It will be the sixth edition of the tournament and, for the first time, it will take place in Xiong’an, a city seeking to establish itself as a hub of youth sports. The event will be broadcast live on the official YouTube channel of FIBA 3×3, allowing fans worldwide to experience every play, every basket, and every emotion of a competition that promises intensity from start to finish.

Favorites and title contenders

In the men’s bracket, all eyes are on Germany, the reigning champion and symbol of the golden era German basketball is experiencing. With players who already know what it means to succeed on this stage, they arrive determined to repeat their feat. But they won’t be alone: the United States is eager to avenge last year’s final loss, and France is betting on the energy of Rudy Ekwakwe, a 20-year-old talent already sparking excitement across the continent.

The women’s competition, meanwhile, promises an open battle. The United States dreams of breaking the curse and becoming the first country to defend the title. However, China emerges as a strong contender after earning a historic bronze in 2024, now led by JianPing Zhang. Europe is also in the mix, with powerhouses like France, the Netherlands, and Germany arriving with young rosters but plenty of ambition.

Rising stars to watch

The U23 World Cup is also a showcase for future idols. In the men’s bracket, Alex Fudge, with NBA experience, tops the list of players to watch, although he will face challenges from talents like German Denzel Agyeman and Mongolian Bolor-Erdene Gantsolmon. From New Zealand, Aidan Tonge promises to be another revelation, bringing strength and character to a competition that will serve as a springboard for new generations.

In the women’s tournament, the spotlight will be on Serena Sundell, recently drafted into the WNBA and ready to lead a renewed U.S. team. Alongside her are names like Elisa Mevius, an Olympic champion in Paris 2024 at just 21 years old, and Dutch player Liselot Kulk, who has impressed in the U25 Women’s Series. Philippines also has reasons to dream with Quinn Kacey Dela Rosa, a player poised to become an inspiration for thousands of fans.

The post Complete guide to the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2025: What you need to know appeared first on SportsIN.

During his years in MMA, Söhnel discovered the essence of individual effort. “In MMA, there’s nobody to save you. It’s just you in the cage,” he recalled. His transition to 3×3, however, highlighted a decisive contrast: the importance of collective cohesion. “No ego, just playing for the team,” he underlined after Team Vienna’s World Tour victory in Debrecen.

The body as a bridge between two disciplines

The skills acquired in MMA proved decisive in his adaptation to 3×3. “My body and my background really suited 3×3,” explained the player, who had grown up playing basketball. Mastery of body balance, explosiveness, and contact management translated into a competitive edge. “MMA influenced my game a lot. It helps me set strong screens, play defense and grab rebounds,” he said.

The cage also strengthened his mental resilience. The ability to remain calm in extreme situations carried over into a 3×3 calendar filled with demanding competitions. “In 3×3, it’s like playing a final every weekend,” he stated. This psychological preparation has allowed him to cope with the density of tournaments, the accumulation of matches in a single weekend, and the constant pressure of world rankings.

Injuries, discipline and the chance to reinvent himself

The physical toll of MMA led him to reconsider his career. The global pandemic became a turning point, when he reconnected with basketball in Vienna. “After two or three practices, the motivation came back,” he explained. Later, he overcame significant injuries in 3×3 as well, including an Achilles tendon issue.

Beyond results, Söhnel sees discipline as the common ground between both disciplines. “You can’t get comfortable with success and you can’t get too low after failure,” he noted. This balance, forged in MMA, has carried over to 3×3 as a key principle for sustaining performance on the international circuit.

Humility and learning on the Olympic path

The lessons learned in the cage translated into humility and a constant drive for improvement. “MMA taught me to find inner peace and to focus on my craft,” he said. In 3×3, that mentality is reflected in the absence of ego and the priority given to the team.

Austria celebrated with him its first-ever gold medal at the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup in 2024, a historic milestone that elevated the country’s standing in this Olympic discipline. Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Games, Söhnel sums up his approach in simple terms: “The key is to enjoy the game, because that’s when we play our best.”

The post Fabio Söhnel: from the MMA cage to 3×3 basketball appeared first on SportsIN.

