FIBA has launched a year-long campaign dedicated to celebrating the inclusion of 3×3 basketball, the world’s fastest growing urban team sport, and its commitment to gender parity since its inception in 2010.
Kicking off on International Women’s Day and culminating on March 8, 2026, the campaign will highlight female 3×3 basketball players who are transforming the sport and inspiring the next generation of fans and athletes globally.
EQUALITY FROM THE START
Since its inception, FIBA has championed gender equality in 3×3 basketball, ensuring equal opportunities and visibility for female players, coaches, referees and even the DJs who contribute to the unique festival atmosphere for which the sport is known. With equal rules, balls, courts and accommodations for all, FIBA remains committed to building a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for women in the 3×3 basketball community, beyond one-off opportunities.
“Accessibility is really important,” commented Paige Crozon, a two-time FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series winner with Team Canada. “One thing I think FIBA gets right – with its ‘from the streets to the Olympics’ slogan – is that you only need one ball and five friends to play. By removing those barriers, it helps girls stay involved in the sport throughout their lives.
“As a single mother, my experiences may be different to some of my male peers, but I believe sport has given me a platform to talk about those issues and barriers, as well as celebrate our achievements. It is important that women have opportunities to play at a high level, be compensated fairly compared to their male counterparts, and receive the attention and recognition they deserve. This will provide a clear path for girls to follow.”
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
This year-long initiative will further amplify this commitment by highlighting a female 3×3 basketball star each month, sharing their inspirational stories, trajectories and accomplishments on and off the court.
Alex Sanchez, FIBA 3×3 CEO, said, “This campaign is a powerful testament to our dedication to showcasing the incredible talent and resilience of female 3×3 players. We want to use this campaign as an opportunity for the players to share their stories and inspire the next generation of young women to follow their dreams.”
This campaign directly aligns with FIBA’s broader commitment to women in basketball. Women in Basketball is a strategic priority for FIBA, launched in 2019 and extended through 2027, with six specific objectives designed to drive greater participation, representation and impact at all levels of women’s basketball. 3×3 Basketball’s year-long campaign directly contributes to these goals by highlighting the incredible diversity of talent and leadership within the 3×3 basketball community.
