BUCHAREST (Romania) – Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) successfully defended their FIBA 3×3 World Tour Bucharest title, while Worthy de Jong delivered another MVP performance and Fuengirola (ESP) made history at the 12th stop of the 2026 season.

The Dutch side completed a perfect seven-game run from the Qualifying Draw to the Final, where they edged Fuengirola, 19-17, to claim their second World Tour stop win of the year. In contrast, Bucharest also delivered a stunning early exit for top-ranked Ub (SRB), another reminder of the depth across the circuit and a historic breakthrough for Spanish 3×3 basketball.

With the European leg of the World Tour now complete and five stops remaining before the season-ending Final in Rio de Janeiro, here are five things we learned from Bucharest.

Dutch hitting their stride

The Dutch side opened with two narrow victories in the Qualifying Draw, edging Phoenix (USA) 21–20 before getting past Lausanne (SUI) 19–18, then carried that form into the Main Draw with convincing 20–15 wins over Baskets Bonn (GER) and Toulouse (FRA) to finish Pool C unbeaten.

The knockout rounds brought tougher tests, but Amsterdam found a way through each one. They beat Hangzhou Jingwei (CHN) 16–13 in the Quarter-Finals before overcoming Miami (USA) 21–18 in a high-scoring Semi-Final, with Worthy de Jong delivering a standout 16-point performance. Amsterdam then held their nerve in a tense Final against Fuengirola, prevailing only after de Jong drained the decisive two-pointer as time expired.

The title was Amsterdam’s second World Tour stop victory of the 2026 season, following their triumph in Vienna, and confirmed their ability to navigate different types of contests, from one-point battles in qualifying to pressure-packed knockout games. Winning all seven games in Bucharest, the Dutch side successfully sent a strong message as the World Tour heads into its final third.

Hype-Worthy

If Amsterdam’s title defense had a defining figure, it was Worthy de Jong. The Dutch star earned his second World Tour MVP award of the 2026 season after putting together a dominant all-around campaign in Bucharest. He finished first in overall Player Value with 58.4, led the tournament with 46 points and 26 highlights, and collected 20 rebounds. His five dunks ranked second among all players.

De Jong saved some of his biggest moments for the knockout rounds. He recorded a sublime triple-five — six points, seven rebounds and eight highlights — in the Quarter-Final against Hangzhou Jingwei, then exploded for 16 points in Amsterdam’s Semi-Final victory over Miami.

But his most important contribution came in the Final. With the score tied at 17-17 and the title on the line, de Jong drained the game-winning two-pointer to seal Amsterdam’s second Bucharest crown in succession.

His performance reinforced why he remains one of the most influential players in 3×3 basketball. He can score in bunches, create opportunities for teammates and deliver under pressure. In Bucharest, he did all three and finished the job when it mattered most.

Spanish 3×3 history

As for Fuengirola, they may have fallen just short of the title, but their Bucharest campaign was historic. The Spanish side became the first Spanish professional team to reach a FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final, breaking new ground for the country’s presence on the circuit.

Their run was built on disciplined performances and timely scoring. After finishing atop Pool D, Fuengirola defeated DeQing (CHN), 21-15, in the Quarter-Finals before overcoming Kaunas VDU (LTU), 21-18, in the Semi-Finals.

The latter victory was particularly impressive. Kaunas held a 13-12 lead before Fuengirola produced a decisive 5-0 run to take control and book their place in the Final. Isaac Mayo led the Spanish side with eight points in the Semi-Final.

Fuengirola then pushed Amsterdam all the way in a defensive-minded Final. They led 8-5 midway through the contest and twice fought back to level the score, including at 17-17 late in the game, before de Jong’s winner ended their title hopes.

The result was still a significant milestone. Fuengirola have shown they can compete with established World Tour contenders and make a deep run on such a big stage. Their historic Final appearance could provide a foundation for further success as the season continues.

Shock elimination

One of the biggest surprises in Bucharest came before the knockout rounds even began. Ub entered the tournament as the No. 1 team in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2026 standings. However, they failed to advance from Pool A, which was the first time they had missed the Quarter-Finals at a World Tour stop this year.

The Serbian powerhouse opened their campaign with a 21-11 loss to Kaunas VDU, leaving themselves with little margin for error. They responded with a 21-16 victory over Hangzhou Jingwei, but that was not enough to secure progression. All three Pool A teams finished with identical 1-1 records. Kaunas and Hangzhou advanced on points, while Ub were eliminated despite their win over Hangzhou.

The outcome was a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of 3×3 basketball. With short games and little room to recover from a slow start, even the strongest teams can find themselves on the wrong side of a close pool.

