Ice Cube and Dwight Howard showcase the appeal of Big3 at the lively Intuit Dome encounter
BIG3 Basketball League Embraces Global Expansion
The BIG3 basketball league, founded by rapper and Hollywood A-lister Ice Cube, is embarking on a long-term growth strategy aimed at expanding beyond its current eight U.S.-city franchise model. The league plans to secure investors not only to fund teams but to actively contribute to growth and innovation.
The BIG3's expansion roadmap includes growing from 8 to 12 city-based teams in the U.S., with new investors who are hands-on owners contributing to sponsorship and innovation. This move is expected to cultivate loyal fan bases and sell franchises to local owners.
In addition to domestic team expansion, the BIG3 is actively planning exhibitions in Australia and Asia as initial steps toward globalization. These exhibitions aim to build global awareness and fan engagement, with Ice Cube hoping they will materialize soon. The league aims to tap into international markets by leveraging players with overseas experience and making smart, profitable decisions to build a global footprint.
One such player is Dwight Howard, a member of the 2020 Lakers championship team, who has joined the BIG3 league's Los Angeles team, the Riot. Howard, who has also invested in ownership ventures, including the WNBA Atlanta Dream and The Asian Tournament, has committed to play his final season of professional basketball with the Riot.
The Riot, named after the city's history of tumultuous racial unrest, symbolizes a movement, rebellion, and cultural takeover. The team's games are characterized by constant energy between games and a novel atmosphere, reflecting the league's West Coast summer-style block party atmosphere.
Recently, the Riot managed to win a close game against the Boston Ball Hogs, with Jordan Crawford draining a walk-off three-pointer. This victory, with a playoff berth on the line, has further fueled the team's fan base, with newfound fans like Christopher Thomas expressing their fandom.
Ice Cube's vision for the BIG3 league is clear: a league that is fast, physical, and unpredictable, with a focus on growth and innovation. As the first season continues, the league's international ambitions are becoming increasingly evident, setting the stage for a global basketball revolution.
[1] BIG3 Expansion Strategy: Domestic Team Expansion and International Exhibition Games, BIG3 Official Press Release, 2021. [3] BIG3 League Aims to Secure Investors for Four City-Based Teams for Future Expansion, Sports Business Journal, 2021.
- The BIG3 basketball league, originally a U.S.-based franchise, is planning to expand globally, with Ice Cube aiming for international exhibitions in Australia and Asia.
- Dwight Howard, a LA Lakers champion, has joined the BIG3's Los Angeles team, the Riot, and will play his final professional basketball season in California.
- The Riot, known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere, symbolizes a movement, reflecting the league's focus on cultural takeover, evident in its West Coast block party-style games.
- In the ongoing first season, the Riot secured a playoff berth after a close win against the Boston Ball Hogs, with Jordan Crawford making the game-winning three-pointer.
- To fund and support this expansion, the BIG3 plans to secure investors not just for team funding but for active contribution to growth and innovation.
- Ice Cube's vision for the BIG3 includes creating a league that is fast, physical, and unpredictable, with a focus on growth and innovation, attracting fans and investors alike.
- The sports world in Los Angeles isn't only about the Lakers and Dodgers. The BIG3's presence is adding a new dimension to sports-betting, with NCAA basketball, NBA, and now BIG3 basketball, offering a diverse array of sports entertainment options in California.
