Ice Cube’s Big3 Basketball League Returns to Dallas

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In 2017, Ice Cube’s half-court 3-on-3 basketball experiment debuted as the Big3 League, a summer spectacle blending professional basketball with entertainment. The league’s concept was bold — part sports nostalgia, part music festival, and part traveling showcase. Featuring former NBA stars such as Allen Iverson, Jermaine O’Neal, and Stephen Jackson, Big3 quickly gained attention for its unconventional rules and high-profile personalities. That inaugural season included a Dallas stop at American Airlines Center, where the league’s unique format — a 14-second shot clock, four-point shot circles, and fast-paced half-court play — left a lasting impression on fans. As one then-13-year-old attendee recalled, he spent all his savings just to see Nate Robinson in person, a testament to the league’s immediate star power and appeal. Over the years, Big3 has embraced innovation and risk-taking to keep the game fresh. The league has experimented with one-on-one challenges to settle foul disputes, open tryouts for hopeful players, and even a $5 million offer to collegiate star Caitlin Clark, which she declined (O’Donnell). While some saw these moves as gimmicks, they also signaled Big3’s commitment to pushing basketball’s creative boundaries. This weekend, Dallas hosts the league once again under its new “Summer In The City” rebrand, which introduces city-themed teams and localized fan engagement. For the first time, Dallas will have its own Big3 squad, a move designed to deepen the city’s connection to the league and attract an even broader audience. With playoff spots on the line, the Dallas stop carries significant competitive weight for the season’s outcome.

Big3’s endurance, now into its eighth season, stands in contrast to many short-lived sports ventures. Its blend of seasoned veterans, fresh talent from global leagues, and entertainment-driven presentation continues to draw both devoted basketball fans and casual spectators. As Ice Cube himself has stated, the league’s mission is to deliver “real basketball” with “no politics, no nonsense — just competition”. When the ball tips off at American Airlines Center this weekend, Dallas fans can expect more than just a game. They will witness a format designed to maximize excitement, unpredictability, and audience energy. Whether for nostalgia, star performances, or the possibility of a 30-foot four-pointer, Big3’s return to Dallas embodies the same boldness that launched it in 2017 — and shows no signs of slowing down.