MIES: The FIBA 3×3 World Tour is set to enter into its eighth year, expanding into four new cities for a record number of events (11) in 2019 which will stretch over the course of eight months for the first time ever.
Launched in 2012, the flagship competition of the FIBA 3×3 professional season sees teams representing cities from around the world qualify for 10 Masters and a final through a worldwide network of qualifying tournaments, such as the Challengers and via the FIBA 3×3 Team Ranking.
Qatar’s capital city, Doha is set for its debut as it will kick off the season on 18 April. The other three cities to experience the franchise-based competition for the first time are Los Angeles, Montreal and Nanjing. It will be returning to the USA after five years.
The final will take place in Utsunomiya, Japan from 2-3 November which will be just nine months before 3×3 makes its Olympic debut in the same country for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
FIBA 3×3 MD Alex Sanchez said: “Every year the FIBA 3×3 World Tour is growing. This year, we not only increased the number of events, we also increased the length of the season. The World Tour has now become a year-round competition.”
“The FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final will be a great foretaste of the 3×3 Olympic tournament. In fact, the World Tour will play a key role in helping players prepare for the Olympics. Furthermore, by competing at the World Tour and related Challengers, the professional 3×3 players will help their country of origin climb up the rankings and maximise their chances to make it to the Olympics.”
The top 12 teams in the World Tour standings after the last Masters earn a ticket to the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Utsunomiya Final. Novi Sad Al Wahda (SRB) of Abu Dhabi, UAE won the last edition of the World Tour after finishing the season undefeated in 32 games.
A Dunk Contest and a Shoot-out Contest will take place at each FIBA 3×3 World Tour event to add to the entertainment for and excitement amongst fans.
The tournament has global brands as sponsors such as Nike, Tissot and Wilson.
