MANAMA. Strahinja Stojacic has been named MVP of the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2025 regular season. The number 1 player in the world earned the award after a season where he led Ub to titles in Marseille, Edmonton and Shenzhen, and added wins in Vienna and Hong Kong.

The MVP was decided by fans and players. Stojacic averaged 6.3 points per game, the fifth best mark on the World Tour for players with at least 20 games, and finished as the second top scorer of the season with 307 points.

He topped the player vote with 16%, tied with Skyliners’ Leon Fertig. Henry Caruso finished third with 14%. Stojacic also led the fan vote with 26%, ahead of Paris standout and World Tour Amsterdam winner Paul Djoko on 17%, and Raudondvaris Hoptrans forward Evaldas Dziaugys on 16%.

This is the third time Stojacic wins the World Tour Season MVP after previous honors in 2022 and 2023. The list of past winners includes Dusan Bulut in 2018, Dominique Jones in 2019, Nauris Miezis in 2020, Karlis Lasmanis in 2021, Worthy de Jong in 2024 and Stojacic in 2022, 2023 and 2025.

RIO DE JANEIRO (Brazil) – With the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Rio de Janeiro Final 2026 set to bring together 14 teams in the Brazilian city on December 12-13, every game across the remaining stops of the 2026 calendar could prove crucial as teams battle for their place at the biggest event of the year.

The Top 10 teams in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2026 standings will earn direct qualification to the Rio de Janeiro Final 2026 Main Draw. Those teams will be confirmed either after the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Hong Kong 2026, or earlier if their qualification becomes statistically certain.

The race does not stop there, though. Three additional teams will qualify to the Rio de Janeiro Final 2026 based on the highest number of wins in Pro Events Main Draw games after the last Stop of the season, excluding teams that have already secured a place among the Top 10.

Of those three teams, the best-ranked team will be allocated directly to the Rio de Janeiro Final 2026 Main Draw, while the other two will enter the Play-In, giving them one final route into the competition.

One additional spot in the Play-In will be reserved for the LOC Wild Card, completing the 14-team field.

If teams are tied in the relevant qualification criteria, the tie-breakers will be applied in the following order: Season Win Percentage, followed by Team Ranking.

That means every victory matters. With the final qualification places potentially coming down to the closing stages of the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2026 season, teams will have everything to play for as the road to the Rio de Janeiro Final 2026 reaches its climax.

Fourteen teams. One Final. One FIBA 3×3 World Tour champion.

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

The Emirati city’s latest addition to calendar will bring the world’s best 3×3 basketball teams during the final stretch of the season. The event will have ranking points and prize money in the line. Fans in Dubai will witness World Champions, European Champions and Olympians on court, alongside the world’s top ranked teams.

MIES (Switzerland) – Dubai has been added to the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2026 calendar, with a Masters event taking place on November 7-8.

The world’s best 3×3 basketball teams and players will compete in the emirate as the season enters its closing stretch, with ranking points and prize money on the line. Dubai’s addition brings one of the most recognisable sport and tourism destinations in the world into a season that travels across four regions.

Fans in Dubai will see the elite of the discipline in action. Fans will see World Champions, European Champions and Olympians on court, alongside the world’s top-ranked teams, where every possession counts.

The 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Tour tipped off in Utsunomiya, Japan, on April 25-26 and has since visited urban locations around the world, each contributing its own identity to a global journey that celebrates 3×3 basketball as both elite sport and shared experience. Dubai now takes its place on that calendar ahead of the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on December 12-13.

3×3 basketball has long been recognised for its ability to combine world-class competition with entertainment, where music, atmosphere and crowd engagement form a central part of the live experience. 

Dubai’s arrival on the calendar comes as part of a three-year partnership, securing the Masters in the emirate through 2028.

Alex Sanchez, Managing Director of FIBA 3×3, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dubai to the FIBA 3×3 World Tour this season. Dubai has firmly established itself as one of the world’s leading tourism, entertainment and major event destinations, with remarkable sports infrastructure and a bold vision for the future of sport.”

Eisa Sharif, Dubai Sports Council Director of Events, said: “Bringing the FIBA 3×3 World Tour to Dubai is another important step in our commitment to supporting and growing basketball in the emirate, while aligning with the ambitions of the Dubai Sports Strategic Plan 2033. We are proud to build on our strong relationship with FIBA and to welcome one of the world’s leading international basketball events to our community. Hosting the world’s best 3×3 players in Dubai also supports our focus on talent development, creating opportunities to inspire the next generation of players and connect local talent with the highest levels of the sport. Dubai is the home for global events, and bringing the FIBA 3×3 World Tour to the emirate further reinforces our commitment to strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading destination for international sport.”

