BBF announces creation of Manchester 3×3, support for London 3×3

The British Basketball Federation (BBF) has announced the creation of ‘Manchester 3×3’ while supporting Ashley Hamilton’s London 3×3 project through endorsement.

Following on from British Basketball receiving a funding boost from UK Sport in December to support the building of the 3×3 programme, the formation of the two professional teams should help the federation with its global ranking which is driven by individual player rankings which can be increased through playing frequency and success in competition both with national and professional teams.

“3×3 is a fast-growing sport, highlighted by the recent news that Olympic qualifying spots have been increased from eight to twelve to give more teams the opportunity to compete on the ultimate stage,” Fiona Pimblett GB Basketball Performance Lead said.

“We are excited to see the women step onto the FIBA Women’s Series for the first time and to form a professional team in Manchester while supporting the endeavours of London 3×3. We believe the profile of our talent pool across men and women is well suited to the 3×3 format of the game and our top eight finish in Europe for the men last season is an indication of what we are capable of.

“It is going to be a significant season as we build the programme – learning and growing in the intricacies of 3×3 so that we can continue working towards our Olympic goals.”

For the men, FIBA 3×3 tournaments are graded from LiteQuests through to the World Tour Circuit which consists of Masters and Challengers – positions on this are obtained through qualifiers and team rankings.

The design is intended to make all levels accessible to players through the possibility of progression and more points are earned the higher the level of competition.

Great Britain Men will have players competing across the hierarchy of tournaments with players featuring on the professional FIBA World Tour for the first time with London 3×3.

The team was created by GB 3×3 player Ashley Hamilton, who helped secure the top eight FIBA Europe Cup Finish in 2024, and former GB player, Alice Hamilton.

Their team has the endorsement of GB Basketball with the London 3×3 team’s next upcoming Challenger in Suhkbataar May 31 – June 1.

Manchester 3×3 has been set up by GB Basketball to create further playing opportunities for players. It will begin by competing in the LiteQuest in Panevėžys in Lithuania with the goal of progressing further through the levels throughout the season, developing the players through performance and accumulating ranking points for the individuals, and therefore GB.

The FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series compromises both professional and national teams. GB Women will compete at various stops, including Edmonton in Canada and Lanzarote.

The vision for the 3×3 programme GB says is based on continuity and collaboration across the men, women and U23 teams which is underpinned by the ‘GB Way’.

This principle extends to the operation of both 5v5 and 3×3, ensuring both forms of the game are aligned, and is a key factor to ensure that British Basketball fulfils its potential.

The BBF states an understanding of the GB Way ensures structured development for players; covering philosophies, style of play and performance standards to create a clear British Basketball identity and culture.

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