Ice Cube breaks silence on ‘historic’ $10 million sale of LA BIG3 franchise

The BIG3 basketball league launched by Ice Cube has some big changes coming. Since the start of the league in 2017, there have been no geographic ties to any of the teams. However, starting in 2025, all BIG3 teams will transition to their home markets. It’s a big change, and one of the teams will be in Los Angeles. The transition happened thanks to a $10 million deal, and BIG3 is working with DCB Sports to make it happen.

“My partners and I are excited to join Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz in 3-on-3 professional basketball,” said Gary LaDrido, managing partner of DCB Sports, according to a release from the BIG3 public relations team. “We believe the BIG3 can shape the future of basketball; the gameplay is dynamic and nuanced and the on-field product appeals to a global audience. I look forward to continuing to develop this game with this group for years to come.

Ice Cube’s BIG3 league continues to grow as it started with just eight teams, but expanded to 12 within a few years of its launch. Today, the league continues to make great strides as it moves toward its home markets.

“This is a historic day for the BIG3,” said Ice Cube. “We couldn’t be more excited to entrust a part of our league to Gary and this group of seasoned sports investors ahead of our most important season to date. We have basketball stars, millions of loyal fans around the world and we are one of the most watched sports programs of the summer on CBS. Basing our teams in our home towns allows BIG3 to engage local communities and fans, and bringing in ownership groups, each with their own sporting expertise, business and capabilities, from 2025 will enable for BIG3 to grow exponentially. I know DCB Sports will do right by the people of Los Angeles and together we will continue to make a difference.

DCB Sports is the first team owner in the league

DCB Sports is the first owner in the league as they were chosen for the Los Angeles BIG3 team. BIG3 co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz believes they are a great fit.

“DCB Sports is a natural choice to be among our league’s premier owners,” said Jeff Kwatinetz. “We partner with owners who have deep ties to their city, bring fresh perspectives and seek to improve their communities through the game of basketball; recognize that sports teams should give back to the communities they represent instead of just taking from them. This purchase and transition to city-based teams allows us to be more than just a weekender and expand the off-field parts of our league like our Young3 program. We believe this transition will allow us to continue our upward trajectory in fan acquisition, continue to innovate both within the game and align our core principles with those of our fans, players and coaches in the Hall of Fame. I know this DCB group is truly committed to anchoring BIG3 in Los Angeles and I can’t wait to see what we can do together.

This is a big step forward for BIG3, and they hope to continue to grow in the future.

“The BIG3 is the pioneer of global professional 3v3 gaming, and the league’s momentum and influence continues to grow each year; among their fans and the impressive roster of premier 3-on-3 players ready to compete this summer,” said DCB Partner Matt Sherman. “In addition to growing the Los Angeles franchise, we hope to help drive innovation within the global basketball ecosystem and be a catalyst for growth and connectivity internationally.” The BIG3 is the most dynamic blend of culture, entertainment and sports, and it’s exciting to see what the league has in store for this next chapter.

Exciting times lie ahead for the BIG3 league.