Ice Cube's BIG3 is coming to Australia

• BIG3 will showcase its professional 3-on-3 basketball format in Australia through a partnership with NBL in November 2025
• Founded by Ice Cube, the league features former NBA players and Hall of Fame coaches in a fast-paced version called FIREBALL3
• This international expansion marks a significant milestone for both the BIG3 and Australian basketball fans

The BIG3 basketball league is bringing its unique 3-on-3 professional format to Australia through a groundbreaking partnership with the NBL and GameAbove Sports in November 2025.

The Australian showcase represents the league's most ambitious international effort to date for the BIG3. While specific details about venues and participating teams are TBA, the event will bring a contingent of the league's top players to multiple Australian cities.

What is the BIG3 Basketball League?

The BIG3 is a professional 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by rapper and actor Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz in 2017. Unlike traditional basketball, the BIG3 plays a modified version called FIREBALL3, which delivers a faster-paced, more intense basketball experience designed for maximum entertainment.

Origins and Development

The BIG3 emerged from a desire to create a new basketball product that would showcase the talents of former NBA players while offering fans something different from the traditional 5-on-5 format. The league began with eight teams and has grown steadily over its seven-year history, establishing itself as the premier professional 3-on-3 league in the world.

Ice Cube, who serves as the league's co-CEO, brought his entertainment expertise and vision to basketball, creating a product that blends high-level competition with cultural elements that resonate with fans. The format was designed to highlight individual skills while maintaining the team aspect of basketball.

League Structure and Teams

The BIG3 consists of 12 teams, with four new franchises in Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, and Detroit set to join for the 2025 season. Each team includes former NBA players, international professionals, and 3-on-3 specialists, creating a diverse talent pool.

The teams compete in a tournament-style format, with regular-season games leading to playoffs and a championship. The league has established a reputation for competitive balance, with multiple teams having won championships over its history.

FIREBALL3: How the Game is Played

FIREBALL3 represents a significant evolution from traditional 3-on-3 basketball, with modified rules designed to increase action and reduce downtime.

Key Rules and Differences

The FIREBALL3 format includes several unique elements:

1. First to 50 Points: Games are played to 50 points, with teams needing to win by at least two points.
2. 4-Point Spots: The court features three designated 4-point shooting spots, located further than the traditional 3-point line.
3. Bring Your Own Ball: After defensive rebounds, teams don't need to "clear" the ball behind the 3-point line before attacking, allowing for quicker transitions.
4. Hand-checking Allowed: Unlike the modern NBA, defensive players can use their hands more liberally on defence.
5. Physical Play: The referees allow more physical contact, creating an intense, competitive atmosphere.
6. 14-Second Shot Clock: A shorter shot clock keeps the game moving at a rapid pace.

These modifications create a faster, more explosive game with higher scoring and fewer stoppages, making it appealing to both hardcore basketball fans and casual viewers.

The Court and Equipment

The BIG3 uses a half-court setup, which is standard for 3-on-3 basketball. The dimensions follow FIBA regulations for 3-on-3 play, though with the addition of the unique 4-point shooting zones.

The ball used in FIREBALL3 is slightly different from a standard basketball, designed specifically for the league's style of play. This attention to detail reflects the BIG3's commitment to creating a distinct basketball product.

BIG3 Players and Coaches

One of the BIG3's major attractions is its roster of recognisable basketball talent, featuring many former NBA players and international stars.

Big Name Players

The league has attracted numerous former NBA stars, including:

1. Michael Beasley: The former No. 2 overall NBA draft pick has found a new home in the BIG3, where his scoring ability shines.
2. Isaiah Briscoe: A former Kentucky standout who has become one of the league's most dynamic players.
3. Jordan Crawford: The former NBA guard known for his scoring ability has become a BIG3 standout.
4. Joe Johnson: The seven-time NBA All-Star dominated the BIG3 for multiple seasons.
5. Stephen Jackson: The former NBA champion has been a key figure in the league's development.

These players have adapted their games to the 3-on-3 format, often finding new success and extending their professional careers.

Hall of Fame Coaches

The BIG3 features an impressive lineup of coaching talent, including:

1. Julius "Dr. J" Erving: The NBA legend brings his basketball wisdom to the sidelines.
2. George "The Iceman" Gervin: The Hall of Famer's coaching style reflects his smooth approach to the game.
3. Nancy Lieberman: The basketball pioneer made history as the first woman to coach a men's professional sports team to a championship in the BIG3.
4. Lisa Leslie: The WNBA legend has established herself as one of the league's top coaches.

These coaching legends add credibility to the league while providing invaluable guidance to players.

BIG3's International Expansion

The upcoming Australian showcase represents a significant step in the BIG3's international growth strategy, following previous international events in the Bahamas, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Previous International Events

The BIG3 has already demonstrated its appeal outside the United States:

1. Nassau, Bahamas: The league hosted games that drew enthusiastic crowds and showcased the potential for basketball tourism.
2. Toronto, Canada: Canadian basketball fans embraced the BIG3, demonstrating the league's cross-border appeal.
3. London, UK: The 2023 BIG3 Championship at the O2 Arena was a landmark event, with the Enemies crowned champions in front of an energetic British crowd.

These international forays have helped establish the BIG3 brand globally while introducing new audiences to the FIREBALL3 format.

BIG3's Impact on Basketball Culture

Beyond the games themselves, the BIG3 has influenced basketball culture through its unique blend of high-level competition and entertainment elements.

