The Big3, a three‑on‑three basketball league founded by rapper and entrepreneur Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz in 2017, is celebrating its tenth season with a roster that reads like a who’s who of recent NBA history.
Eight‑time All‑Star Dwight Howard, who captains the LA Riot, joins former stars such as Rashard Lewis, Stephen Jackson, Joe Johnson, Jaylen Brown and Leandro Barbosa, all of whom have embraced the league’s blend of competition and entertainment as a post‑career platform.
A Decade of Growth and Innovation
Viewership has surged, with an average of 558,000 viewers last summer and a playoff peak of 850,000, prompting the league to expand its rulebook with a 4‑point shot and the fan‑focused “Bring the Fire” challenge, while also welcoming international talent.
Under the stewardship of Commissioner Clyde Drexler, who took over from Roger Mason Jr. in 2018, the Big3 is preparing to go public with a $290 million valuation, a move intended to deepen media partnerships and broaden its reach across markets.
The league’s philosophy extends beyond the court; it prioritizes mental‑health resources, family involvement and a culture where players can express themselves authentically, a vision championed by Ice Cube himself.
Notable coaches, including Hall of Famers Julius Erving, George Gervin, Rick Barry, Lisa Leslie, Nancy Lieberman, Gary Payton, Allen Iverson and Calvin Murphy, add a layer of basketball legend that enriches the league’s narrative and credibility.
With a growing roster of athletes, a commitment to community engagement and a clear path toward public listing, the Big3 is positioning itself as a distinctive model for sports innovation, blending competition, entertainment and social impact.