Ub keeps its supremacy in the World Tour

The Serbian team arrived with unstoppable momentum and, despite the absence of their injured leader Dejan Majstorovic, once again proved unbreakable. In the knockout stage they defeated Valencia and Lugano before facing Miami in the decisive matchup. There, Strahinja Stojacic and Nenad Nerandzic tipped the balance with clutch long-range shots. The standout was Nemanja Barać, recognized as MVP: “His intensity made the difference in every possession,” highlighted the FIBA organizers.

After a promising start to the season with a win at the Utsunomiya Opener, the American side Miami had gone through a slump with three straight stops without making it past the quarter-finals. In Lausanne they rediscovered their best form, eliminating hosts Lausanne (SUI) first and then Liman (SRB). Dylan Travis and Mitch Hahn were the offensive leaders, while James Parrott added strength with spectacular dunks and decisive blocks.

The big surprise was Lugano (SUI), making their season debut and reaching the semi-finals after defeating Partizan (SRB) and Barcelona (ESP). The team, led by former Lausanne players Westher Molteni and Malik Hluchoweckyj, also counted on an inspired Michael Efevberha, who proved decisive in the tensest moments.

Many contenders in Bordeaux

The FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series 2025 returns to Europe with the Bordeaux Stop, where some of the strongest national teams on the circuit will meet. France, the host, is still searching for its first title of the season and relies on the duo of Eve Wembanyama and Myriam Djekoundade to end the drought.

Canada, led by Katherine Plouffe, arrives in excellent form after dominating in Edmonton, while Spain remains among the elite with two titles in 2025. The presence of Juana Camilion, a key figure in the Olympic silver medal run at Paris 2024, adds further interest. Also highly rated are Ulaanbaatar Amazons (MGL) and CS Rapid Bucharest (ROU), both sitting high in the standings.

An open field with possible surprises

The women’s tournament also brings uncertainty. Team USA, forced to start from the qualifying draw, features players such as Linnae Harper and Cierra Burdick. Austria could emerge as a dark horse after two quarter-final appearances, while the young Bonn Baskets (GER) excite fans with the emergence of 18-year-old Lisanne Rawer.

From Asia, Thailand also stands out as a candidate to surprise, relying on the scoring power of Rattiyakorn Udomsuk, considered one of the top offensive specialists in the world. With this lineup, Bordeaux is preparing for two days of top-level 3×3 basketball.

The post Ub extends its dominance in Lausanne as Bordeaux gets ready for the Women’s Series 2025 appeared first on SportsIN.

The agreement covers competitions organized by FIBA, including the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, the U23 World Cup, and the Zone Cups. These events take place year-round and are part of FIBA’s official calendar for the discipline.

Key step in global expansion

The partnership positions ‘beIN SPORTS’ as the official broadcaster of 3×3 basketball content in North America. FIBA states that this move is part of its broader global expansion strategy. “This partnership is another important step in our mission to grow 3×3 basketball worldwide,” said FIBA 3×3 Managing Director Alex Sanchez.

Sanchez added: “beIN SPORTS shares our vision to showcase the unique excitement of 3×3 to new audiences. Together, we will bring the vibrant, fast-paced action of 3×3 basketball to millions of new fans across North America.”

“The future of urban sports entertainment”

The deal includes exclusive coverage of major international tournaments over two full seasons. It covers both national team competitions and club events, as well as youth-level championships organized by FIBA. The FIBA 3×3 World Cup, the highest-level national team competition in this discipline, and the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, focused on the global professional circuit, will be part of the programming.

Antonio Briceño, Managing Director of ‘beIN SPORTS’ North America, highlighted the network’s commitment to the format: “With its compelling mix of raw athleticism, cultural vibrancy, and fast-paced gameplay, FIBA 3×3 basketball is the future of urban sports entertainment.” The coverage includes events held in cities around the world, as well as continental and youth competitions such as the U23 World Cup and the Zone Cups. Broadcasts will be available on ‘beIN SPORTS’ linear channels in both the United States and Canada.

Regional growth

FIBA has stated that this partnership will help expand the 3×3 fan base and support its continued growth in the region. The agreement also includes potential opportunities for local activations and collaborations.

Events will be broadcast throughout the season, providing ongoing access to the main 3×3 competitions held across North America.

The post The FIBA and beIN SPORTS partnership for broadcasting 3×3 basketball in the United States and Canada appeared first on SportsIN.

The first edition of this new era will take place on September 13 and 14 at an iconic location in downtown Shanghai, with the exact venue to be announced shortly. The competition will bring together the top seven teams from the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series regular season, along with the host team from China, to compete for the championship title.

