• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 8, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Big3 Challenges 3×3 Olympics Winner As U.S. Men’s Team Struggles

  • The Big3 president said any of his league’s 12 teams would win the gold medal.
  • He also claims that USA Basketball’s selection team is operating under bad faith.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Big3, the 3-on-3 pro basketball league cofounded by rapper Ice Cube (above), is issuing a challenge to whichever country wins the men’s 3×3 basketball event at the Paris Olympics.

“There’s 12 teams in the Big3, and any of the 12 teams would win gold,” Big3 president and cofounder Jeff Kwatinetz tells Front Office Sports.

The challenge issued to the eventual gold-medal winners is to face an All-Star team of Big3 players during the league’s finals in Boston on Aug. 18, the same time the league has its All-Star and Celebrity Game showcase. The league also plans to give a financial incentive to the gold medalists if they are able to defeat the Big3 contingent.

The challenge comes as USA Basketball’s 3×3 team has struggled in Paris, ranking seventh of eight teams after starting 1-4 in the tournament.

The USA Basketball team is composed of just one former NBA player, Jimmer Fredette, who was the top-ranked 3×3 player before the Olympics, while the remaining three players on the roster—Canyon Barry, Kareem Maddox, and Dylan Travis—were not drafted by NBA teams.

The Big3, which launched in 2017, features a slew of ex-NBA players, including former NBA All-Stars such as Joe Johnson and Jason Richardson. The top two teams in the Big3 standings so far in 2024 feature former NBA players such as Gerald Green, Jordan Crawford, and Corey Brewer.

Kwatinetz claims USA Basketball has avoided working with the Big3, in part because of its association with the NBA.

“USA Basketball is controlled by the NBA, and they don’t want the Big3 to get any recognition so they’d rather have the United States forfeit a gold medal,” Kwatinetz said. “It is disgusting that the NBA and USA Basketball put their own petty disputes above their country’s success in the Olympics.”

There are several requirements for players to be eligible to play for the 3×3 Olympic team, which include participation in FIBA-sanctioned 3×3 events. The Big3 is not a FIBA-sanctioned event, in part because it plays a modified 3×3 format.

Kwatinetz said his players are professionals and will not play in “pseudo-amateur events” to accumulate points. 

“If USA Basketball cared [about] winning gold medals for the United States instead of themselves, [then] in the same way that they let the NBA choose the 5-on-5 team, they would do the same thing with us and we would win the gold for the United States.”

USA Basketball did not immediately respond to a request for comment from FOS.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NC State

NC State ‘Cardiac Pack’ Team Loses NCAA Suit for NIL Back Pay

The 1983 team was among college basketball’s greatest Cinderella stories. 
WNBA

Crypto Group Says It’s Behind WNBA Dildo Epidemic

The group backs a memecoin that launched last week.

More Dildo Throwing During WNBA Games Leads to Second Arrest

The 18-year-old threw a dildo that hit another fan and his young niece.

Featured Today

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Apr 6, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Marc Leishman (center) celebrates with his teammates after winning the final round of the LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.
August 7, 2025

Trump Golf Courses Secure 2026 Stops on LIV, PGA

For the fifth consecutive year, LIV golf returns to a Trump course.
August 7, 2025

LAFC’s Record Son Deal Brings Global Buzz and Local Pride

Los Angeles has the largest Korean community in the country.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
August 7, 2025

Smelling Salts Not Banned in the NFL, but Teams Can’t Hand Them..

Teams are banned from supplying smelling salts to their players.
August 6, 2025

US Open Breaks Prize Money Record, Still Leads All Grand Slams

The total 2025 US Open prize money is $85 million.
Diana Taurasi
August 6, 2025

Diana Taurasi Warns Against WNBA Work Stoppage 

Taurasi saw several key negotiations in her legendary career.
Mar 11, 2024; Jupiter, Florida, USA; MLB umpire Jen Pawol watches from first base during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
August 6, 2025

MLB Calls Up First Female Umpire for Marlins-Braves Doubleheader

Jen Pawol officiated in the minor leagues and MLB spring training.