BIG3 Announces Eighth Season Set to Kick Off in Chicago
The BIG3 basketball league, co-founded by entertainment icon Ice Cube, has officially announced the schedule for its eighth season, which is slated to begin on June 14, 2025. The opening game will take place at Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL, and will be broadcast live on CBS. As fans eagerly await the commencement of the season, tickets for the first four matchups will go on sale on April 11, 2025, at 10 AM local time at big3.com/tickets.
Season Format and Locations
The upcoming season is notable for the introduction of eight new teams, each of which will have the opportunity to play games in their respective home markets. The cities scheduled to host teams include:
- Baltimore, MD at CFG Bank Arena on June 22, 2025 (DMV Trilogy)
- Miami, FL at Kaseya Center on June 29, 2025 (Miami 305)
- Boston, MA at TD Garden on July 13, 2025 (Boston Ball Hogs)
- Detroit, MI at Little Caesars Arena on July 20, 2025 (Detroit Amplifiers)
- Houston, TX at Toyota Center on August 2, 2025 (Houston Rig Hands)
- Los Angeles, CA at Intuit Dome on August 9, 2025 (Los Angeles Riot)
- Dallas, TX at American Airlines Center on August 17, 2025 (Dallas Power)
- Championship date and location to be announced.
Each matchup will contribute to the competitive atmosphere of the league, culminating in a championship game where the two finalist teams will vie for a $1 million win bonus—a first for the BIG3.
Ice Cube’s Vision for the League
“This is the most anticipated BIG3 season yet,” expressed Ice Cube, who serves as the league’s Co-CEO. He emphasized the heightened level of competition among players, not only competing for the Dr. J trophy but also for the substantial financial incentive. "Our fans have the chance to be part of history every week when each team makes its hometown debut," Cube added, highlighting the cultural touchstones associated with the BIG3.
The league is designed to be as much about entertainment as it is about basketball. Cube noted that when the BIG3 comes to town, fans can expect an experience filled with music, culture, and community.
A Focus on Player Welfare and Diversity
Founded in 2017, the BIG3 stands out in the sports industry for its progressive approach, promoting diversity and including groundbreaking policies such as a mental health initiative and the use of CBD for pain management. In addition, the league made headlines by appointing Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler as its first African American Commissioner and achieving a notable presence of female coaches within a male-dominated sport.
Noteworthy is Ice Cube’s recent recognition at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, where he received the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award. This award honors those making significant contributions to both the basketball community and society at large.
Documentary Coverage
This season will also be chronicled in a forthcoming BIG3 documentary, which aims to showcase not only the season’s thrilling moments but also the various challenges and controversies that have arisen since the league’s inception. This initiative will provide fans with an in-depth look at the inner workings of the league and its impact on players and communities.
Conclusion: The Significance of Season Eight
As the BIG3 prepares for its most ambitious season yet, all eyes will be on how the integration of new teams and communities affects the league’s dynamics and overall popularity. The introduction of a substantial financial incentive alongside a player-centric approach continues to set the league apart in the professional sports landscape. By focusing on community engagement, cultural relevance, and diversity, the BIG3 not only aims to entertain but also envisions fostering social change and expanding opportunities within the world of sports.
For those interested in catching all the exciting action of the upcoming season, tickets can be purchased on April 11, 2025, at big3.com/tickets.