Alex Sanchez, general manager of FIBA 3×3, highlighted the importance of this decision: “We are very excited that the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai will host the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Final for the next four years. Shanghai, with its track record of hosting major international sporting events, will be an incredible host for the world’s best 3×3 basketball players.”

A boost for women’s basketball in China

Sam Wang Zhichuan, CEO of Redwings Sports Shanghai, expressed his enthusiasm for the impact this event will have on the country: “We are honored to welcome the world’s best players to Shanghai. Our long-term partnership with FIBA 3×3 will offer a new perspective for 3×3 basketball fans in China and, above all, inspire young women who are passionate about this exciting sport.”

The FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series has experienced significant growth in recent years. The 2024 final broke online engagement records, reaching 5.6 million impressions, up from 2.6 million in 2023. The audience also grew by 150%, reaching 4.5 million viewers, while interactions increased by 90%, underscoring the growing global popularity of women’s 3×3 basketball.

The post Shanghai will host the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Final until 2028 appeared first on SportsIN.

The idea for Ecoballution was born in A Coruña, Carlos’ hometown in northwestern Spain. “I live in a city by the sea, and I am aware of the problems of ocean pollution,” Carlos explained in an interview with ‘FIBA 3×3’ during World Environment Day. Currently, his company recycles between six and eight tons of marine debris annually, transforming it into products that are stronger than traditional nets.

Recycled nets for multiple sports

Ecoballution’s recycled nets are not only used in basketball but also in aquatic sports like water polo and professional football, including LaLiga. Carlos emphasizes that his goal is “to make the world a better place through sports,” leveraging his position as a professional athlete to promote positive change. “Sport is a way of life and can also be a way to change lives.”

The project was born during a transitional period in Carlos’ career. After playing professional basketball since the age of 14, the Covid-19 pandemic led him to rethink his future. At 24, he decided to focus on 3×3 basketball, which allowed him to combine his passion for the sport with the growth of Ecoballution.

International expansion and sustainability

So far, Ecoballution has supplied products to teams and leagues in Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal. However, Carlos is ambitious about expanding its reach globally. “I would love to bring the product to more clubs and leagues around the world,” he said, highlighting the importance of using his platform as an athlete to drive sustainable initiatives in sports.

Carlos also emphasizes that, while he does not believe athletes are obligated to lead social projects, he does think they have a privileged platform to do so. “Morally, we have a great opportunity to share these social initiatives.”

An impact beyond sports

The impact of Ecoballution goes beyond the sports industry. Carlos reinvests the project’s revenue into his community and environmental protection. “Our goal is not just to sell nets but also to change our relationship with the sea.” Additionally, he believes that sports are a powerful tool to transmit positive values and educate younger generations.

The post Carlos Martínez, the 3×3 basketball star transforming fishing nets into sports solutions appeared first on SportsIN.

The final spots were decided at the qualifying tournament held in Baku, Azerbaijan, where Brazil, Latvia, and Chile secured their participation in the women’s competition, while Montenegro, Canada, and Great Britain qualified for the men’s side. With the lineup complete, the group stage promises thrilling clashes between established powers and new rising forces.

Confirmed groups and unmissable matchups at the FIBA 3×3 2025

In the women’s tournament, Group A will kick things off with a high-voltage matchup between world number one China and Australia, the reigning Asian champion. The group is completed by Italy, Poland, and Madagascar. In Group B, United States, the current three-time world champion, leads a pool that includes Netherlands, Czech Republic, Japan, and Brazil. Meanwhile, Group C offers a rematch of the 2022 World Cup between France and Canada, alongside challenges from Hungary, Austria, and Latvia. Group D features European powerhouses like Spain and Germany, with the home crowd advantage for Mongolia, plus Ukraine and Chile.

In the men’s category, Serbia will aim for its seventh title from Group A, where it will face Australia, Germany, Belgium, and Madagascar. Group B features stars like United States, Latvia, and host Mongolia, along with Japan and Montenegro. France leads Group C, facing Austria and three American teams: Chile, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Finally, Group D will be marked by the rivalry between Netherlands and Lithuania, joined by Spain, Switzerland, and Great Britain. The group stage will run from June 23 to 26, followed by the round of 16 on the 27th, quarterfinals on the 28th, and semifinals and finals on the 29th.