For Ub, Bucharest was a rare setback in an otherwise strong season. For their rivals, it was proof that reputation and ranking offer no guarantees once the ball goes up.

Competitive balance

Bucharest added another chapter to one of the season’s most compelling themes: parity.

At this stage of the 2026 campaign, seven different teams have won FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2026 stops. Baskets Bonn lead the way with three titles, while Liman (SRB), Ub and Amsterdam RABOBANK have each won twice. Miami, Hangzhou Jingwei and Antwerp (BEL) have also claimed victories.

That spread of winners highlights how difficult it has been for any one team to dominate the circuit. Baskets Bonn have been the most consistent, but Amsterdam’s Bucharest triumph and Antwerp’s breakthrough in DeQing show that other contenders can also find their moment.

And the list of teams still chasing a first World Tour stop win this season remains intriguing. Fuengirola have now demonstrated their potential with a historic Final appearance, while Skyliners, Shanghai, Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, Vienna, DeQing and Raudondvaris Hoptrans remain among the names looking to break through.

The race is far from settled. With five World Tour stops in addition to the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Rio de Janeiro Final 2026 remaining, there is still plenty of time for the season’s storylines to shift.

Road to Rio continues

Bucharest marked the 12th stop of the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Tour and the final European stop of the season. Amsterdam RABOBANK leave Romania with a second title of the year, Worthy de Jong adds another MVP award and Fuengirola return home as the first Spanish professional team to reach a World Tour Final.

Five stops remain before the season-ending FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on December 12–13, with the race for the title still taking shape. Seven different teams have won a World Tour stop this season, while Bucharest showed just how fine the margins can be: the top-ranked Ub failed to reach the Quarter-Finals, and Amsterdam needed a late two-pointer from de Jong to secure the crown.

With Macau next on the calendar, the remaining stops offer contenders a chance to build momentum or make a strong late-season push into the title conversation before the World Tour reaches its climax in Rio.

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

AICHI-NAGOYA (Japan) – The 3×3 basketball tournaments at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 delivered historic firsts and strong performances, with Republic of Korea claiming their maiden men’s gold medal and hosts Japan taking the women’s title on September 25 at the Kinjō-futō Station Square.

The competition highlighted the continued growth of 3×3 basketball across the region, with experienced teams joined by emerging contenders and new faces making their mark on the Asian Games stage.

Republic of Korea win men’s gold

Republic of Korea secured their first-ever Asian Games gold medal in 3×3 basketball, completing an unbeaten run with a 6-0 record.

Running with the exact same roster that finished runners-up at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026, Republic of Korea maintained their composure throughout the tournament before meeting Qatar in the gold medal game.

Qatar had reached the Final after overcoming Mongolia and Iran in the knockout stage, setting up a meeting between two teams that had impressed throughout the competition.

Republic of Korea controlled the Final from the outset, combining defensive intensity with efficient execution to claim a 19-10 victory and secure the gold medal.

Iran completed the men’s podium with the bronze medal, with Seyedmohammad Ghaftari, Sarem Jafari, Mohammadbasir Momeni and Mohammadmahdi Rahimi representing the third-placed team.

Men’s medalists

The result marked a first Asian Games 3×3 basketball title for Republic of Korea and capped an unbeaten tournament campaign.

Japan claim women’s gold

Hosts Japan delivered in front of the home crowd, defeating the Philippines 21-11 in the women’s gold medal game to claim the Asian Games title.

Japan’s attack was led by Yuki Hirashita, who scored nine points in the Final, and Sakura Horiuchi, who added eight, as the hosts maintained control throughout the gold medal game.

The Philippines women nevertheless secured a historic first-ever Asian Games 3×3 basketball silver medal.

Gilas Pilipinas Women was represented by Amyah Espanol, Kennan Ka, Maria Pasilang and FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 player Kacey Dela Rosa. They opened their campaign by sweeping Group C before defeating Singapore in the Quarter-Finals.

They then advanced to the Final with a 13-8 victory over Thailand in the Semi-Finals, before Japan ended their run in the gold medal game.

Republic of Korea completed the women’s podium, with Choi Ye-seul, Heo Yoo-jung, Kim Jeong-eun and Song Yun-ha taking bronze.

Women’s medalists

For Japan, the victory added a home-soil highlight to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026. For the Philippines, the silver medal marked a significant move forward on the Asian Games 3×3 stage.

FIBA

NOUMEA, SUD (New Caledonia) – Tonga has created a defining moment in Oceania 3×3 basketball, winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the FIBA 3×3 Nations League 2026 – Pacific and qualifying two national teams for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup for the first time in the country’s history.

