Afak Khan /Correspondent
The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) and International Basketball Federation (FIBA) backed 3×3 Pro Basketball League (3BL) is returning for the third straight season. The season is scheduled to tip off in Chandigarh from 5th March with the finals scheduled on 21st March 2022.
The announcement was made earlier today by Mr. Rohit Bakshi, 3BL Commissioner and Mrs. Prerna Sharma, Director, 3BL. Also in attendance at the press conference in Taj Mahal hotel, were BFI Secretary General Mr. Chander Mukhi Sharma, alongside the top Indian and foreign participating players. Mr. Vikas Bansal and Mr. Rajeev Tiwari, the owners of Gurugram Masters franchise, which is the reigning champion in the men’s league, were present as well. Mr. Vikas Kumar Singh who is the owner of Team – Delhi hopers was also present at the conference
“We are happy to grant exclusive rights to 3BL’s professional league as an added avenue for our star players to shine,” Mr Chander Mukhi Sharma said. “3BL will provide additional income and exposure to many Indian basketball athletes.” Mr. Rohit Bakshi said.
“We would like to thank Nivia for coming on board as the official Apparel Partner, Wyndham Chandigarh Mohali as the Hospitality & Venue Partner, and Boxo Singh Sports Worldwide Pvt. Ltd. as the Name Partner.” Mrs. Prerna Sharma said.
3BL Season 3 will be live streamed on Sony LIV, with additional weekly special programming to be aired on Sony Six.
League Format, Teams & Schedule
Twelve men’s teams and six women’s teams are participating across six rounds. Winners will be announced at the end of each round, and the winner of the final round will be crowned the overall champion.
Besides attractive salaries, prize money and FIBA 3×3 ranking points to individual players, the top teams also get the chance to compete at prestigious FIBA 3×3 World Tour events.
“We Will Defend our Title”
Gurugram Masters (men) and Kochi Stars (women) are the defending champions.
“In 3BL season 3, we will defend our title and aim for FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final 2022,” Mr. Vikas Bansal, Gurugram Masters owner said.
Top Indian & Foreign Players welcome 3BL
72 men’s players (across 12 teams) and 36 women’s players (across 6 teams) from across India and abroad will be participating.
Top Indian national team stars such as Raspreet Sidhu (former Indian National team captain), Amjyot Singh Gill (ex-NBA G-League player), Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (Arjuna Awardee), Amritpal Singh (former Indian National team captain), Stephy Nixon, Palpreet Singh (ex-NBA G-League draftee), Aravind Annadurai, Jagdeep Singh Bains, Akilan Pari and Arvind Arumugam will be in action. Joining them will be 3×3 specialists from across the globe, including Indian-origin 3BL stars hb tv
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