Latest news with #BIG3
Forbes
10 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
How The BIG3 Is Faring As It Begins Its Eighth Season
Michael Beasley goes one on one against Wesley Johnson in the first game of the BIG3's season. Michael Beasley, the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, went mano a mano against Wesley Johnson, the fourth overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. That kind of one-on-one showdown is a signature of BIG3 play. Each team in Ice Cube's three-on-three basketball league can challenge one foul call per half, creating the 'Bring the Fire' situation, and in the first one of the year, Johnson got the better of Beasley, stripping the ball from the 2024 BIG3 MVP. Profanities and trash talk ensued. Bring the Fire is not only one of the most intense plays of BIG3 action, but it also adds revenue through its Red Lobster sponsorship. 'Sponsors are the lifeblood of sports,' entertainment industry executive/BIG3 co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz exclusively shared. Last season the BIG3 generated more than 25 million impressions for their clients, and several sponsors, including Walmart, Capital One, Merck and Simply Spiked by Coors, have returned. The Snickers candy logo is displayed on the referees' shirts, and ballboys use Swiffers (made by sponsor Proctor & Gamble) during timeouts. Fans wave foam red claws during Red Lobster's Bring the Fire. Such product placement is a positive economic sign, but leagues like the NFL and NBA have about 40 to 50 more sponsors than the BIG3. Nonetheless, Ice Cube is bullish as his league began its eighth year on Saturday. 'I definitely consider it a success,' BIG3 co-founder Ice Cube exclusively shared. Achieving financial success, though, is difficult for any upstart sports league because of the overhead. Kwatinetz noted that challenge of creating a pro league from scratch is 'not for the faint of heart.' 'We're still early,' he said. 'I mean, it took UFC 14 years to become profitable. Hopefully, it's going to take us eight.' To help with profitability, the BIG3 added local ownership for this season. It previously had been a traveling road show, going to a different city each summer weekend. Now based in eight cities, the clubs have been selling for about $10 million, according to a source close to the situation. That not only grows the financial pie, but Ice Cube and Kwatinetz are also hopeful that having localized owners will serve as a way to further engage those markets. Another positive is the ratings, which averaged 455,000 viewers on CBS across all 10 weeks and 512,000 when not coinciding with the Summer Olympics last year. 'Our ratings are great,' Kwatinetz said. The BIG3's 2024 viewership was better than the NHL's 2025 regular season, which averaged 445,000 viewers. The NHL, however, receives an uptick for its playoffs and plays a lot more regular-season games (82), resulting in a bigger cumulative number. For 2025 the BIG3's first two games each weekend are being televised on CBS, and the second two are on VICE Sports. Ratings for the Week One games on CBS were an impressive 513,000 despite airing against the U.S Open and New York Liberty-Indiana Fever game, featuring Caitlin Clark's return from injury. The latter is particularly noteworthy because the WNBA was a ratings behemoth, averaging well more than a million viewers during Clark's rookie year last season. The BIG3 will play most of its games in NBA arenas, including Houston's Toyota Center and Los Angeles' new, cutting-edge Intuit Dome. But Week One was played in Chicago's Allstate Arena, a stadium with a capacity of 18,500, and official attendance was 7,809. Although the lower bowl of the facility with two-level seating was mostly full, no one sat in the 200 level. The BIG3, however, did a good job of cultivating a basketball culture for those in attendance. Matas Buzelis, last year's lottery pick of the Chicago Bulls, sat courtside under the baseline, and so did Antoine Walker, the former Boston Celtics star, who grew up in Chicago. Beasley even flexed and screamed at Buzelis, who laughed it off. Fan interaction with players has long been a goal of the league. Before his game DMV Trilogy coach/14-year NBA veteran Stephen Jackson took selfies with fans. Dwight Howard did the same hours after he memorably ended his BIG3 debut by getting kicked out after a fight. 'It's funny,' Ice Cube said. 'He was thrown out of his first BIG3 game, but welcome to the BIG3.' Landing Howard, an eight-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, was a coup for the league. He is the third Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer to play in the BIG3, joining Chauncey Billups and Allen Iverson, though the latter barely played in the BIG3's inaugural season. Nearly a decade later, Ice Cube's league is still kicking. 'It's a great product,' the hip-hop star said. 'I still want to improve.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"People have an aura, and Doc definitely is that person that has it" - Jim Jackson explains what made Julius Erving so magnetic personality