###

About FIBA 3×3

Exciting, urban and innovative, 3×3 basketball is inspired by several forms of urban basketball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court. It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and has since benefited from the launch of yearly professional circuits for men and women, the FIBA 3×3 World Tour and FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series respectively, as well as national team competitions. 3×3 basketball made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, returned at Paris 2024, and will feature again at LA 2028.

FIBA 3×3 World Tour

The FIBA 3×3 World Tour is the elite professional men’s circuit of the discipline. Teams representing world renowned cities, and professional clubs, compete across a global season hosted in the center of major urban environments, earning ranking points and prize money while building toward the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final. It is the highest level of professional 3×3 competition.

Media accreditation 

All Media interested in attending the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Dubai should submit their application before November 5, 2026.

All applications, from both local and international media, must be submitted via the FIBA Accreditation Portal. More information on how to apply is available here. 

FIBA

Global basketball governing body FIBA has added a stop in Dubai, UAE, to its top-flight 3×3 World Tour calendar as part of a new multi-year partnership with the Dubai Sports Council (DSC).

The Dubai event, part of the World Tour’s ‘Masters’ elite tier of two-day showcases, will take place on November 7 and 8 as part of a late-season swing of events across Asia before the December season finale in Brazil.

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That will be the first of three annual World Tour stops in Dubai under the agreement, supporting the city’s growing event-hosting ambitions.

Indeed, to this end, DSC director of events Eisa Sharif said: “Bringing the FIBA 3×3 World Tour to Dubai is another important step in our commitment to supporting and growing basketball in the emirate, while aligning with the ambitions of the Dubai Sports Strategic Plan 2033.

“Hosting the world’s best 3×3 players in Dubai also supports our focus on talent development, creating opportunities to inspire the next generation of players and connect local talent with the highest levels of the sport. Dubai is the home for global events, and bringing the FIBA 3×3 World Tour to the emirate further reinforces our commitment to strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading destination for international sport.”

The Dubai World Tour stop is not the top-line Masters event to visit the Middle East, and indeed is not the only stop in the region on the 2026 tour, which will also visit Manama, Bahrain, on November 20 and 21.

Manama, which has hosted Masters events annually since 2023, also hosted the season-ending 3×3 Finals in 2025, while prior events have also been staged in Doha, Qatar, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The tour also stopped in Abu Dhabi, UAE, between 2021 and 2025 (including the 2022 Finals), with Dubai now replacing it as the sole UAE event on the circuit.

Speaking to Sportcal last month, FIBA 3×3 managing director Alex Sanchez discussed why Asian markets are such a target for the tour, saying: “The reality is that two-thirds of the world’s population live in Asia,” he explained. “So if you take this into account, if we want to grow, let’s go where the biggest potential market is, and two-thirds of our potential market actually live in Asia.

“It’s also true that we’ve been able to generate interest in very different kinds of Asian markets: Mongolia, Singapore, and [the Gulf countries], that are culturally and geographically different.”

Read more – FIBA 3×3: How scenic landscapes underpin the World Tour’s global growth

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KAOHSIUNG (Chinese Taipei) – Shibuya (JPN) completed a remarkable run from the Qualifying Draw to the top of the podium at the FIBA 3×3 Kaohsiung Challenger 2026, edging hosts Taipei WanBao (TPE) 21-19 in a thrilling Final to claim their first Challenger title of the season. Kristaps Gluditis delivered the decisive blow with a game-winning two-pointer, while Taipei WanBao and Utrecht (NED) also secured qualification to FIBA 3×3 World Tour Deqing 2026.

The Winner

Shibuya’s journey to the title was nothing short of extraordinary. After beating Balige (INA) and Phoenix (USA) in the Qualifying Draw, Shibuya carried their momentum into the Main Draw with a statement 21-15 win over hosts Taipei WanBao. They then survived a three-way tie in Pool D to advance alongside the hosts before taking down Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) 21-13 in the Quarter-Finals.

Their biggest test came against top seed Antwerp (BEL) in the Semi-Finals. Shibuya prevailed 21-19 behind four two-pointers from Gluditis, setting up a Final showdown with Taipei. Gluditis was named tournament MVP after finishing with 34 points, 46.2 total player value, 19 highlights, 13 two-pointers and 13 key assists.