The women were flawless across the entire campaign, not dropping a single game, while the men sealed their overall victory with only two losses on the final day in a gritty, high‑stakes finish that underlined their growth and composure.

This achievement continues Tonga’s rapid rise in the 3×3 format, following their strong performances at recent FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore. Earlier this year, the women’s team made history by advancing through to the main draw for the first time, a breakthrough that signalled their readiness to compete at a higher level and set the tone for their dominant Youth Nations League run.

Their momentum now carries into next month, where the Tonga women will represent the nation at the Commonwealth Games, marking another major milestone in the program’s evolution and visibility on the international stage.

“We’re proud of what our teams have been able to do across the campaign, especially to come away with both qualifying for the U23 World Cup, Tonga Basketball High Performance Director, Cahn Fitzgerald said. “But just as important is recognising the level of competition we faced. Every team brought intensity, physicality, and heart, which reflects the rapid growth of 3×3 across the Blue Pacific.

“We had to earn everything. Nothing came easy, and that’s what makes this result meaningful for us. The players were the embodiment of the Tonga Basketball creed: Tonga Mo’ui Li’oa (Life of Sacrifice; Always). They worked for this win – for each other, for their families, and most importantly, for the Kingdom of Tonga.”

With both teams now bound for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in China later this year, Tonga will take its place on one of the sport’s most important youth stages, carrying the confidence of a historic campaign and the belief that they belong among the world’s rising 3×3 nations.

Their qualification also contributes valuable points to the FIBA 3×3 Federation Ranking, a system that directly influences Olympic pathways. But the impact extends beyond Tonga. Every federation that competed in this year’s Youth Nations League, including Fiji, New Caledonia, and Solomon Islands, added meaningful ranking points that strengthen the regions collective position ahead of Los Angeles 2028.

The accumulation of points across multiple nations is critical for the region’s long‑term competitiveness, ensuring more Oceania teams remain in contention for future World Cups, Asia Cups, and ultimately Olympic qualification.

FIBA Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins, said the progress across the region is the result of sustained commitment and opportunity.

“This year’s FIBA 3×3 Nations League – Pacific showed just how far Oceania National Federations have come in a short time. Every team contributed to the region’s ranking, every game mattered, and the level of play continues to rise.

This year’s event closed with clear signs of progress, highlighted by Tonga’s historic sweep and the steady improvement shown by every federation throughout the series.

With qualification now secured and the next phase of international events approaching, teams shift their focus to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup and the wider 3×3 calendar, carrying valuable ranking points and meaningful competitive experience into the months ahead.

The Australian Gangurrus women’s team have created history at the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Poland.

The Gangurrus, led by Olympian and UC Capitals recruit Amy Atwell have finished with Australia’s best result in World Cup history — having previously finished third twice, in 2012 and 2023.

In the decider, Australia, featuring Olympians Marena Whittle and Atwell, the newly committed Townsville Fire wing Emma Clarke and incoming Southside Melbourne Flyers forward Hannah Hank, were pitted against the United States, who edged the Gangurrus in the pool stages.

The US started stronger in the final, racing out to a 4-0 lead, which became 8-3 when Milaysia Fulwiley converted a one-point shot.

Despite tough baskets from Atwell and Whittle, a Joyce Edwards shot extended the Americans’ lead to six midway through the encounter.

But in the space of 1.33 minutes of game time, the Gangurrus went on a 7-2 run to tie the game up at 17-all, powered by five straight points from Whittle.

Australia actually got their noses in front (20-19) with 50 seconds remaining, but a two-point shot from Mikaylah Williams, with 28 seconds remaining, secured the US the gold and resulted in a heartbreaking defeat for coach Damon Lowery’s side.

This silver medal eclipses the squad’s previous bronze at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Vienna.

“I’m so proud of the girls, to come here and walk away with a medal is a phenomenal job and obviously means a lot,” Clarke said post-game.

“To come in ranked 16th [in the world], so to achieve what we did, we’re forever grateful. In the US game, we were obviously so close. They’ve been great all tournament and put up a good game in the final.

“They were just one better today, but we’re going to remember [and learn from] this one for sure.”

Atwell was rewarded for her strong play by being named in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament, alongside the United States’ Mikaylah Williams (MVP) and the Netherlands’ Noortje Driessen.

Lowery’s side reached the maiden final by defeating the number one ranked Netherlands (who knocked out the Gangurrus in the corresponding fixture at the 2023 World Cup) 16-14 in the semi-final.

