FIBA Welcomes IOC’s Decision to Expand 3×3 Basketball Quotas for LA 2028 Olympics
Mies, Switzerland, April 11 The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has officially welcomed the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to expand the number of 3×3 basketball teams at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Each category—men’s and women’s—will now feature 12 teams, up from the 8 that participated in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
A Milestone for 3×3 Basketball
FIBA, in a statement released Thursday, hailed the IOC’s move as a “milestone” for the rapidly growing urban sport. The expansion reflects the global rise in popularity and competitive depth of 3×3 basketball, which debuted at the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.
“This expansion underlines the growth and global appeal of 3×3 basketball in recent years. More teams mean more nations get to participate, promoting universal representation on the Olympic stage,” the federation said.
Four More Teams Per Category in LA 2028
The announcement was made during the IOC Executive Board meeting held on Wednesday. It was confirmed that while eight teams per gender will compete at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, the number will increase to 12 in Los Angeles 2028, marking the sport’s third consecutive Olympic appearance.
FIBA Leaders Applaud the Expansion
FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani expressed gratitude toward the IOC, calling the decision a boost for urban sports and a testament to 3×3’s rising Olympic stature.
“This increase demonstrates how 3×3 basketball has captured the imagination and attention of fans worldwide through Tokyo and Paris,” he noted.
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis echoed the sentiment, calling it a historic day for the sport:
“This quota increase gives players and federations around the globe the belief that the Olympic dream is achievable—even from the streets and local courts,” he said.
3×3 Basketball Set for Olympic Spotlight Again
With its fast-paced format and streetball origins, 3×3 basketball has rapidly gained traction, especially among younger audiences. FIBA believes the additional team slots will further enhance global competition and unlock new growth opportunities for emerging basketball nations.
Los Angeles 2028 will mark another major chapter for 3×3 as it continues to evolve from grassroots sport to Olympic mainstay.