The Runner-up

Taipei WanBao gave their home fans plenty to celebrate as they battled all the way to the Final. After bouncing back from their opening loss to Shibuya by defeating Crvena Zvezda (SRB) 22-11, the hosts survived the Quarter-Finals against Princeton (USA), with Mike Efevberha pouring in 14 points, including six two-pointers.

Efevberha continued his outstanding run with 10 points in the Semi-Final victory over Utrecht, carrying Taipei into the Final. They ultimately fell just short against Shibuya but still earned a ticket to Deqing. Efevberha led all scorers in Kaohsiung with 41 points.

The Final

Shibuya and Taipei WanBao produced a Final worthy of the occasion. The Japanese side built an early advantage and led 15-10 with under four minutes remaining. Taipei refused to go away, however, as Efevberha knocked down a two-pointer to bring the hosts level at 19-19. With the title hanging in the balance, Gluditis stepped up. The Shibuya star buried the game-winning two-pointer to complete the 21-19 victory and send his team to the top of the podium.

The Reward

The Kaohsiung title came with a valuable prize: qualification to FIBA 3×3 World Tour Deqing 2026. Shibuya, Taipei WanBao and Utrecht all secured their places in Deqing. Antwerp finished third but had already pre-qualified for the World Tour stop, leaving Utrecht to claim the last available ticket.

Final Standings

1. Shibuya (JPN) – qualified to WT Deqing
2. Taipei WanBao (TPE) – qualified to WT Deqing
3. Antwerp (BEL) – already pre-qualified to WT Deqing
4. Utrecht (NED) – qualified to WT Deqing
5. Princeton (USA)

Top Scorers

1. Mike Efevberha (Taipei WanBao) – 41 pts
2. Ryo Ozawa (Shibuya) – 34 pts
3. Kristaps Gluditis (Shibuya) – 34 pts
4. Dennis Donkor (Antwerp) – 33 pts
5. Petar Ivanovic (Taipei WanBao) – 31 pts

What’s Next

The focus now shifts away from the Challenger circuit, with the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup 2026 taking place in Antwerp, Belgium this week before the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2026 tips off in Wuhan, China next week.

The Challenger action returns on September 18-19 with the Hongcheon Challenger, while the Phoenix Challenger follows on September 19-20. The road then leads to Deqing, China, where the next FIBA 3×3 World Tour stop takes place on September 26-27.

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

MIES (Switzerland) – The FIBA 3×3 World Tour Utsunomiya Opener 2026, held on April 25–26 in Utsunomiya, Japan, incorporated a range of sustainability initiatives to reduce the event’s environmental impact, reinforcing the shared commitment of FIBA 3×3 and the Utsunomiya Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to responsible event delivery.

Supported by Utsunomiya Light Power Co., Ltd. as the tournament’s Zero Carbon Action Partner, the event introduced measures designed to reduce its environmental footprint and support more sustainable event management. Among the initiatives implemented was the use of recycled materials, including biomass-based materials, for banners, information boards and other signage installed throughout the competition venue and across the city.

The event also implemented a carbon offset programme to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions generated through tournament operations. The programme covered emissions associated with participating teams’ and players’ travel, as well as electricity consumption at the venue, including power generators. Carbon offsetting enables emissions to be balanced through the purchase of verified carbon credits that support verified emission reduction or carbon removal projects elsewhere.

As part of these efforts, the tournament offset 16 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, retired one carbon credit, and utilized 70 pieces of venue signage produced using recycled or biomass-based materials. While these initiatives represent an early step in the event’s sustainability journey, they reflect the Utsunomiya LOC’s commitment to continuously strengthening environmentally responsible event operations in future editions.

FIBA 3×3 Managing Director Alex Sanchez said:

“Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of how we deliver FIBA 3×3 events around the world. Together with our Local Organizing Committees and partners, we are committed to continuously improving our event operations while creating a positive impact for host communities. The initiatives implemented in Utsunomiya demonstrate how collaboration can help us advance these objectives.”

