The BIG3 basketball league that was started by Ice Cube has some big changes coming. Since the league started back in 2017, there haven't been any geographical ties to any of the teams. However, starting in 2025, all of the BIG3 teams will be transitioning to home markets. It is a big change, and one of the teams will be in Los Angeles. The transition took place with a $10 million deal, and BIG3 is working with DCB Sports to get it done.
“My partners and I are thrilled to be joining Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz in professional 3-on-3 basketball,” Gary LaDrido, Managing Partner of DCB Sports, said, according to a release from the BIG3 PR team. “We believe that the BIG3 can shape the future of basketball; the gameplay is dynamic and nuanced and the product on the court appeals to a global audience. I can’t wait to continue to grow this game with this group for years to come.”
Ice Cube's BIG3 league continues to grow as it started with just eight teams, but it expanded to 12 a couple years after its start. Now, the league continues to make big moves as they are making the move to home markets.
“This is a historic day for the BIG3,” Ice Cube said. “We could not be happier to entrust part of our league to Gary and this seasoned group of sports investors ahead of our most important season yet. We have all-star basketball talent, millions of loyal fans around the world, and we are one of the most viewed sports programs of the summer on CBS. Basing our teams in home cities allows BIG3 to engage local communities and fanbases and bringing in ownership groups each with their own sports expertise, business, and capabilities beginning in 2025 will allow BIG3 to grow exponentially. I know that DCB Sports will do right by the people of Los Angeles and together, we’ll continue to change the game.”
DCB Sports is the first team owner of the league
DCB Sports is the first owner of the league as they were chosen for the Los Angeles BIG3 team. BIG3 co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz is confident that they are a good fit.
“DCB Sports is a natural fit to be among the first owners in our league,” Jeff Kwatinetz said. “We are partnering with owners who have deep ties to their cities, bring new perspectives to the table, and are looking to better their communities through basketball; recognizing that sports teams should give back to the communities they represent instead of simply taking from them. This purchase and transition to city-based teams allows us to be more than just a weekend, and to expand the off-the-court parts of our league such as our Young3 program. We believe this transition will allow us to continue our upward trajectory in fan acquisition as well as to continue to innovate both the game as well as to align our core principles with those of our fans, players, and Hall of Fame coaches. I know that this DCB group is truly committed to putting down BIG3 roots in Los Angeles and I can’t wait to see what we can do together.”
This a big move for the BIG3, and they are hoping to continue to grow in the future.
“The BIG3 is the pioneer of the global professional 3-on-3 game, and the league’s momentum and influence continues to grow each year; among their fans and the impressive roster of premier 3-on-3 players set to compete this summer,” DCB Partner Matt Sherman said. “In addition to building out the Los Angeles franchise, we hope to help drive innovation within the global basketball ecosystem and be a catalyst for growth and connectivity internationally. The BIG3 is the most dynamic blend of culture, entertainment, and sports, and it’s exciting to see what the league has in store for this next chapter.”
Exciting times are ahead for the BIG3 league.
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