BIRMINGHAM (United States) – Miami (USA) saved their best for last to capture the inaugural FIBA 3×3 FISE Birmingham Challenger 2026, defeating Élancourt (FRA) 21-15 in the Final to claim their first Challenger title of the season. The victory also saw Miami punch their ticket to FIBA 3×3 World Tour Debrecen 2026, alongside runner-up Élancourt and third-place Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU).

The result capped a memorable first edition of the FISE Birmingham Challenger, part of the Festival International des Sports Extrêmes (FISE) 2026, with Miami overcoming a deep field and a number of the season’s highest-ranked teams to emerge on top.

The Winner

Miami delivered when it mattered most, navigating an unbeaten run through the Main Draw before taking down Toronto (CAN), Marijampole MANTINGA (LTU) and Élancourt on Day 2.

The Americans opened with a 19-16 victory over Élancourt before following it up with a 20-16 win against Shinjuku SS (JPN) to sweep Pool A. James Parrott then took over in the Quarter-Finals, erupting for 14 points as Miami eliminated Toronto 21-14.

Parrott continued to deliver in the Semi-Finals, scoring seven points as Miami defeated Marijampole MANTINGA 21-15 to reach the Final.

Parrott was the driving force behind Miami’s title run and was rewarded with the MVP award after producing the tournament’s best overall statistical profile.

He finished with 41 total points, nine 2-pointers made, 12 key assists, 10 drives, five dunks and five blocks. Parrott also led the tournament in total player value (60.4) and highlights (32), while recording one triple-five performance.

His 14-point explosion in Miami’s Quarter-Final victory over Toronto proved particularly decisive, before he added another seven points in the Semi-Final to help send Miami through to the titular contest.

The Runner-up

Élancourt produced one of the tournament’s biggest runs, fighting through Pool A before eliminating Princeton (USA) and Raudondvaris Hoptrans to reach the Final.

After falling to Miami in their opening game, Élancourt bounced back with a dramatic 22-21 overtime victory over Shinjuku SS, with Gauthier Denis hitting the game-winning 2-pointer.

They then stunned Princeton 21-13 in the Quarter-Finals before edging Raudondvaris 21-19 in a thrilling Semi-Finals matchup. Lorenzo Thirouard-Samson led the French charge with 29 points across the tournament as Élancourt secured their place at the World Tour Debrecen.

The Final

Miami and Élancourt met again in the championship game, but this time Miami controlled the contest.

Miami raced into a 6-3 lead before Élancourt fought back to make it 12-11 midway through the game. Miami responded with another decisive push, with Henry Caruso knocking down a 2-pointer to stretch the lead to 18-13 with less than three minutes remaining.

Élancourt could not produce another comeback as Miami closed out the 21-15 victory to become the first-ever FISE Birmingham Challenger champions.

The Reward

Miami, Élancourt and Raudondvaris Hoptrans all earned qualification to FIBA 3×3 World Tour Debrecen 2026, rewarding their runs in Birmingham with a place on one of the 3×3 basketball’s most iconic stages.

For Miami, the qualification comes with their first Challenger title of the 2026 season, while Élancourt’s second-place finish marks their best result on the Pro Circuit this year. Raudondvaris completed the qualification trio after reaching the Semi-Finals and finishing third.

Final Standings:

1. Miami (USA) – qualified to WT Debrecen
2. Élancourt (FRA) – qualified to WT Debrecen
3. Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) – qualified to WT Debrecen
4. Marijampole MANTINGA (LTU)
5. Princeton (USA)

Top Scorers:

1. James Parrott (Miami) – 41 pts
2. Tautvydas Kliučinykas (Marijampole MANTINGA) – 33 pts
3. Lorenzo Thirouard-Samson (Élancourt) – 29 pts
4. Riley Battin (Miami) – 27 pts
5. Bastien Pinault (Élancourt) – 27 pts

What’s Next

The Challenger circuit continues next weekend with the FIBA 3×3 Singapore Challenger 2026, set for August 15-16, as teams continue to battle for their place on the World Tour.

Meanwhile, the FIBA 3×3 World Tour returns to action at WT Lausanne on August 14-15, with the world’s best 3×3 basketball teams back on the WT stage as the 2026 season opens its second half.

Stay Connected

Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3×3 World Tour throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official World Tour website, where you can find the latest news, team standings, player statistics and everything you need to follow the Race to the Final. Fans can also keep track of the Event Calendar and the latest FIBA 3×3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.