The initiatives implemented in Utsunomiya build on FIBA 3×3’s broader commitment to integrating sustainability across its events and activities. Recent examples include sustainability initiatives introduced during the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2025 in Singapore, environmental responsibility programmes implemented at the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Abu Dhabi 2025, and the work of Spanish international Carlos Martínez, whose efforts to help protect the world’s oceans highlight how members of the global 3×3 community are contributing to environmental awareness both on and off the court.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Aoki Katsuyuki, Vice Mayor of Utsunomiya, said:

“Our city has set forth the vision of becoming a ‘Super Smart City’ –  a city where people of all generations, from children to senior citizens, can live safely, conveniently, and with a high quality of life while realizing their dreams and aspirations. To achieve this vision, we are advancing the development of three key pillars of society: an inclusive community, a regional circular economy, and a decarbonized society.

We believe that hosting the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, a globally recognized sustainable sporting event, will help raise environmental awareness among our citizens and local businesses, deepen understanding of sustainable urban development, and ultimately contribute to realizing the decarbonized society that our city aspires to achieve.”

The sustainability initiatives in Utsunomiya 2026 form part of the continued collaboration between FIBA 3×3, LOCs and partners to integrate responsible environmental practices into the delivery of international 3×3 basketball events while supporting broader sustainability objectives across the global 3×3 basketball ecosystem.

The WT Utsunomiya Opener marked the opening stop of the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2026 season. Held for the ninth time in the city and the fifth time as the season opener, the tournament once again highlighted Utsunomiya’s role as one of the leading destinations for 3×3 basketball. Located in Tochigi Prefecture, just north of Tokyo, Utsunomiya has established a strong reputation for hosting international 3×3 basketball events through consistent event delivery and strong local support. The 2026 edition concluded with Liman (SRB) claiming the tournament title.

FIBA remains committed to working alongside host cities, LOCs, partners and the wider 3×3 basketball community to advance responsible event operations while continuing to grow the sport around the world.

###

About FIBA 3×3

3×3 basketball is FIBA’s official urban discipline and one of the fastest-growing Olympic sports. It is the most thrilling urban sport in the world. Played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, 3×3 basketball is a 10-minute sprint where the first team to 21 wins. The sport’s competition structure includes the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series, and the FIBA 3×3 World Cup and continental Zone Cups and a Champions Cup. The discipline made its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 and returns at Paris 2024 and LA 2028.

FIBA 3×3 World Tour

The FIBA 3×3 World Tour is the elite professional men’s circuit of the discipline. Teams representing world renowned cities, and professional clubs, compete across a global season hosted in the center of major urban environments, earning ranking points and prize money while building toward the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final. It is the highest level of professional 3×3 competition.

FIBA

MIES (Switzerland) – Sharpshooter Kyle Guy is set to embark on a new chapter in his basketball journey after being named to Team Phoenix for the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2026, marking his first foray into the half-court discipline.

USA Basketball confirmed that Guy will be part of the Team Phoenix roster competing on the FIBA 3×3 Pro Circuit 2026, alongside Eric Demers, Eric Dixon, Devin Gilligan and Malik Hluchoweckyj. Four players will suit up per event as the team navigates the demanding tour calendar.

The move signals a significant transition for the 2019 US NCAA champion and former NBA guard, who has built his reputation as an elite perimeter shooter. Known for his clutch performances during his collegiate career, Guy now takes his skill set into 3×3 basketball. He should be a perfect fit, given 3×3 basketball’s pace, physicality and emphasis on quick decision-making.

Notably, despite his decorated background, this will be Guy’s debut in an official FIBA 3×3 event, making his inclusion in Team Phoenix one of the more intriguing storylines heading into the 2026 Pro Circuit. His adaptation to the unique demands of the discipline will be closely watched.

Team Phoenix is one of USA Basketball’s entries in the FIBA 3×3 Pro Circuit, which serves as the pathway to the prestigious FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final. The tour represents the highest level of professional 3×3 basketball competition.

Guy’s addition also reflects USA Basketball’s continued investment in 3×3 basketball as the discipline continues to surge in global popularity. His prior experience with USA Basketball, including participation in a FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying setup, helped pave the way for this opportunity on the pro circuit.

Team Phoenix is expected to make its debut early in the season, with the Manila Challenger among its first confirmed stops. The event will provide an immediate test for the squad as they aim to collect ranking points and secure qualification for higher-tier events.

For Guy, the challenge is clear: translate his shooting prowess and basketball IQ into a format where spacing is tighter, possessions are shorter and every decision carries amplified weight. If he succeeds, Team Phoenix could quickly emerge as a contender on the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2026, and Guy may well become one of the newest names to watch in 3×3 basketball.

