LA28 Olympics to feature an expanded roster of 12 teams per gender in 3×3 Basketball

The International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Executive Board on Wednesday announced its decision to increase the quota to 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams for 3×3 basketball as part of the Olympic Basketball program for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

This expansion from 8 to 12 teams per gender reflects the growth of 3×3 basketball over recent years and further highlights the sport’s global appeal and development. The expanded field opens the door for greater universality and broader national representation, offering more countries the opportunity to compete on the Olympic Stage.

“We thank the IOC for its decision, which provides great encouragement for FIBA and its members to continue promoting our urban discipline. Having four additional teams for the men’s and women’s tournaments is a testament to the global interest and excitement Olympic Basketball have delivered at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024,” said FIBA President, Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani.

“Today marks a milestone for FIBA and our sport. The additional quota allows more National Federations and players from all around the world to dream that they can make it from the streets to the Olympics” said FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis. “Los Angeles is one of the world’s most iconic basketball cities and has a thriving 3×3 basketball culture. We are very excited to be once again at the heart of a vibrant, urban sport festival atmosphere during the Games.”

The detailed competition format and qualification system for the 3×3 basketball tournaments at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will be communicated at a later stage.

About FIBA 3×3

Exciting, urban and innovative, 3×3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court.

It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly professional circuit for men and women (World Tour and Women’s Series respectively) and national-team competitions. 3×3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.