Want to learn more about 3×3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3×3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3×3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.

FIBA

BIRMINGHAM (United States) – Elite men’s 3×3 basketball returns to American soil as the FIBA 3×3 FISE Birmingham Challenger 2026 becomes the first FIBA 3×3 Challenger stop held in the United States since 2023. Staged at City Walk BHAM, the season’s 17th Challenger will also award three coveted tickets to the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Debrecen 2026, setting the stage for a weekend of high-stakes action featuring many of the world’s top Challenger teams.

The tournament is part of the FISE (Festival International des Sports Extrêmes) Birmingham 2026, which is the world’s largest annual urban sports festival. Alongside 3×3 basketball, FISE will also feature a UCi BMX Freestyle World Competition and a Skateboarding Festival.

The field features a blend of established FIBA 3×3 World Tour contenders and ambitious contenders looking to take the next step. Baskets Bonn (GER) arrive as one of the favorites after putting together an impressive campaign that has them ranked eighth overall this season. Close behind are home favorites Miami (USA), currently ninth, who continue to showcase one of the most explosive rosters on the Challenger circuit.

Lithuanian powerhouse Raudondvaris Hoptrans, ranked 12th, will once again be among the teams expected to challenge for silverware. Meanwhile, Toronto (CAN), sitting 13th, have consistently proven capable of making deep tournament runs. American side Phoenix (USA), ranked 19th, and another Lithuanian outfit Marijampole MANTINGA (LTU), currently 22nd, add even more quality to an already competitive draw.

Bordeaux (FRA) will be aiming to build on a promising campaign, while Princeton (USA) enter Birmingham determined to secure their first FIBA 3×3 World Tour qualification of the 2026 season. With every team chasing one of only three available tickets, there will be little margin for error from the opening tip.

The tournament also boasts an impressive collection of individual talent. Miami will once again rely on the scoring and athleticism of Henry Caruso, while Baskets Bonn’s Fabian Giessmann has sustained his status as a bona fide star on the Pro Circuit.

Belgian sharp-shooter Thibaut Vervoort brings his trademark all-around game for Toronto, while Malik Hluchoweckyj headlines Phoenix’s challenge. Lithuania will be represented by experienced playmakers Žygimantas Šimonis of Marijampole MANTINGA and Evaldas Džiaugys of Raudondvaris Hoptrans, both capable of taking over games. France’s Alex Vialaret adds another proven scorer to the mix, while veteran Jerome Desrosiers will look to guide Princeton to a breakthrough performance.

Full Seeding List

1. Miami (USA)
2. Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU)
3. Toronto (CAN)
4. Baskets Bonn (GER)
5. Bordeaux (FRA)
6. Phoenix (USA)
7. Princeton (USA)
8. Marijampole MANTINGA (LTU)
9. Shinjuku SS (JPN)
10. Carolina (PUR)
11. Élancourt (FRA)
12. Rome (ITA)
13. Rio (BRA)
14. Puebla (MEX)
15. Brooklyn (USA)
16. Basseterre (SKN)

Qualifying Draw

Qualifying Draw A: Princeton (USA), Puebla (MEX), Brooklyn (USA)
Qualifying Draw B: Carolina (PUR), Rome (ITA), Basseterre (SKN)

Main Draw

Pool A: Miami (USA), Shinjuku SS (JPN), Élancourt (FRA)
Pool B: Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), Marijampole MANTINGA (LTU), Rio (BRA)
Pool C: Toronto (CAN), Phoenix (USA), QD A
Pool D: Baskets Bonn (GER), Bordeaux (FRA), QD B

Road to the World Tour

With three FIBA 3×3 World Tour Debrecen 2026 tickets at stake, every possession in Birmingham should be packed with intensity. A field packed with experienced contenders, dangerous dark horses and proven playmakers promises fierce competition as teams battle for a place on one of the World Tour’s iconic host cities.

Fans can expect the trademark mix of clutch shooting, explosive highlights and relentless defensive intensity that has defined this season’s Challenger stops, as City Walk BHAM becomes the latest proving ground on the road to the FIBA 3×3 World Tour.

Stay Connected

Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3×3 World Tour throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official World Tour website, where you can find the latest news, team standings, player statistics and everything you need to follow the Race to the Final. Fans can also keep track of the Event Calendar and the latest FIBA 3×3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.

Want to learn more about 3×3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3×3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3×3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.

FIBA