FIBA

MIES (Switzerland) – The FIBA 3×3 World Tour Utsunomiya Opener 2026, held on April 25–26 in Utsunomiya, Japan, incorporated a range of sustainability initiatives to reduce the event’s environmental impact, reinforcing the shared commitment of FIBA 3×3 and the Utsunomiya Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to responsible event delivery.

Supported by Utsunomiya Light Power Co., Ltd. as the tournament’s Zero Carbon Action Partner, the event introduced measures designed to reduce its environmental footprint and support more sustainable event management. Among the initiatives implemented was the use of recycled materials, including biomass-based materials, for banners, information boards and other signage installed throughout the competition venue and across the city.

The event also implemented a carbon offset programme to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions generated through tournament operations. The programme covered emissions associated with participating teams’ and players’ travel, as well as electricity consumption at the venue, including power generators. Carbon offsetting enables emissions to be balanced through the purchase of verified carbon credits that support verified emission reduction or carbon removal projects elsewhere.

As part of these efforts, the tournament offset 16 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, retired one carbon credit, and utilized 70 pieces of venue signage produced using recycled or biomass-based materials. While these initiatives represent an early step in the event’s sustainability journey, they reflect the Utsunomiya LOC’s commitment to continuously strengthening environmentally responsible event operations in future editions.

FIBA 3×3 Managing Director Alex Sanchez said:

“Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of how we deliver FIBA 3×3 events around the world. Together with our Local Organizing Committees and partners, we are committed to continuously improving our event operations while creating a positive impact for host communities. The initiatives implemented in Utsunomiya demonstrate how collaboration can help us advance these objectives.”

The initiatives implemented in Utsunomiya build on FIBA 3×3’s broader commitment to integrating sustainability across its events and activities. Recent examples include sustainability initiatives introduced during the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2025 in Singapore, environmental responsibility programmes implemented at the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Abu Dhabi 2025, and the work of Spanish international Carlos Martínez, whose efforts to help protect the world’s oceans highlight how members of the global 3×3 community are contributing to environmental awareness both on and off the court.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Aoki Katsuyuki, Vice Mayor of Utsunomiya, said:

“Our city has set forth the vision of becoming a ‘Super Smart City’ –  a city where people of all generations, from children to senior citizens, can live safely, conveniently, and with a high quality of life while realizing their dreams and aspirations. To achieve this vision, we are advancing the development of three key pillars of society: an inclusive community, a regional circular economy, and a decarbonized society.

We believe that hosting the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, a globally recognized sustainable sporting event, will help raise environmental awareness among our citizens and local businesses, deepen understanding of sustainable urban development, and ultimately contribute to realizing the decarbonized society that our city aspires to achieve.”

The sustainability initiatives in Utsunomiya 2026 form part of the continued collaboration between FIBA 3×3, LOCs and partners to integrate responsible environmental practices into the delivery of international 3×3 basketball events while supporting broader sustainability objectives across the global 3×3 basketball ecosystem.

The WT Utsunomiya Opener marked the opening stop of the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2026 season. Held for the ninth time in the city and the fifth time as the season opener, the tournament once again highlighted Utsunomiya’s role as one of the leading destinations for 3×3 basketball. Located in Tochigi Prefecture, just north of Tokyo, Utsunomiya has established a strong reputation for hosting international 3×3 basketball events through consistent event delivery and strong local support. The 2026 edition concluded with Liman (SRB) claiming the tournament title.

FIBA remains committed to working alongside host cities, LOCs, partners and the wider 3×3 basketball community to advance responsible event operations while continuing to grow the sport around the world.

###

About FIBA 3×3

3×3 basketball is FIBA’s official urban discipline and one of the fastest-growing Olympic sports. It is the most thrilling urban sport in the world. Played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, 3×3 basketball is a 10-minute sprint where the first team to 21 wins. The sport’s competition structure includes the FIBA 3×3 World Tour, the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series, and the FIBA 3×3 World Cup and continental Zone Cups and a Champions Cup. The discipline made its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 and returns at Paris 2024 and LA 2028.

FIBA 3×3 World Tour

The FIBA 3×3 World Tour is the elite professional men’s circuit of the discipline. Teams representing world renowned cities, and professional clubs, compete across a global season hosted in the center of major urban environments, earning ranking points and prize money while building toward the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final. It is the highest level of professional 3×3 competition.

FIBA