Three-time Olympian Michelle Plouffe has come out of retirement to join Canada’s four-player roster for the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series stop in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 33-year-old Plouffe joins her twin sister Katherine Plouffe, Cassandra Brown and Paige Crozon for the event that starts Saturday.

Canada enters the final stretch of the regular season ranked 10th in the women’s series standings.

The top seven teams, along with host China, advance to the women’s series final in Shanghai from Sept. 5-6, making Bangkok one of Canada’s last opportunities to earn crucial qualification points.

“As we looked at where we are in the women’s series standings and what we need to make a push toward Shanghai, Michelle was an option that made a lot of sense for us,” said Steve Baur, vice-president and general manager of Canada Basketball’s women’s high performance program. “She has remained incredibly close to the game and to this group through her role with our program, and over time there have been conversations about what it might look like for her to play again.

“Bangkok gives us an opportunity to add an exceptional player to our group at an important point in the season, while giving Michelle an opportunity to compete again and see how it feels.”

Michelle Plouffe retired on July 28, 2025, to begin the transition into her role as Canada Basketball’s 3×3 performance manager.

She led Canada to multiple FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series titles, a silver medal at the 2022 FIBA 3×3 World Cup, and a fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics.

TORONTO (Aug. 21, 2026) – Canada Basketball announced Thursday the four athletes who will represent Canada at the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series stop in Bangkok, Thailand, from Aug. 22-23, with three-time Olympian Michelle Plouffe returning to competition for the first time since the 2024 FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Final.

Plouffe will be joined by Cassandra Brown, Paige Crozon, Katherine Plouffe as Canada continues its push toward the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Final in Shanghai, China.
Canada enters the final stretch of the regular season sitting 10th in the Women’s Series standings, with the top seven teams, plus the host, advancing to the season-ending Final on Sept. 5-6.

With Canada looking to climb into a qualification position, Plouffe’s return provides the program with one of the most accomplished players in the history of the discipline.

“As we looked at where we are in the Women’s Series standings and what we need to make a push toward Shanghai, Michelle was an option that made a lot of sense for us,” said Steve Baur, Vice-President and General Manager, Women’s High Performance. “She has remained incredibly close to the game and to this group through her role with our program, and over time there have been conversations about what it might look like for her to play again.

“Bangkok gives us an opportunity to add an exceptional player to our group at an important point in the season, while giving Michelle an opportunity to compete again and see how it feels.”

Plouffe announced her retirement from international competition in July 2025 before transitioning into her role as Canada Basketball’s 3×3 Performance Manager.

The Edmonton native was one of the foundational members of Canada’s women’s 3×3 program, helping establish the team as one of the sport’s most consistent international contenders. Alongside Katherine Plouffe and Paige Crozon, she helped build the program from its early days in 2019 before Canada eventually qualified for its first Olympic Games in the discipline.

Plouffe returned from ACL reconstruction in 2024 to help Canada secure its historic Olympic berth at the final FIBA 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Debrecen, Hungary. Canada went on to finish fourth at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Paris marked Plouffe’s third Olympic appearance. She previously represented Canada in five-on-five basketball at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Her 3×3 résumé also includes back-to-back FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series championships in 2022 and 2023, a silver medal at the 2022 FIBA 3×3 World Cup and gold at the 2022 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup.

The Bangkok stop is one of the final opportunities for teams to earn points toward qualification for the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Final in Shanghai.

Schedule – Saturday, Aug. 22

Canada vs. Madagascar – 4:50 a.m. ET / 1:50 a.m. PT
Canada vs. Australia – 6:40 a.m. ET / 3:40 a.m. PT
‍
The knockout round will take place Sunday, Aug. 23. All games will be streamed live on CBC Gem and FIBA 3×3’s official YouTube channel.
‍

Canada Roster

Cassandra Brown — Vernon, B.C.
Paige Crozon — Humboldt, Sask.
Michelle Plouffe — Edmonton, Alta.
Katherine Plouffe — Edmonton, Alta.

‍Head Coach: Daniel Ferguson

UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) – The wait won’t be long for fans of the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, as the 2026 season will tip off in Utsunomiya, Japan, on 25 and 26 April 2026.

Utsunomiya has become synonymous with 3×3 basketball excellence, hosting some of the biggest and most memorable events in the discipline’s history. Once again, the city will provide the perfect stage to launch a new season, as the world’s best teams battle at the iconic Futaarayama Jinja Shrine. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Utsunomiya has hosted the World Tour Opener. Previously, the city also hosted four World Tour events between 2016 and 2019, including the 2019 Final.

A Tradition of Big Openers

The Utsunomiya Opener has earned its place as one of the most anticipated stops on the FIBA 3×3 World Tour calendar. With its electric atmosphere, iconic venue and world-class competition, the event has become the perfect stage to tip off a new season. Fans know to expect drama, energy and unforgettable moments under the lights at the Futaarayama Shrine.

Recent years have brought memorable champions to Utsunomiya. Miami dominated the past two editions, lifting the trophy in both 2024 and 2025, while Ub Huishan NE captured back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. Each victory has added to the city’s legacy as a proving ground for the world’s best 3×3 basketball teams.

With that history as a backdrop, the 2026 edition is set to raise the stakes even higher. Teams will look to make an early statement in their chase for World Tour glory, and Utsunomiya’s stage promises to once again set the tone for another thrilling season.

3×3 basketball in the Spotlight

As 3×3 basketball continues to grow on the global stage, fans can expect high-flying plays, buzzer-beaters, and unforgettable moments that capture the unique spirit of the game.

It is a tremendous honour to host the Opener in Utsunomiya City once again in 2026. Throughout the event period, the city will be buzzing with excitement. Alongside the main tournament featuring the world’s top players, we will host children’s competitions. Furthermore, restaurants throughout the city, including gyoza dumpling shops, will offer special tournament menus. Experience booths showcasing Japanese culture will also be available. We do hope you enjoy the full experience of our “3×3 City” – Mr. Eiichi Sato, Utsunomiya’s Mayor said.

Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the event that marks the official start of another action-packed FIBA 3×3 World Tour season.

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