BIG3’s 2025 City-Based Revolution: Teams, Coaches, and Expansion Plans
- Jun 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 17
The BIG3, the professional 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz in 2017, is undergoing a seismic shift for its eighth season in 2025. Transitioning from a touring model to a city-based franchise structure, the league is planting flags in eight major basketball markets to deepen fan connections and elevate competition. Kicking off on June 14, 2025, at Allstate Arena in Chicago, the season promises electrifying action, with games broadcast on CBS and Vice TV. This article dives into the new teams, their high-profile coaches, initial rosters, and the league’s bold expansion plans for 2026.
The Eight New City-Based Teams
For the first time, the BIG3’s teams are tied to specific cities, replacing the previous 12-team touring model. The 2025 lineup includes:
Boston Ball Hogs: Representing a city with a storied basketball tradition.
Chicago Triplets: Anchoring the Midwest’s basketball hub.
Dallas Power: Bringing Texas-sized energy to the court.
Detroit Amplifiers: Tapping into Motor City’s gritty hoops culture.
DMV Trilogy: Representing the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area.
Houston Rig Hands: Channeling the energy of a basketball-hungry city.
Los Angeles Riot: Carrying the torch for L.A.’s vibrant sports scene.
Miami 305: Capturing the Magic City’s flair and diversity.
Each team will play a home game, fostering local pride and rivalries. The full schedule, set to be released in late March 2025, will outline the 10-week season culminating in a championship.
Star-Studded Coaching Lineup
The BIG3 has assembled a coaching roster featuring NBA legends and former players, blending Hall of Fame pedigree with local ties. The 2025 coaches are:
Gary Payton (Boston Ball Hogs): The Glove, a Hall of Famer, brings defensive intensity.
Nancy Lieberman (Dallas Power): A trailblazing Hall of Famer known for strategic brilliance.
George Gervin (Detroit Amplifiers): The Iceman, another Hall of Famer, adds scoring flair.
Stephen Jackson (DMV Trilogy): A former NBA champion with BIG3 experience.
Calvin Murphy (Houston Rig Hands): A Hall of Fame point guard with deep Houston roots.
Nick Young (Los Angeles Riot): Swaggy P, a former NBA sharpshooter, energizes L.A.
Michael Cooper (Miami 305): A Lakers legend and Hall of Famer with defensive prowess.
Chicago Triplets: Coach yet to be announced, with rumors of an NBA Hall of Famer in talks.
These coaches, many with ties to their cities, will guide new rosters, enhancing the league’s competitive edge and community engagement.
Initial Rosters and Notable Players
The BIG3 unveiled initial rosters on April 16, 2025, with the draft set for May 15 in Las Vegas. Notable players include:
Boston Ball Hogs: Kevin Murphy, Deshawn Stephens, Scotty Hopson.
Chicago Triplets: Montrezl Harrell, Jason Richardson, Chris Allen.
DMV Trilogy: Earl Clark, Isaiah Briscoe, Kenneth Faried.
Dallas Power: Greg Monroe, Glen Rice Jr., TJ Cline.
Detroit Amplifiers: Jeremy Pargo, Darnell Jackson, Joe Johnson.
Miami 305: Michael Beasley, Mario Chalmers, Reggie Evans.
Los Angeles Riot: Dwight Howard (2025 Hall of Fame inductee), Elijah Stewart, Jordan Crawford.
Houston Rig Hands: Gerald Green, Garlon Green, Corey Brewer.
These rosters, blending veterans and former NBA stars, will evolve through the draft, promising fresh matchups and rivalries.
Expansion Plans for 2026
The BIG3 isn’t stopping at eight teams. Ice Cube and Kwatinetz plan to add four more franchises in 2026, potentially reviving beloved team names like Bivouac, Enemies, or 3’s Company. Cities like Toronto and London are under consideration for international expansion, signaling the league’s global ambitions. The sale of three teams (Los Angeles, Miami, Houston) for $10 million each in 2024 shows strong investor confidence, with owners chosen for sports and business expertise. This expansion aims to replicate the success of the 2025 model, where city-based teams deepen fan loyalty and community ties.
Impact on Fans and Communities
The shift to a city-based model addresses a key challenge: building team-specific fanbases. Previously, the touring model struggled to create localized loyalty. Now, cities like Miami and Detroit will rally behind their teams, with home games at venues like Kaseya Center (Miami 305, June 29, 2025) amplifying the atmosphere. The BIG3’s commitment to diversity—evidenced by female coaches like Lieberman, a mental health policy, and Clyde Drexler as the first Black commissioner—resonates with communities. Fans can expect vibrant game days, with players like Dwight Howard and coaches like Payton fostering deeper connections through local engagement.
Why 2025 Matters for the BIG3
The city-based model marks a pivotal moment for the BIG3, aligning it with traditional sports leagues while preserving its unique 3-on-3 identity. With a broadcast deal on CBS and Vice TV, plus streaming on X to reach younger audiences, the league is poised for growth. The addition of international markets and a larger talent pool in 2026 could position the BIG3 as a global force, rivaling even the NBA in niche appeal, as Kwatinetz boldly predicted. For now, the focus is on June 14, 2025, when the eight new teams tip off a new era of high-octane basketball.
Visit: BIG3
About the Author
Ryan Vickery is a staff writer for Massive Action Media with a degree in Sports Management. Based in Austin, Texas, he has been covering the NBA since 2022, delivering insights on players, rankings, and franchise history.
Copyright/Disclaimer
Report Errors/Contribute to Site
LOVE BIG3