The Big3 is coming to Detroit, but not just for one day.
GameAbove Sports announced Monday that it plans to purchase a franchise in the enhanced 3-on-3 league founded by Ice Cube in 2017, with plans to base the team in Detroit.
The team will begin play in the 2025 season when the league officially changes its model.
Since its formation, all teams have had nicknames with no specific city. They have been centrally owned and operated at the league level with teams traveling across the U.S. to play games in one city on a single day, including Detroit several times. All teams will transition to representing home markets in 2025.
GameAbove Sports ownership group includes Founder and Chairman Keith J. Stone, Detroit pro sports figures George Gervin and T.J. Lang. Other involved include Joe Januszewski, Karen LeVert, Dan McClory, Skyler Stone, Corey Welch, and co-founder of Born in Detroit apparel Anthony Tomey.
Former NBA point guard Earl Boykins will also be involved with the organization.
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“The entire team at GameAbove and I are thrilled to bring a BIG3 franchise to the Motor City,” Gervin said. “My experience as part of the BIG3 these past few seasons has shown me that the league is at the forefront of 3-on-3 basketball’s increasing growth and global traction. Detroit’s rich sports history makes it a fantastic market for the BIG3; get ready for next summer!”
This announcement follows the purchase of rights to the Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston Big3 franchises earlier this year.
“I am excited to finally announce the sale of our Detroit team to this amazing group of investors, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists,” said BIG3 CEO and co-founder, Ice Cube.
“GameAbove Sports and its leadership represent the values of the BIG3 every day and have an exemplary community outreach infrastructure that will take the Young3 initiative to a new level. It’s been a privilege to work with George Gervin over the past few BIG3 seasons and I know what he means to the Detroit and Southeast Michigan community. I look forward to working together with GameAbove Sports to bring the vision of BIG3 Detroit to life next season.”
The name of the Detroit-based franchise has not been announced.
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