To be hosted between 5th to 21st March 2022 in Chandigarh. 3BL earned an exclusive recognition from the Basketball Federation of India, making it India’s only authorized professional basketball league. 3BL also has recognition from the International Federation (FIBA). Apart from prize money, top placed teams get all-expenses paid trip to compete in the FIBA 3x3 World Tours and Challengers. All players will gain valuable FIBA 3x3 ranking points thereby elevating India’s overall 3x3 ranking and helping Indian 3x3 National Teams qualify to the Olympics. Top Indian players will be participating in 3BL Season 3. International Women’s 3x3 specialists to be seen in action for the first time in the women’s league.
New Delhi, 4th March 2022: 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.
League Format, Teams & Schedule: 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”: Gurugram Masters (men) and Kochi Stars (women) are the defending champions. “In 3BL season 3, we will defend our title and aim for FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final 2022,” Mr. Vikas Bansal, Gurugram Masters owner said. “We have invested heavily on 3x3 to promote and grow our team this year. We will win the title in 3BL Season 3 and shine in FIBA 3x3 World Tours in 2022,” Mr. Rajeev Tiwari, Gurugram Masters owner said.
Top Indian & Foreign Players welcome 3BL: 72 men’s players (across 12 teams) and 36 women’s players (across 6 teams) from across India and abroad will be participating. Top Indian national team stars such as Raspreet Sidhu (former Indian National team captain), Amjyot Singh Gill (ex-NBA G-League player), Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (Arjuna Awardee), Amritpal Singh (former Indian National team captain), Stephy Nixon, Palpreet Singh (ex-NBA G-League draftee), Aravind Annadurai, Jagdeep Singh Bains, Akilan Pari and Arvind Arumugam will be in action. Joining them will be 3x3 specialists from across the globe, including Indian-origin 3BL stars Inderbir Singh Gill and Bikramjit Gill. Up-and-coming India talents Princepal Singh (ex-NBA G-League draftee), Sahaij Sekhon, Arvind Kumar and Sejin Mathew, among others, will be making their professional 3x3 debuts. “It is an honour for me to be representing my city franchise, and that too playing at home,” said Mr. Amjyot Singh Gill of Chandigarh Beasts. “I thank 3BL for providing such a wonderful platform for Indian basketball players. I look forward to leading my Delhi Divas team to its maiden title,” Ms. Raspreet Sidhu said. “I am excited to witness India’s hospitality. Participating in 3BL is an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Mr. Carlos Martinez, captain of the Spanish 3x3 Basketball Team and top ranked 3x3 athlete in the world. Martinez will be representing Mumbai Heroes.