LAS VEGAS – The Big3 is back, and it’s bigger than ever. As the league charges into its ninth season, the buzz surrounding this 3-on-3 basketball revolution is louder than at any point in its near-decade run. What started in 2017 as a bold experiment—luring retired NBA stars out of retirement for a fresh take on hoops—has now become a legitimate force in the sports world.
This week, all eyes were on Las Vegas as the Big3 held its annual combine and draft at the iconic Fontainebleau’s Club Liv. The combine alone drew 120 hopefuls from across the country, each chasing a dream that only 14 draft picks could fulfill. It’s an uphill battle, but for those who didn’t hear their name called, the real prize was the chance to showcase their skills in front of basketball royalty—including league commissioner Clyde Drexler and the legendary "Iceman" George Gervin, who serves as a coach in the league.
The star power doesn’t stop there. Dwight Howard, the biggest name to join the Big3 in recent memory, made headlines this week by announcing his return to the LA Riot—just months after retiring from professional basketball. Howard instantly electrified the league last summer, delivering one of its most viral moments when he got into a heated fistfight with Lance Stephenson during his debut game. While Howard is sure to bring more fireworks this season, the real story lies in how the Big3 is evolving.
The league has found a winning formula: blending marquee names with undiscovered talent. By scouting players who were overlooked by traditional basketball pipelines, the Big3 is creating a unique mix of experience and hunger. It’s this approach that has given the league more momentum than ever before, proving that in the world of hoops, the Big3 isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the ninth season promises to be the most exciting yet. From high-stakes draft picks to jaw-dropping moments on the court, the Big3 is rewriting the playbook for professional basketball. And with legends like Drexler and Gervin leading the charge, the future has never looked brighter.