Ball Out 3x3 and Basketball England will collaborate on an exciting expansion of the iconic Ball Out 3x3 tour in 2021. ‘Ball Out 3x3 in association with Basketball England’ will feature eight qualifying events across the country during summer of next year, culminating in two days of finals in London.
The UK's premier 3x3 tournament will feature added locations as excitement builds towards the three versus three version of basketball taking centre stage at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Basketball players from across the nation will compete in the qualifying events for a shot at making the finals. Elite players – including professionals from the 5x5 game – will be invited to showcase their skills, with Basketball England using the tournament as part of preparation for selecting the England men’s and women’s 3x3 teams to compete at Birmingham 2022.
For the fifth year consecutively, winners from the Elite Men’s Ball Out Finals will earn an all-
expenses-paid trip to compete in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour and the chance to win the huge cash prize.
Julius Joseph, Ball Out 3x3 CEO, said: "I'm really excited to be working with Basketball England in the run-up the Commonwealth Games 2022. This will be eighth year Ball Out has delivered top-class 3x3 events and 2021 will be the biggest ever."
“The opportunity to bring basketball players together from across the nation is truly special. The winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to compete in the 3x3 World Tour which would be a huge boost to anyone's chances of competing in the Commonwealth Games based on the 3x3 ranking points awarded."
“The World Tour prize money for first place is $30,000 so the opportunity we are providing is incredible".
Stewart Kellett, Basketball England CEO, said:
“We are delighted to work in partnership with Ball Out. It is already a fantastic series of events and next year will be even bigger and better than before.
“There is a real buzz around 3x3 and the possibilities it presents for participation and competition during the summer months. Birmingham 2022 means we will see the first appearance of 3x3 in the Commonwealth Games and today’s announcement puts our first marker down for the exciting prospect of aiming for England medal success for our men’s and women’s team on home soil.”
Steve Bucknall, Talent Manager for Basketball England, will lead plans to produce winning teams.
Steve Bucknall said:
“We are hoping to see lots of talent, whether it is elite pros or streetballers, as we build towards selecting teams for Birmingham.
“Ball Out 3x3 also dovetails perfectly with our aim of helping people revitalise outdoor courts and spaces in heart of communities through the next phase of our #ProjectSwish campaign. We can’t wait to get started.”
Basketball England will also be working with others from the 3x3 community to shine a light on the sport and develop it further in England up to and beyond the Commonwealth Games.
This will be part of a wider campaign to create a legacy from B2022 for basketball and the community. More developments and a framework for everyone to be involved will be developed in 2021.
Details about Ball Out entries will be released in the new year.
Find out more about Ball Out HERE
Watch highlights of the 2019 Ball Out Finals HERE
Find out more about Birmingham 2022 HERE
Find out more about Project Swish HERE