DEBRECEN (Hungary) – The Netherlands (NED) made FIBA 3×3 history at the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Debrecen 2026, defeating Lille Loko (FRA) 21-12 in the Final to claim their fifth consecutive Women’s Series stop title.

The Winner

The Netherlands entered WS Debrecen as the top seed and once again proved why they are the team to beat this season. They opened with a 21-15 victory over Hungary (HUN), with Evelien Lutje Schipholt leading the way with 11 points, before Ilse Kuijt erupted for 12 points in a 21-9 win over Czechia (CZE).

That set up a Quarter-Finals meeting with compatriots Amsterdam (NED), but the Netherlands stayed composed to secure a 19-15 victory and book their place in the Semi-Finals.

There, they faced Spain (ESP) and quickly established control, racing out to a 6-1 lead before eventually closing out an 18-12 win. Kuijt scored six points as the Netherlands reached their sixth Final of the season.

They then saved their best run for the championship game, overcoming an early challenge from Lille Loko before getting the huge win. The triumph marked the Netherlands’ fifth consecutive Women’s Series stop title, a feat that had never been achieved before. Their incredible run has also seen them win 25 straight Women’s Series games.

The Runner-up

Lille Loko produced the tournament’s biggest Cinderella story, reaching the Final in their first and only FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series stop of the 2026 season. The French side opened their campaign with a major upset, defeating third seeds Amsterdam 21-17 behind eight points from Jessica Mavambou. They followed that up with a 21-12 victory over Chile (CHI), sweeping Pool C and advancing to the Quarter-Finals.

Lille Loko then edged Czechia 18-17 in a dramatic Quarter-Final. Czechia led by as many as five points, but Lille Loko mounted a late comeback to take an 18-15 lead before surviving a final push from their opponents. Maud Stervinou led the way with nine points.

The Semi-Final against USA (USA) was even more dramatic. Lille Loko led 15-11 with less than two minutes remaining before USA stormed ahead 17-15. With their Final hopes hanging by a thread, Lille Loko scored the game’s final three points, capped by Stervinou’s game-winning two-pointer, to steal an 18-17 victory.

Their remarkable run finally came to an end against the Netherlands, but Lille Loko’s second-place finish was a stunning result for a team making their lone FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series appearance of the season.

The Final

Lille Loko came out firing in the championship game, taking a 6-4 lead with seven minutes remaining and keeping in step with Netherlands at 7-7 midway through the contest. The French side continued to give the defending champions everything they could handle, with the game still tied at 12-12 with less than three minutes remaining.

But once again, the Netherlands found another gear.

The Dutch closed the game on a scintillating 9-0 run to turn a tight contest into a statement 21-12 victory. Schipholt led the Netherlands with nine points in the Final, helping her side secure yet another winner’s banner.

Road to the Final

Spain also enjoyed an impressive run in Debrecen, sweeping Pool D after defeating Beijing (CHN) 22-20 in overtime and then cruising past hosts Debrecen 21-8. Txell Alarcón was instrumental throughout the pool phase, scoring 10 points against Beijing before adding 11 against Debrecen.

Spain then defeated second seeds Rapid Bucharest (ROU) 21-14 in the Quarter-Finals, with Helena Oma leading a balanced Spanish attack with six points.

Their run ended in the Semi-Finals against the Netherlands, who controlled the contest from the opening minutes and secured an 18-12 victory.

USA also did well, especially after sweeping Pool B on Day 1. They carried that momentum into the Quarter-Finals, where Mikayla Blakes scored seven points in a 21-15 win over Beijing. Blakes and Aerial Powers combined for 14 points as USA advanced to the last four, but their run ended in heartbreaking fashion against Lille Loko.

The Reward

The Netherlands’ fifth consecutive Women’s Series stop title further strengthens their position as the dominant team of the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series 2026 season. Their 25-game winning streak also sets another remarkable benchmark as the race for the season-ending FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Project Redwings Shanghai Final 2026 enters its final stage.

Lille Loko’s runner-up finish was an equally significant reward, with the French side making the most of their lone Women’s Series appearance of the year. Spain and USA completed the top four after both reaching the Semi-Finals.

MVP

Evelien Lutje Schipholt was named the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Debrecen 2026 MVP after another dominant performance for the Netherlands. Schipholt led the tournament with two double-fives, 21 one-pointers made, four blocks and 11 offensive rebounds. She also collected 19 rebounds overall, third-most in the tournament. Her nine points in the Final helped the Netherlands complete their historic run and secure a fifth straight Women’s Series stop title.

