When Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz launched Big3 in 2017, many doubted whether a 3 v. 3 basketball league could succeed in the global basketball landscape. The idea of featuring retired NBA players was innovative, and the leadership inspired some optimism. However, establishing a new professional sports league remains a significant challenge.
Big3 founder Ice Cube and Director of Operations Thomas Scott react to a selection during the 2026 Big3 Draft on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at LIV Nightclub in Las Vegas.
As the league approaches its ninth season, it has gained more momentum than at any point in its history. A new group of high-profile retired NBA players has raised the league’s visibility among fans. Additionally, the league has developed new strategies to identify talented players. These talented players might otherwise be overlooked.
These strategies were evident during Big3’s annual draft at Fontainebleau’s Club Liv. The event followed a three-hour combine featuring 120 players competing for a spot in the league. With only 14 draft selections available, competition was intense. For many who were not selected, performing in front of NBA legends such as Big3 commissioner Clyde Drexler and coach George Gervin provided a valuable opportunity.
Hall of Famers
Dwight Howard is currently the most prominent former NBA player in the league. He announced his unexpected return to the LA Riot this week after retiring from professional basketball last winter. Howard drew significant attention to the Big3 last summer with a highly publicized altercation during his debut game. While he may continue to generate headlines this season, Howard values the opportunities the league provides. Both former NBA players and emerging talent benefit from these opportunities.
As co-captain of the Riot, Howard attended the combine to evaluate and advise on potential team selections for the upcoming season. Instead of selecting a more established former NBA player, Howard chose former five-star high school recruit Billy Preston with the ninth overall pick. In the year since Core first made his way into the league, he’s become the undisputed king of the streetball space. He has even gotten the attention of NBA current stars after his callout of Austin Rivers. Furthermore, his demolition of Gerald Green at a 1 v. 1 event in Houston added to his attention.
Core, who averaged 4.9 points per game at Florida A&M in his only collegiate season, has become central to the debate about the legitimacy of the online basketball scene. The emerging rivalry between streetball and NBA players adds a new level of interest to the league this season. This tension plays out in the 3 v. 3 format.
Eric Butler is a Contributor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on Instagram and X via @ReportandOpine