Former Dallas Mavericks guard Jim Jackson grew up in Ohio but was a Philadelphia 76ers fan because of Julius Erving. Jackson said that aside from Dr. J's high-flying style on the court, he also loved "Doc's" afro. He recalled watching the legendary forward play against rookie Magic Johnson in the 1980 NBA Finals on tape delay on TV. When the ex-Ohio State superstar made it to the NBA in 1992, he knew that it was only a matter of time before he would meet his longtime idol in one of the games. That opportunity came during Jackson's third season when he traveled to Phoenix to enjoy the festivities of the 1995 All-Star weekend. Advertisement "I met Doc at the '95 All-Star Game in Phoenix and I still have that picture," said Jackson during his recent appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show." "And that was like an 'Ohh,' you know that moment when you see Dr. J walk in the room, he was gliding in slow motion. It was like, that's Doc." Getting to know and getting close to Dr. J However, while that was their first meeting, Jackson said he didn't get to know Erving until they were both involved with the BIG3. Jim played for the Killer 3s in 2017 and later became a commentator for CBS' coverage of the league's games. Meanwhile, Doc used to coach the Tri-State team, which he led to the 2021 title and won Coach of the Year honors. Jackson also said that he got close to and bonded with Erving when they traveled to China together for the NBA China Games in 2018. Because they are both cigar lovers, the No. 4 overall pick of the 1992 NBA Draft said he would make it a point to set up a place where he and "Doc" could sit, smoke cigars, and have a conversation. Advertisement "Spending time with him is different. It's something about, people have aura, and Doc is definitely that person that has it," added Jackson. Related: "I'm going to tell him there's a place in the triangle for him" - When Kobe Bryant tried to recruit Scottie Pippen to the Lakers "Doc" had the same aura as MJ Jimmy describes coming face to face with Julius the same way Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson recorded his first-ever meeting with the GOAT, Michael Jordan. Like Jackson idolized Dr. J, "The Answer" was one of the millions who adored MJ like a god, and when he finally got to see him face to face, Iverson was mesmerized by Jordan's aura. Advertisement "Anybody that know Allen Iverson know Black Jesus was it for me. I wanted to be like Mike. I remember the first time seeing him; I couldn't believe it, man. I ain't never looked at a person in my life — and I've seen millions of celebrities — I never looked at somebody that didn't look real. Never. Like, the God damn guy was glowing or something, man," Iverson said in his interview with The Players' Tribune. Jordan and Erving are two of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball. They were both known for their acrobatic shots and high-flying dunks. Interestingly, they were the most charismatic superstars ever and the two with the most powerful auras. Related: "I never saw him get after a referee" - Sixers GM explains why Julius Erving is all about 'class'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"I Will Burn One Of You Hoes": Former NBA Champion Stephen Jackson Blasts His Team After First BIG3 Defeat
"I Will Burn One Of You Hoes": Former NBA Champion Stephen Jackson Blasts His Team After First BIG3 Defeat originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Former NBA champion and head coach of the BIG3 League team, the DMV Trilogy, Stephen Jackson did not hold back while blasting his team after their first loss of the season. After a 46-50 loss to the Houston Rig Hands, a video surfaced on the internet showing Jackson yelling at his players for their poor performance. He said: Advertisement "All gun sh*t, when somebody want to fight, you want somebody to grab. Same b***h a** n****s be at the hotel, begging me for shit. None of y'all wanna show out in front of these people." "One of you n****s is gonna get burned f***ing with me," he continued. "Google me, b***h. I will burn one of you hoes." Jackson's heated response has since gone viral on social media. The former NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs is more popularly known for his work as a host on the "All The Smoke" podcast with Matt Barnes. Jackson also had an impressive NBA career. Having spent 14 years in the league, the forward averaged 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists for his career. Although he bounced around many teams, he established himself as a core player with the Indiana Pacers and the Spurs for being a reliable scorer off the bench. Advertisement Since retirement, the 47-year-old has taken to coaching in the BIG3 League, founded by legendary hip hop artist Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. Jackson also had a brief stint as a player in the BIG3, starring for the Killer 3s. But after the 2021 season, he switched to a coaching role and joined the DMV Trilogy, guiding them to back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. Dwight Howard And Lance Stephenson Engage In A Brawl At BIG3 Game Former NBA champion Dwight Howard recently made his debut for the LA Riot at the BIG3 League. In a game against the Miami 305, Howard was set to establish himself as the dominant force he was known to be in the NBA during his prime. Advertisement Unfortunately, the 305 had other plans. Featuring the duo of Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley, Miami ran with a 50-44 win. Beasley even gave Howard a "Welcome to the League" moment by taunting him all game. Beasley's challenge was simply a gesture that has become particularly commonplace for the former NBA player. While the situation simply appeared to be a simple instance of aggressive basketball, matters hit a flashpoint when Howard and Stephenson got into a bit of a melee. Howard could be seen grabbing Stephenson and tossing him before officials and players intervened. The latter eventually pushed the LA big man to the ground while punches were being thrown. Advertisement While there is no official statement on what the next course of action is regarding this matter, it is safe to say that the BIG3 League remains an attractive source of entertainment for basketball fans. Related: Reggie Miller Sheds Tears After Stephen Jackson Apologizes To Him For His Role In "Malice At The Palace" This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox News
5 days ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Ex-NBA stars get into skirmish during BIG3 basketball game
