CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has welcomed the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to increase the number of 3×3 basketball teams (both men’s and women’s) from 8 to 12 for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. FIBA has hailed the move as a “milestone” for the sport.
In a statement released on Thursday, FIBA said, “This expansion reflects the growing popularity and development of 3×3 basketball in recent years. Increasing the number of teams will offer more countries the opportunity to participate on the Olympic stage, thus enhancing the universality of the sport and wider national representation.”
The decision was made during the IOC Executive Board meeting on Wednesday, where it was confirmed that 12 teams per category will compete at LA 2028—an increase from the 8 teams scheduled for Paris 2024.
FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani stated, “We are grateful to the IOC for this decision. It serves as great motivation to continue growing our urban sport. The inclusion of four more teams per gender is proof of the excitement and interest generated by Olympic basketball since Tokyo 2020 and now Paris 2024.”
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis added, “Today marks a historic moment for FIBA and our sport. This quota increase gives players and national federations around the world the chance to dream of rising from the streets and courts to the Olympic Games.”
3×3 Basketball to Appear in Olympics for the Third Time
Notably, 3×3 basketball made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games, and its inclusion in Los Angeles 2028 will mark the sport’s third appearance in the Olympic program. FIBA is hopeful that this development will elevate the sport to new heights.
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