Ice Cube Confirms Big3 Project That Could Rival Adam Silver’s NBA Months After Dwight Howard’s Addition

“Basketball isn’t owned by anybody,” Ice Cube said, clearly nodding at the NBA. Dwight Howard seems to agree. While most ex-NBA stars drift into the background, Howard’s been everywhere: throwing down dunks in Taiwan with the Taoyuan Leopards, suiting up with the Mavericks in The Basketball Tournament, and even briefly landing on the roster in Puerto Rico’s pro league. He never took the court there, but he made his presence felt—Superman still wants to fly. And though he hasn’t officially retired from the NBA, Howard’s next move is clear. He’s circling back to where the game feels raw, fun, and free: Ice Cube’s BIG3.

In 2017, Ice Cube unveiled a radical plan. Turn 3-on-3 basketball into a pro league. The NBA already existed, so why bother? But Cube wasn’t trying to compete—he was trying to flip the script. “We’re changing the game,” the BIG3 tagline says, and eight years in, that’s exactly what they’re doing. No city-based teams, no slow pace—just a touring league packed with playground energy and fast breaks. Despite Cube’s claim that the NBA and ESPN resisted sponsor deals, the BIG3’s momentum never wavered. Heading into 2025, the BIG3 is bigger, bolder, and more legit than ever.

While speaking to CBS Sports, Ice Cube lit up when talking about where the BIG3 is headed next. With the 2025 season tipping off June 14, he rattled off potential stops with the energy of someone watching his vision come to life: “Oh, man, I got a lot! We’re not in New York, Philadelphia, Nashville, St. Louis, Seattle, Bay Area, Arizona, New Mexico… It’s like—it’s everywhere. Still a lot of places. And London, we’d love to go to Toronto… Mexico City. So we feel like there’s a lot of cool expansion that’s out there for BIG3.” From the sound of it, Cube isn’t just running a league—he’s building a global movement. 

Eight seasons in and we just gettin’ started. The @thebig3 returns June 14th on @CBSSports. Stay locked—https://t.co/vckW6Su2C3. pic.twitter.com/0yHdDFnslY

— Ice Cube (@icecube) May 22, 2025

For the first time in its eight-year history, the BIG3 is shifting to a fully city-based model, marking a major evolution for the league. Now, each of the eight teams proudly represents a major U.S. market, complete with legendary coaches leading the charge. The Boston Ball Hogs are coached by Hall of Famer Gary Payton, Dallas Power by basketball pioneer Nancy Lieberman, and the Detroit Amplifiers by Iceman George Gervin.

On the other hand, DMV Trilogy will be coached by former NBA champ Stephen Jackson, Houston Rig Hands by Houston legend Calvin Murphy, Los Angeles Riot by sharpshooter Nick Young, and Miami 305 by Showtime Lakers great Michael Cooper. The Chicago Triplets’ coach is yet to be announced.

Ice Cube called this a “landmark moment” for the BIG3, praising the passion and loyalty of fans in these cities. He said, “These cities have shown up for us year after year, and we are honored to represent and reward those fans with a new franchise of their own.” He also highlighted that the shift to city-based teams signals the league’s rapid growth and promises fans “an increased talent pool and a more competitive style of game than ever before.”

Looking ahead, Ice Cube isn’t stopping with domestic expansion. The league has already played games internationally in London, Toronto, and the Bahamas. It plans to establish franchises in those cities in the future. The BIG3 also recently partnered with Australia’s NBL, with plans to bring the game over there in November. 

Dwight Howard to make Big3 debut

Dwight Howard is gearing up for one last ride in professional basketball, joining the BIG3 in 2025 as the league embraces its new city-based model. The eight-time NBA All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year will suit up for the Los Angeles Riot. Ice Cube couldn’t be more excited, saying, “His legacy speaks for itself, and he still has fun playing the game. We all know that Dwight Howard can do more on the basketball court than he was able to show in the NBA. So, it’s going to be nice to see him open up his game and show his all-around skills on the court in the BIG3.”

The Riot’s lone home stand comes August 9 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. It’s one of only four venues in the season’s touring schedule. It gives LA fans a rare chance to witness Howard’s transition to 3-on-3, where 4-point zones and continuous action reward creativity and versatility. “I’m excited to join Ice Cube and the BIG3—especially right after being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame,” he said. “Words can’t describe how grateful I am for these opportunities. I can’t wait to join the LA Riot and try to bring another championship to the city of LA.”

Alongside co-captains Jordan Crawford and Elijah Stewart, and under coach Nick Young’s leadership, Howard is ready to make an impact in this next chapter. Fans and players now wonder: Which Dwight Howard will we see? On the Club 520 Podcast, fellow BIG3 player Jeff Teague joked, “I just want to know if he’s going to be playing for real or shooting threes and stuff… I need you to score all the points.” The question is whether Howard will bring the full Superman energy that dominated the NBA or channel the quieter, globe-trotting version of his later years. Either way, the BIG3 is about to get a serious boost.

The post Ice Cube Confirms Big3 Project That Could Rival Adam Silver’s NBA Months After Dwight Howard’s Addition appeared first on EssentiallySports.