Music and Entertainment Integration

With Ice Cube's entertainment background, the BIG3 has seamlessly integrated music, celebrity appearances, and cultural elements into the basketball experience. Games feature performances, special guests, and an atmosphere that extends beyond traditional sports events.

This cultural integration has helped the BIG3 attract diverse audiences, including fans who might not otherwise attend basketball games. The approach has particular appeal to younger demographics who value experiences that combine sports, music, and popular culture.

Social Media and Digital Presence

The BIG3 has built a strong digital presence, using social media to showcase highlights, player personalities, and behind-the-scenes content. This digital strategy has helped the league connect with fans globally and build anticipation for events like the upcoming Australian showcase.

The league's social channels regularly feature spectacular plays, player interactions, and compelling storylines, creating engagement that extends beyond game days.

The NBL Connection

The partnership between the BIG3 and Australia's National Basketball League represents a collaboration between two organisations that have found success through innovation.

NBL's Growth

The NBL has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, establishing itself as one of the premier basketball leagues outside the NBA. Strategic investments, improved broadcast deals, and a focus on fan experience have transformed the league.

Under the leadership of Larry Kestelman and the operational direction of executives like Vince Crivelli, the NBL has attracted increasing international attention, most notably through the Next Stars program that has served as a pathway to the NBA for players like LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey.

Synergies Between the Leagues

Both the BIG3 and NBL share a commitment to basketball innovation and entertainment value, making them natural partners:

1. Fan Experience Focus: Both leagues prioritise creating engaging atmospheres that appeal to modern sports consumers.
2. Media Strategy: The organisations have embraced digital platforms and innovative broadcast approaches.
3. Basketball Development: Each league offers alternative pathways for players at different stages of their careers.
4. Global Ambitions: Both the BIG3 and NBL are looking beyond their home markets for growth opportunities.

These shared values create a strong foundation for the partnership and suggest potential for ongoing collaboration beyond the 2025 showcase.

GameAbove Sports' Role

The involvement of GameAbove Sports adds another dimension to the BIG3's Australian expansion, bringing financial resources and strategic vision to the partnership.

GameAbove Sports is the sports investment division of GameAbove, focusing on professional and youth teams, franchises, leagues, and athletes worldwide. The company aims to enhance the global presence of its sports-related entities through strategic investments and partnerships.

GameAbove already has significant ties to both the BIG3 and Australian basketball, owning the BIG3's Detroit franchise (set to begin play in 2025) and holding a stake in the NBL's Brisbane Bullets. This dual involvement positions the company as a natural facilitator for the collaboration.

Strategic Vision

GameAbove Chairman Keith J. Stone has expressed the company's commitment to growing the global 3-on-3 basketball community, viewing the Australian showcase as "the start of something special." This suggests the potential for ongoing investment in the format and possibly more regular BIG3 events in Australia beyond the initial showcase.

Olympic Recognition

The inclusion of 3-on-3 basketball in the Olympic Games beginning in Tokyo 2020 significantly raised the profile of this basketball variant. This Olympic recognition has helped legitimise the format and create new opportunities for professional 3-on-3 competitions like the BIG3.

Australia has embraced the Olympic 3-on-3 format, with both men's and women's national teams competing at high levels internationally. This existing familiarity with 3-on-3 basketball should help Australian fans connect with the BIG3's product.

Growth Potential in Australia

Australia represents a particularly promising market for the BIG3 for several reasons:

1. Strong Basketball Culture: Australia has a deep basketball tradition, with growing participation rates and increasing international success.
2. NBL Success: The recent renaissance of the NBL demonstrates Australians' appetite for quality basketball products.
3. Accessible Format: The fast-paced, high-scoring nature of FIREBALL3 has broad appeal, potentially attracting casual fans.
4. Infrastructure: Australia's basketball venues and sports infrastructure can readily accommodate the BIG3 format.
5. Time Zone Advantage: Australian scheduling allows for prime-time broadcasts in a market with minimal competition from American sports leagues.

These factors suggest that the BIG3 could find a receptive audience in Australia, potentially establishing a long-term presence in the country.

What to Expect at the Australian Showcase

While specific details about the November 2025 showcase are still forthcoming, fans can anticipate an event that combines elite 3-on-3 basketball with entertainment elements.

Likely Format

Based on previous BIG3 events, the Australian showcase will likely feature:

1. Multiple Games: A series of matchups featuring different BIG3 teams.
2. Star Power: Appearances by former NBA players and BIG3 standouts.
3. Hall of Fame Coaches: Participation from the league's legendary coaches.
4. Entertainment Elements: Music, celebrity appearances, and cultural components.
5. Fan Interaction: Opportunities for Australian fans to engage with players and the BIG3 brand.

The event promises to deliver the full BIG3 experience, introducing Australian fans to the unique energy and excitement of FIREBALL3.

The BIG3's expansion to Australia represents a significant milestone for both the league and basketball in Australia. By bringing its innovative 3-on-3 format to Australian cities in November 2025, the BIG3 will offer fans a basketball experience unlike anything currently available in the country.

The partnership between the BIG3, NBL, and GameAbove Sports creates exciting possibilities for basketball's growth in Australia, potentially establishing a new tradition of professional 3-on-3 competition. As Ice Cube noted, the showcase will be a "once-in-a-lifetime event" for Australian basketball fans, though the strategic alignment between the organisations suggests this could be the beginning of a lasting presence.

As the BIG3 prepares for its eighth season starting in June 2025, Australian basketball enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing the energy, talent, and entertainment of FIREBALL3 later that year, adding yet another dimension to Australia's increasingly diverse basketball landscape.

To register your interest head over to nbl.com.au/big3