The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Wednesday its decision to increase the team quota to 12 for men and 12 for women in the 3×3 basketball program for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This change represents a significant step in the evolution of this urban discipline within the Olympic landscape.
The increase, from 8 to 12 teams per gender, reflects the growth that 3×3 basketball has experienced in recent years. Additionally, it highlights the global appeal of this sport and its continuous development, allowing for greater national representation and offering more countries the opportunity to compete on the Olympic stage.
Growth of 3×3 basketball and its global impact
The President of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani, expressed his gratitude to the IOC for this decision. According to his statement, “having four additional teams in the men’s and women’s tournaments is a testament to the global interest and excitement that Olympic basketball has generated in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.”
Meanwhile, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis emphasized that this increase in the quota marks a milestone for the organization and the sport. “The additional quota allows more National Federations and players from all around the world to dream of making it from the streets to the Olympics,” he said.
Los Angeles, an iconic stage for 3×3 basketball
Los Angeles, known as one of the most iconic basketball cities in the world, will be the perfect stage for this growth of 3×3 basketball. Zagklis highlighted the city’s vibrant basketball culture and its ability to provide a festive and urban atmosphere during the Olympic Games.
3×3 basketball, which debuted as an Olympic discipline in Tokyo 2020, has gained popularity thanks to its dynamic and accessible format. This growth has been key for the IOC and FIBA to work together to expand its reach in future editions of the Games.
Pending details on format and qualification
Although the announcement marks an important step forward, the details regarding the competition format and the qualification system for the 3×3 basketball tournaments at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will be communicated at a later stage. This aspect will be crucial in defining how the additional spots will be distributed among different nations.
