Daijiworld Media Network- Mies
Mies, Apr 25: Utsunomiya, Japan, will play host to the opening leg of the 2025 FIBA 3x3 World Tour this weekend, marking another step in the sport's global expansion. The tournament's schedule for the year closely mirrors that of previous seasons, with the competition set to feature 15 stops, continuing to drive the growth of 3x3 basketball worldwide.
According to Alex Sanchez, the Managing Director for FIBA's 3x3, 14 of the 15 host cities from last year are making a return for the current season, reflecting the growing demand from cities eager to host the exciting fusion of sport, music, and culture.
“The overwhelming enthusiasm to host our World Tour is clear. We’ve witnessed strong digital growth as well, with more than 57 million followers across all platforms, contributing to the global success of 3x3,” Sanchez said, highlighting the engaging fan experience that has led to the sport's expansion.
The sport continues to gain recognition on the global stage, including a successful showing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the 3x3 basketball competition drew large crowds and widespread enthusiasm. The sport’s exposure has only intensified with the announcement of expanded team quotas for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which will increase participation to 12 teams each for both men and women’s categories.
Asia remains a central hub for the World Tour, with the region hosting nine of this year's events, including a highly anticipated stop in Manama, Bahrain, and five events in China. As 3x3 basketball flourishes in the region, the World Tour will also celebrate its 10th anniversary in Chengdu, China, this year.
FIBA’s ongoing investment in grassroots initiatives and emerging talent across Asia is helping to propel the sport to new heights. Sanchez noted, "The energy and passion shown by fans and players in Asia are truly exceptional, and we foresee continued growth, especially in countries like China, where the future of 3x3 basketball looks very promising."
With the tour's expansion, coupled with its increasing presence at global events, FIBA is looking toward an even brighter future for 3x3 basketball. As the sport evolves, it promises to deliver even more thrilling moments and inspire countless new fans worldwide.