3×3 at Olympics expands from 8 to 12 teams

3×3 continues its rise in the Olympic landscape. On Wednesday April 9, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the increase from 8 to 12 teams, for both men and women, for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. A turning point for this growing sport, which will benefit from even greater exposure on the world stage.

📣@LA28 Olympics to feature an expanded roster of 12 teams per gender in 3×3 Basketball

This expansion from 8 to 12 teams per gender reflects the growth of #3x3Basketball over recent years and further opens the door for greater universality and broader national representation,… pic.twitter.com/PHUDViMNtF

— 3×3 Basketball | FIBA3x3 (@FIBA3x3) April 9, 2025

Recognition of 3×3’s growth

Introduced at the Tokyo Games in 2021, 3×3 has won over the Olympic audience and found its own place in the program. Its popular success, and its central role at Paris 2024 where the atmosphere was electric at Place de la Concorde, convinced the IOC to expand the field.

In its statement, FIBA welcomed this decision: « The increase to 12 teams per gender reflects the growth of 3×3 in recent years and further emphasizes the global appeal and development of this discipline. » FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani hailed it as « a great source of encouragement » for national federations and players, while Secretary General Andreas Zagklis called it « an important milestone »: « This expansion allows more federations and players to dream of going from the streets to the Olympic Games. »

Progress without additional quota costs

Notably, this expansion in the number of teams does not lead to an increase in the overall athlete quota for the 2028 Olympics. This demonstrates the IOC’s interest in 3×3.

While the competition format and qualification system will be specified later, the announcement already confirms one thing: the battle to secure an Olympic spot will be more accessible for France.