The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) and International Basketball Federation (FIBA) backed 3x3 Pro Basketball League (3BL) is returning for the third straight season. The season is scheduled to tip off in Chandigarh from 5th March with the finals scheduled on 21st March 2022.
The announcement was made earlier today by Mr. Rohit Bakshi, 3BL Commissioner and Mrs. Prerna Sharma, Director, 3BL. Also in attendance at the press conference in Taj Mahal hotel, were BFI Secretary General Mr. Chander Mukhi Sharma, alongside the top Indian and foreign participating players. Mr. Vikas Bansal and Mr. Rajeev Tiwari, the owners of Gurugram Masters franchise, which is the reigning champion in the men's league, were present as well.
"We are happy to grant exclusive rights to 3BL's professional league as an added avenue for our star players to shine," Mr. Chander Mukhi Sharma said. "3BL will provide additional income and exposure to many Indian basketball athletes."
"We strongly believe India will be in 2024 Paris Olympics. By the end of 3BL Season 3, Indian teams' global FIBA 3x3 federation ranking should be at least 30th, from the current 70th (in men) and 55th (in women). This will give India a boost we all have been waiting for," Mr. Rohit Bakshi said.
"We would like to thank Nivia for coming on board as the official Apparel Partner, Wyndham Chandigarh Mohali as the Hospitality & Venue Partner, and Boxo Singh Sports Worldwide Pvt. Ltd. as the Name Partner," Mrs. Prerna Sharma said. "Being a woman entrepreneur myself, it gives me great joy to have our pathbreaking Women's League return for a second straight season."
3BL Season 3 will be live streamed on Sony LIV, with additional weekly special programming to be aired on Sony Six.
Twelve men's teams and six women's teams are participating across six rounds. Winners will be announced at the end of each round, and the winner of the final round will be crowned the overall champion.
The detailed fixtures and team rosters are attached separately.
Besides attractive salaries, prize money and FIBA 3x3 ranking points to individual players, the top teams also get the chance to compete at prestigious FIBA 3x3 World Tour events.
"We Will Defend our Title"