Hip-hop legend and actor Ice Cube will launch the BIG3 basketball league in Australia following a deal with the National Basketball League (NBL) and GameAbove Sports.
As part of the agreement, the BIG3 will host its first-ever international BIG3 Showcase event in Australia in November 2025. Previously, the breakout league has played in a plethora of countries, including the Bahamas, the UK and Canada.
While more details are set to be announced later this year, BIG3 CEO and music icon described this as a “once-in-a-lifetime event”.
“We’ve wanted to bring our players to compete on the international stage for years, and we can’t think of a better place to do just that than in Australia among some of the best basketball fans in the world,” Ice Cube added.
“The energy, culture, and love for basketball in Australia is astounding, making it a perfect fit for us. What the NBL has done to grow the game is incredible and together with GameAbove, see no limit to this partnership. We can’t wait to bring Aussie fans the power of the BIG3 live in November, and perhaps beyond.”
Basketball has grown in popularity over the years in Australia and the NBL has been a key player in this success. One of the ways it has achieved this growth is through providing a range of basketball content to attract new fans to the sport.
The BIG3 plays FIREBALL3, an adapted version of traditional three vs. three basketball. In addition to this ‘improved version’ of the sport, the league features Hall of Fame coaches such as George ‘The Iceman’ Gervin, Julius ‘Dr. J’ Irving and Nancy Lieberman.
Vince Crivelli, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Basketball Operations at the NBL, commented: “The NBL is thrilled to join forces with Ice Cube, Jeff Kwatinetz, and GameAbove Sports to bring the electrifying energy of the premier global 3-on-3 basketball league to Australia this November. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering the best basketball entertainment down under.
“This partnership is significant and meaningful. We are both committed to growing our game and providing fans with the highest level of on-court talent, mixed with a unique entertainment package that embodies the essence and culture of our sport. We are thrilled to be working with Jeff, and the GameAbove and BIG3 organisations.
“The global respect and credibility the NBL has earned has enabled this exciting partnership to happen and we look forward to what promises to be an incredible event.”
GameAbove Sports acts as the glue in this agreement. The privately-held global investment company owns the BIG3’s Detroit franchise and is a stakeholder in the NBL’s Brisbane Bullets.
Keith J. Stone, Chairman of GameAbove Sports, stated: “This showcase will be the start of something special for the global 3-on-3 basketball community.
“We’re proud to be involved in this significant moment for both leagues. The BIG3 has the most talented 3-on-3 athletes in the world and partnering with the NBL in Australia, a league with a rich history and outstanding commitment to basketball, presents a special platform for these athletes and the BIG3.”
