Marking its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Summer Games in 2021, basketball 3x3 introduced a swift and condensed version of the sport, featuring teams of three players on a half-court. With a 12-second shot clock and a 10-minute game clock, the first team to reach 21 points claimed victory.
Serbia emerged prominently in Olympic 3x3 basketball, clinching medals in both the men's and women's events. The country's stellar performances swiftly positioned it as a formidable force in this newly incorporated Olympic discipline.
The inaugural Olympic basketball 3x3 tournaments in Tokyo unfolded with gripping competition, high-scoring clashes, and teams from diverse countries showcasing remarkable skill and agility. While Serbia showcased early success, the ever-evolving landscape of 3x3 basketball in the Olympics hints at potential new contenders emerging in subsequent editions.
Olympic Basketball 3x3 at the Summer Olympics 2028 in Los Angeles is expected to be one of the most thrilling and fast-paced events of the Games. Introduced as an official Olympic discipline in Tokyo 2020, 3x3 basketball has rapidly gained popularity for its energetic, streetball-inspired format and global reach. The LA 2028 Games promise to elevate the sport even further, taking place in one of the world’s premier basketball cities.
Played on a half-court with one hoop and three players per team, Olympic basketball 3x3 offers a condensed, high-intensity version of traditional basketball. Games are played to 21 points or 10 minutes, whichever comes first, with a 12-second shot clock keeping the pace brisk. This format emphasizes speed, skill, and creativity, appealing to younger audiences and urban sports fans. In LA, the dynamic vibe of the city will be a natural match for the sport's gritty, high-energy style.
The competition is expected to attract top talent from across the globe, with athletes who specialize in 3x3 as well as some who transition from traditional basketball. With its emphasis on individual flair and team chemistry, 3x3 creates plenty of highlight-reel moments and unexpected outcomes, making it one of the most unpredictable and entertaining events on the Olympic schedule.
Los Angeles, with its deep basketball roots, provides the perfect setting. The city's rich hoops culture—from legendary playgrounds to NBA icons—will be reflected in the design and atmosphere of the venue. The event is likely to take place in an open-air or urban setting, allowing for an immersive spectator experience that blends sport, music, and culture. This approach mirrors the urban origins of 3x3 and aligns with LA’s forward-thinking Olympic vision.
For both men’s and women’s teams, qualification will be fiercely contested, with countries earning spots based on FIBA world rankings and international competition results. Once in LA, the tournament will follow a group stage and knockout format, ensuring intense battles and a dramatic path to Olympic gold.
As one of the newest additions to the Olympic program, 3x3 basketball continues to grow in stature. At LA 2028, it is expected not only to entertain but also to inspire a new generation of players and fans, showcasing the future of basketball in a city where the sport already thrives.