The post Groups revealed and schedule set for the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2025 in Mongolia appeared first on SportsIN.

The decision to stop competing was not an easy one. An injury during the Olympic Games hastened his retirement, but his passion for basketball never faded. With no immediate desire to coach, Fredette found in a leadership role a way to stay connected to the sport he loves. With his player experience and strategic vision, the former world No. 1 in 3×3 will seek to boost a program that has already shown signs of growth but, in his view, still has much to prove.

A new beginning with Olympic ambitions

Fredette takes on the role with a clear goal: to transform the 3×3 basketball structure in the U.S. to reach the highest competitive level. He is already working on the national team’s preparation for the World Cup and has led initiatives such as the recent development camp, which brought together more than 30 up-and-coming talents. With a renewed team made up of experienced players like Dylan Travis and Henry Caruso, the immediate goal is to form a squad capable of competing at the highest level in the World Tour and, in the medium term, win the Olympic gold medal that slipped away in Paris.

Fredette’s vision combines technique, mentality, and strategy. He looks for versatile athletes, with tactical intelligence and physical resilience, able to adapt to the fast pace of 3×3. He himself is an example of what it means to grow within the circuit: he began in 2022 with a team that went from competitive to dominant. Now, as general manager, he wants to pass on that experience to new talent and build a program that is solid, consistent, and ambitious. “Wearing U.S. on your chest is an honor, and now my job is to make sure we can win, again and again,” he says. The road to Los Angeles 2028 has already begun.

The post Jimmer Fredette, from 3×3 basketball star to general manager of the U.S. national team appeared first on SportsIN.

Tunisia enters as the top seed after dominating its qualifying group with a 5–1 record and boasting key figures like Omar Abada and Makram Ben Romdhane. Nigeria arrives following an unexpected comeback during the February 2025 window, while Cameroon features emerging talents like Jeremiah Hill and Williams Narace. Meanwhile, Madagascar, though less favored in predictions, has shown the ability to surprise thanks to a young generation led by Mathias M’Madi and Sitraka Raharimanantoanina.

Tunisia leads, but no one feels safe in Group B

Despite Tunisia’s leadership in the FIBA Africa rankings (4th), the respect among Group B teams is clear. Recent results show the gap on the court has narrowed. Tunisia continues to rely on its championship core, with Abada as the offensive engine and Ben Romdhane as the key player on the boards. However, voices like that of veteran Radhouane Slimane warn of possible fatigue in a team undergoing a generational shift. “We can’t underestimate anyone. Not even Madagascar,” he said with sincerity.

Nigeria and Cameroon arrive with momentum. The D’Tigers were reborn in Libya, with Caleb Agada as their star, while Cameroon leans on Hill’s creativity and Narace’s power. Madagascar, for its part, is the wildcard: the team has shown growth and confidence, and its leaders are undaunted by higher-ranked opponents. As Raharimanantoanina said: “We are the least favored, but we’ve already proven we can shock everyone.” In a group where all have arguments, the outcome will depend entirely on what happens on the court.

The post Group B of AfroBasket 2025: between history and uncertainty appeared first on SportsIN.

The tournament will bring together 40 of the world’s best men’s and women’s national teams in the heart of Warsaw, next to the iconic Palace of Culture and Science, one of the tallest buildings in Europe. This urban setting promises to be the perfect backdrop for exciting and dynamic 3×3 basketball.

Poland, a country committed to 3×3 basketball

During the press conference in Warsaw, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis highlighted Poland’s commitment to 3×3 basketball: “Bringing the FIBA 3×3 World Cup to Warsaw for the first time underlines Poland’s strong commitment to the sport. With its proven success in organizing top-level events, Poland is a natural choice.”

For his part, Polish Basketball Federation President Grzegorz Bachański added: “We are delighted that the top-ranked event, the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, is coming to Warsaw. The modern capital of our country will be the perfect venue for this tournament.”

A successful track record as a host

Poland has proven to be a great host in 3×3 basketball. In 2023, the city of Lublin hosted the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup, an event that received praise for its atmosphere and boosted the popularity and competitiveness of 3×3 basketball in the country.

In addition, Poland has cemented its position as a serious contender on the global stage. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Polish men’s team finished sixth. Meanwhile, the women’s team continues to excel in the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series.

The post Warsaw to host the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 appeared first on SportsIN.