It’s one of the fastest-growing leagues in the U.S.!
Rapper and filmmaker Ice Cube launched the Big3 league in 2017 alongside entertainment executive Kwatinetz, Deadline reports. Billed as a new 3-on-3, half-court basketball league, Big3 gives fans an opportunity to see some of the best former NBA players hit the court for a “player-centric league” that blends entertainment and culture. The league is a breath of fresh air for viewers, innovating new additions to the sport, like the 4-point shot, with three points beyond the 3-point line. The Big3 has also made history as the first Black-owned and operated professional sports league to be certified by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Now Ice Cube is expanding, partnering with Jesse Collins’ Jesse Collins Entertainment on a new sports docuseries about the success of the league and how it’s on track to become one of the biggest in the world. The new series will feature the rapper as he builds the league from the ground up, profiling the journey of one of the Big3 teams. It will follow their tumultuous season as they battle for the championship and the league's $1.2 billion lawsuit against Qatari investors. The series will be produced by Ice Cube’s Cube Vision under Collins’ multi-year overall agreement with ViacomCBS Cable Networks.
The Big3 is the first league to have women coaches in a male-dominated sport and provides revenue share with their players. Focused on creating a roster of diverse executives and entrepreneurs, the league has partnered with legendary NBA players like Dr. J, “The IceMan” George Gervin, Gary Payton, Allen Iverson, Lisa Leslie, Rick Barry, and Stephen Jackson. NBA Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler also now serves as Commissioner of the Big3.
Collins is best known for his work as a producer on major award shows like the BET Awards & The American Music Awards. He has also produced a number of specials including Martin: The Reunion, John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero, Def Comedy Jam 25, and Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration.
No word yet on when the docuseries is set to release but we can’t wait!
Cover photo: Ice Cube partners with Jesse Collins on new ‘Big3’ sports league docuseries/Photo Courtesy of The Big3