Final Standings

1. Netherlands (NED)
2. Lille Loko (FRA)
3. Spain (ESP)
4. United States (USA)
5. Beijing (CHN)
6. Rapid Bucharest (ROU)
7. Amsterdam (NED)
8. Czechia (CZE)
9. Hungary (HUN)
10. Ukraine (UKR)
11. Chile (CHI)
12. Debrecen (HUN)

What’s Next

The FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series 2026 now heads to Japan for the WS Takasaki stop on August 29-30. With the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Project Redwings Shanghai Final 2026 taking place the following weekend in Shanghai, China, the penultimate stop of the regular season will provide one last opportunity for teams to make their move before the season-ending showdown on September 5-6.

The Netherlands have already set a historic standard with five straight stop titles and 25 consecutive wins. Now, the rest of the field will have one final chance in Takasaki to stop their incredible run before the road leads to Shanghai.

Stay Connected

Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official Women’s Series 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

NOUMEA, SUD (New Caledonia) – Tonga has created a defining moment in Oceania 3×3 basketball, winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the FIBA 3×3 Nations League 2026 – Pacific and qualifying two national teams for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup for the first time in the country’s history.

The women were flawless across the entire campaign, not dropping a single game, while the men sealed their overall victory with only two losses on the final day in a gritty, high‑stakes finish that underlined their growth and composure.

This achievement continues Tonga’s rapid rise in the 3×3 format, following their strong performances at recent FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore. Earlier this year, the women’s team made history by advancing through to the main draw for the first time, a breakthrough that signalled their readiness to compete at a higher level and set the tone for their dominant Youth Nations League run.

Their momentum now carries into next month, where the Tonga women will represent the nation at the Commonwealth Games, marking another major milestone in the program’s evolution and visibility on the international stage.

“We’re proud of what our teams have been able to do across the campaign, especially to come away with both qualifying for the U23 World Cup, Tonga Basketball High Performance Director, Cahn Fitzgerald said. “But just as important is recognising the level of competition we faced. Every team brought intensity, physicality, and heart, which reflects the rapid growth of 3×3 across the Blue Pacific.

“We had to earn everything. Nothing came easy, and that’s what makes this result meaningful for us. The players were the embodiment of the Tonga Basketball creed: Tonga Mo’ui Li’oa (Life of Sacrifice; Always). They worked for this win – for each other, for their families, and most importantly, for the Kingdom of Tonga.”

With both teams now bound for the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in China later this year, Tonga will take its place on one of the sport’s most important youth stages, carrying the confidence of a historic campaign and the belief that they belong among the world’s rising 3×3 nations.

Their qualification also contributes valuable points to the FIBA 3×3 Federation Ranking, a system that directly influences Olympic pathways. But the impact extends beyond Tonga. Every federation that competed in this year’s Youth Nations League, including Fiji, New Caledonia, and Solomon Islands, added meaningful ranking points that strengthen the regions collective position ahead of Los Angeles 2028.

The accumulation of points across multiple nations is critical for the region’s long‑term competitiveness, ensuring more Oceania teams remain in contention for future World Cups, Asia Cups, and ultimately Olympic qualification.

FIBA Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins, said the progress across the region is the result of sustained commitment and opportunity.

“This year’s FIBA 3×3 Nations League – Pacific showed just how far Oceania National Federations have come in a short time. Every team contributed to the region’s ranking, every game mattered, and the level of play continues to rise.

This year’s event closed with clear signs of progress, highlighted by Tonga’s historic sweep and the steady improvement shown by every federation throughout the series.

With qualification now secured and the next phase of international events approaching, teams shift their focus to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup and the wider 3×3 calendar, carrying valuable ranking points and meaningful competitive experience into the months ahead.

Making history in Warsaw

The Asia Cup run was followed by qualification for the World Cup — the Philippines’ first appearance since going winless as hosts in 2018 — and the team arrived in Warsaw as heavy underdogs in Pool C, which included Latvia, Paris 2024 Olympic champions Germany, People’s Republic of China, and Italy.

Defeats in their opening three games left one final chance to make a statement, and Dela Rosa, Afril Bernardino, Camille Clarin, and Mikka Cacho seized it, toppling Italy for a landmark first win at the sport’s showpiece event.

For Dela Rosa, the result is another sign of momentum building back home.

“It’s getting big because they’re opening a lot of leagues for 3×3 in the Philippines now, women’s basketball especially,” she said. “I’m very happy that I’m a big part of it right now, and I want to be an inspiration to the other kids. I’m really happy and excited for the kids who want to play in the future.”