Producer, actor and music legend Ice Cube, along with entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz officially announced today the launch of the BIG3 (www.BIG3.com), a new, 3-on-3, half-court basketball league that will feature some of the best players to ever play the game. Former National Basketball Players Association Deputy Executive Director and NBA player Roger Mason, Jr. will serve as the league’s Commissioner and President.
“The BIG3 was created as the ultimate basketball fan experience,” said BIG3 founder Ice Cube. “We’re bringing some of the baddest names to ever play the game, and giving them a platform to not only showcase their skills, but to entertain their fans in a high-energy, physical and competitive environment. As a diehard basketball fan, I personally can’t wait to see my favorite players back in action.”
The BIG3 will begin in June 2017, and will unite basketball greats and their biggest fans with an entertaining 3-on-3 basketball league played in arenas across the country. The new league will bring fans legendary NBA superstars competing against one another, in never-before-seen matchups and team pairings. Former NBA players who have officially committed to participate include Allen Iverson, Chauncey Billups, Gary Payton, Kenyon Martin, Stephen Jackson, Jermaine O’Neal, Rashard Lewis, Jason Williams, Bonzi Wells, Mike Bibby and George “The Iceman” Gervin. Payton and Gervin will serve as coaches, with Iverson serving as a player/coach – the rest are confirmed to play.
The BIG3 will comprise eight teams of five players, one head coach, and one assistant coach. Regular season games will take place each Saturday from June 24 through August 12, with playoff games played on August 19 and 26. The BIG3 will take place each week in a different arena and city across the country, with all four games happening on the same day in the same venue, creating the excitement of a Final Four or All-Star Game atmosphere.
“The BIG3 puts a special emphasis on the players, and they are an integral part of its function,” said Mason, Jr. “From the coaching, to the team selection and the games themselves – the league is player powered. We’re excited for the players to have such an active role in the BIG3 and look forward to a successful partnership.”
The BIG3’s weekly festivals will be among the most exciting sports atmospheres in the world by intertwining competitive games featuring basketball legends and superstar entertainment and halftime shows. Adding to the highly energetic games will be individualized music and introductions and fan interaction with players and exhibits before and after the games.
“Three-on-three basketball is the most played sport in the world. It is a universally beloved form of basketball that truly highlights a player’s technical skill set,” said BIG3 founder Kwatinetz. “The BIG3 will bring our favorite basketball stars to one of the most popular forms of the sport. The league promises to deliver fun, exciting and fast-paced basketball played by some of the game’s most talented players.”
Games will be played up to 60 points, with the first team to reach the 60-point mark the winner. Halftime will take place when the first team reaches 30 points.
BIG3 will introduce into play a 4-point shot with three 4-point circles beyond the 3-point line. Players can shoot for four points by touching any part of the circle.
Designed as a player-centric league, BIG3 will feature 40 players, with the players earning a 52 percent revenue share. The revenue split will be determined by the final league standings, including postseason results in order to maximize competitiveness between the teams.
Players will operate their teams, with a Player Captain designated to make personnel decisions. All coaches will be former NBA players.
For more information and to sign up for news updates, visit www.BIG3.com.
Photo Credit: Getty Images for BIG3
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