Big3 Season Tips Off with Ice Cube’s League Back in Action

Season Opener Sparks Mvp Debate

The Big3 league, co-founded by rapper-turned-actor Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson Sr.) and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, officially tips off today at Chicago’s Allstate Arena. The 3-on-3 format returns after a two-year hiatus, and anticipation is high. The official @thebig3 Instagram teased, “season tips off TODAY! Who is your pick for MVP? 🤔🏆” Fans are already weighing contenders from league veterans like Corey Brewer to rising stars such as Anthony “Half-Man” Johnson.

After staging bubble-only games in 2022, Big3 welcomes up to 15,000 spectators per night this summer. Tonight’s opener is set for 6:30 p.m. ET, with live coverage on ViceTV, a simulcast on CBS Sports Network, and streaming via Paramount+. This multi-platform rollout underscores Big3’s growing footprint in the off-season basketball scene.

Matchups To Watch

Chicago’s opener features Zeke Austin’s squad against Gary “The Green” Green’s team—a rematch many circled on draft day. @thebig3 posted last week, “It’s showtime in the Windy City. @coachzeke.austin and @g.green_44 clash at 6:30 ET on @vicetv. ARE YOU READY?” Austin led Seattle to the 2022 bubble title, while Green’s veteran savvy poses a stiff test.

Frank “FrankNittyy” Jackson and former NBA forward Earl Clark will join forces against the same Green-Brewer tandem. “It’s going down in Chicago. @franknittyy and @earlclark_ face off vs. @g.green_44 and Corey Brewer at 6:30 ET on @vicetv. DON’T MISS IT,” the league warned followers.

Social media also buzzes around Gillie “The King” Da King, coached by Philly’s Wallo. The league declared, “Gillie the King ain’t just talk—he’s the coldest celeb on the court. Period.” On June 14th at Allstate Arena, he’ll take on all challengers during the first half of the doubleheader.

Later in the month, season two-time champions known as the Triplets will defend their home court against the Detroit Amps. “The @big3triplets defend their home court vs. the @detroitamps. Who will come out on top? 👀 Tune in June 14th on @cbssports, tip off at 4 PM!” teased a recent post, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.

Ice Cube’s Big3 Legacy

Ice Cube launched Big3 in 2017 alongside Kwatinetz to combine competitive basketball with entertainment flair. Drawing former NBA stars like Allen Iverson, Nate Robinson, and Chris Andersen, the league offers unique rules: a four-point shot, a 14-second shot clock, and games played to 50 points (win by two). These twists, coupled with half-court play, deliver fast-paced drama.

As a founding partner, Ice Cube leverages his Hollywood cachet—from roles in Friday and Barbershop to producing credits—to elevate the league’s profile. Live DJs, on-court interviews, and fan zones are staples at every venue, transforming games into summer events. Broadcast ratings have climbed steadily, with the 2022 championship drawing over a million viewers on CBS.

Big3’s community outreach includes youth clinics and autograph sessions. Recently, Ice Cube teamed with Riot Games for a free skills camp in South Central Los Angeles, attracting hundreds of young athletes eager for tips.

Looking Ahead

Over eight weeks, each of Big3’s eight teams will play eight regular-season games before the championship weekend in mid-July. Weekly MVP awards, decided by fan votes on social platforms, will spotlight standout performers. Unconfirmed social media chatter hints at surprise mid-season additions, with fans tagging names such as Lou Williams, DeMarcus Cousins, Jamal Crawford, and Derrick Rose—though no official announcements have been made.

Local activation continues off the court: autograph signings at Crenshaw Imperial Plaza, pop-up fan festivals on Chicago’s South Side, and watch parties at sports bars nationwide. With every highlight dunk and four-point bomb shared across TikTok and Instagram, Big3 is redefining summer hoops by blending sport, culture, and digital engagement.

Tonight’s opener in Chicago is more than a game; it’s a statement that 3-on-3 basketball has earned its place on the summer sports map. Let the season begin.

Trivia

Ice Cube transitioned into acting with his role in the 1991 film 'Boyz n the Hood', which became a classic.

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Reshmi Das

 

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.

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