Citing concerns for player safety and fan participation during the coronavirus pandemic, the BIG3 is shutting down the 2020 season.
The league had looked into multiple options such as “playing at a single site in Los Angeles,” but decided against the move in light of “stay-at-home orders” and the uncertainty regarding public gatherings according to a statement released Monday.
“The BIG3 always wants to deliver the best for our fans under safe conditions. Due to a confluence of safety, the uncertainty of testing, changing government regulations, insurance and liability issues, sponsor and advertiser challenges of their own, and the changing nature of the virus itself, the decision was made to focus on a great return in 2021.”
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Entering its fourth year, the league was scheduled to tip-off June 20 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis with other games following in Miami, Chicago, and Washington D.C.
The BIG3 was planning to introduce a new age minimum of 22, tryouts open to the public, and the new “Open Fire” rule allowing players to challenge a foul call by going one-on-one.
“We tried everything in our power to give our fans a nice 2020 season but with a long list of obstacles, we decided to shift our focus to having a great 2021 with our fans in the stands. Our goals from day one has always been to provide a remarkable experience full of top-level competition ad entertainment, “ said BIG3 co-founder Ice Cube.
Cube, who founded the league with Jeff Kwatinetz, still plans to launch a reality show 3-on-3 tournament called “BIG3: Not in My House.”
“With the creation of BIG3 : Not in My House and more time to prepare for the season, we will definitely come back with the fire,” said Cube.