The first day of the new-look BIG3 basketball league saw several former NBA stars go to battle during a game between the LA Riot and the Miami 305. Dwight Howard, of the Riot, and Lance Stephenson, of the 305, got into a scrap on Saturday during on the season-opening matchups. The two players were near the basket when video posted to social media showed Howard shoving Stephenson. Howard then tried to get Stephenson into a headlock as the former NBA guard pushed him backward. The brouhaha continued down the baseline and then into the stands. The two players needed to be peeled off of each from by teammates and officials. The 305 ended up with a victory over the Riot, 50-44. Stephenson led Miami with 16 points and Howard had 10 points and seven rebounds for LA. Howard is a Basketball Hall of Famer who was the No. 1 overall pick of the Orlando Magic in 2004. He dominated the game with the Magic and helped the team to an NBA Finals appearance – only to lose to the Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers in 2009. Howard was with the Lakers during the 2019-20 season when the team won the title in the COVID bubble. He also played for the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Falcons, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers. Stephenson was a second-round draft pick of the Indiana Pacers in 2010. He spent time with the Hornets, Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Why NBA Star Dwight Howard Joined Ice Cube's BIG3 League
Dwight Howard goes against Reggie Evans during the Hall of Famer's BIG3 debut. Dwight Howard exited his first BIG3 game in dramatic fashion. 'Quite a debut,' Howard shared exclusively. Howard got in a fight with Lance Stephenson late in the second half of the opening game of the eighth season of Ice Cube's three-on-three basketball league. The former NBA players wrestled with each other near the baseline, eventually cascading into a VIP seating section. Both were thrown out of the game. The fight occurred after Howard was boxing out Stephenson. 'He kind of put his hand up like he was going to throw a punch, and I was going to block it,' Howard said. 'Then he did it again. So I'm like, All right now. You can't keep acting like you're going to throw punches in my face. It's a little respect.' Afterward, Howard's phone blew up with calls, including one from his crying mother, who he placated. With the game being nationally televised on CBS, clips of the fight went viral. 'He added some spice to the game,' Ice Cube exclusively shared. 'Welcome to the BIG3.' It was an attention-getting debut and one that the hip-hop star and BIG3 co-founder had long awaited. Ice Cube had called and texted Howard, who last played in the NBA in 2022, for a couple of years, telling him that he'd have fun and they'd treat him like the star he is. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, Howard is just the third Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer to play in the BIG3, joining Chauncey Billups and Allen Iverson, though the latter barely played. It wasn't just Ice Cube who tried to land the eight-time NBA All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. BIG3 head of player operations Thomas Scott, the son of Los Angeles Lakers legend Byron Scott; former NBA veteran Dion Glover, who is from Atlanta like Howard, and Hall of Famer/BIG3 commissioner Clyde Drexler also reached out. 'It was a team effort,' Ice Cube said. The effort succeeded in 2025 because Howard finally has finished playing internationally for the Taiwan Mustangs. 'This year is just perfect timing,' he said. 'I've graduated from five-on-five. It's only three-on-three for me now.' Though Howard is no longer playing in Taiwan, he has a significant stake in international play. He owns both a league (The Asian Tournament) and team (Macau Black Bears), which has both an A and B squad. 'I want guys to have more opportunities to play,' Howard said. 'The NBA is not the only place you can play basketball at a high level.' The Asian Tournament is also not the only entrepreneurial venture for Howard. He hosts the Above the Rim with DH12 podcast. Featuring 32 episodes since it debuted in 2024, he interviews athletes and hopes to expand to more entertainers. 'Everything has always been about basketball with me for the past 20 years. I want to talk about things above basketball. We still talk about basketball, but there's so much other things in life,' he said. 'It was a great opportunity to really just expand my fanbase and get people a chance to see me outside basketball.' Michael Beasley, who is known for talking trash, engages with Dwight Howard during Week One of the ... More BIG3. On the court Howard started and played about half of the game, recording 10 points and seven rebounds. All but two of his points came from the free-throw line. The constant fouls demonstrate how much contact there was in the game. 'My first time playing, I didn't understand the physicality,' he said. 'Now that I see it, now I can adjust and get ready for the next game.' Howard was often going against Reggie Evans, who is known for his bruising play, in addition to Stephenson. Stephenson spent 10 years in the NBA, and Howard played for 18. 'I have nothing but love for Lance. We've been knowing each other for a long time,' Howard said. 'Whatever happens on the court, we should leave it there.' Indeed, Howard seemed to be in a good mood after the game and embraced being an ambassador of his new league, engaging with fans and posing for selfies hours after the Miami 305 defeated his LA Riot squad 50-44 at Allstate Arena in Chicago. Now that he's back playing stateside, will this be a one-year stint in the BIG3? 'We'll see how it goes, but I'm happy and excited to play,' Howard said. 'I love Cube, and I'm thankful for this opportunity.'
