basketball. In the Big3, after the fifth team foul in each half, the opponents are guaranteed two free throws and possession of the ball. In contrast, in 3x3, teams do not enter the bonus until the seventh team foul in the game, and the non-fouling team only receives two free throws without possession.
Furthermore, the game format in the Big3 differs from that of traditional 3-on-3 basketball. In the Big3, a team must score 50 points to win, and the point difference between the two teams must be at least two points. Halftime only begins when one of the teams reaches 25 points. There is no overtime in the Big3, and each team has two timeouts per half (one 60-second and one 30-second timeout).
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The league has a two-week post-season including a championship game
The 3-on-3 basketball league, BIG3, founded by hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, features a two-week post-season. This post-season includes a championship game and takes place in August, during the NBA offseason. The winners of the championship are awarded the Julius Erving Championship Trophy, named in honour of Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and Tri-state head coach, Julius Erving.
The BIG3 league debuted in 2017 and initially featured a two-week post-season from 2017 to 2019. During this period, the post-season included a semifinals round and a championship game. The first-ever BIG3 championship trophy was won by The Trilogy in 2017. In 2018, the Power won the championship, and the Triplets were crowned champions in 2019.
In 2021, the championship round was held in the Bahamas in early September, and in 2022, the format returned to the 2017-2019 structure, excluding a third-place game. The league's unique rules deviate from the official FIBA 3-on-3 basketball regulations, including the introduction of four-point zones and variations in free-throw and bonus rules.
The BIG3 has been a travelling road show, visiting different cities each summer weekend. However, with the introduction of the new ownership model in 2025, the league will only travel to markets with established teams. The new model aims to increase local engagement and unlock new fanbases in their respective cities. The transition to a home market model for Season 8 introduces eight all-new location-based teams, with each team representing a specific city. This shift aims to foster stronger connections between teams and their local fans and is expected to enhance the talent pool and competitiveness of the league.
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The Big3 has sold four of its franchises to new ownership groups
The 3-on-3 basketball league BIG3, co-founded by hip-hop musician and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, has sold four of its franchises to new ownership groups. The four franchises are located in Miami, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Houston. The BIG3 league consists of 12 teams, including former NBA players and international players, and the games follow a set of rules that deviate from the official rules of traditional 3-on-3 basketball. The new ownership groups will bring additional sports expertise, business capabilities, and local market engagement to the franchises.
The Los Angeles franchise was purchased by a consortium of investors led by DCB Sports, which has also invested in other sports ventures. The Miami franchise is now under the leadership of Heath Freeman, a media, sports, real estate, and hospitality executive. Freeman is also the executive chairman of the AVP beach volleyball league. The Houston franchise is co-owned by Mullins, the chairman and CEO of Lime Rock Resources, and Milton Carroll, who holds a minority stake in the Houston Astros. The Detroit franchise has been acquired by GameAbove Sports, a sports-focused business development entity backed by CapStone Holdings Inc.
The sale of these four franchises marks a transition for the BIG3 league, as it moves from a touring format to a city-centric model. By basing teams in home cities, the league aims to engage local communities and fan bases more effectively. This shift is expected to foster deeper connections between the teams and their local markets, enhancing the overall fan experience.
BIG3 has expressed confidence in the new ownership groups, believing they will positively contribute to the league's growth and development. With their diverse expertise and investment, the new owners are poised to strengthen the league's presence in their respective cities and create new opportunities for community engagement through basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
No information suggests that Big3 basketball is co-ed. However, the league has led the sports industry in diversity and opportunity, becoming the first professional sports league to appoint female coaches of men.
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 whose rosters include former NBA players and international players.
The rules of Big3 basketball differ from FIBA-sanctioned 3-on-3 games. Games are played on a half-court, and standard two- and three-point shots apply. Unique to Big3 is the presence of three "four-point zones" on a circle 30 feet away from the basket.
