3 x 3 Pro Basketball League to be screened on TV
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3 x 3 Pro Basketball League to be screened on TV

Twelve men's and six women’s teams are participating across six rounds

3 x 3 Pro Basketball League to be screened on TV

The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) and International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is back with the 3 x 3 Pro Basketball League for its third season. The league is scheduled to take off in Chandigarh from March 5 to March 21, 2022. And this time you can watch it live-streamed on television.

3BL Season 3 will be live-streamed on Sony LIV, with additional weekly special programming to be aired on Sony Six. Earlier, BFI organised matches in malls and crowded places. 3BL also has recognition from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). 72 male players (across 12 teams) and 36 female players (across 6 teams) from across India and foreign countries will be participating in it.

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This time around twelve men's 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. Rupees 35 lakhs will be rewarded to the winning team. Apart from the prize money, attractive salaries and FIBA 3x3 ranking points to individual players, the top teams also get the chance to compete at prestigious FIBA 3x3 World Tour events.

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The aim of the BFI is to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Rohit Bakshi, 3BL Commissioner says, “We strongly believe that India will be in the 2024 Paris Olympics. By the end of the 3BL Season 3, India's men and women global FIBA 3x3 federation ranking should be at least  30th from 70th of men. Currently, women's ranking is 55th with 26,747 points. This will give India a boost that we all have been waiting for.”

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In the past two seasons, BFI organised matches in malls and crowded areas. In this view, CitySpidey asked a question from Bakshi why they do not organise league matches in rural areas to promote and attract young talents towards basketball. On this, Bakshi says, “We are always trying to find new talent from the rural areas. India is a big country full of talented athletes. To organise league matches in rural areas, first, we need athlete-friendly infrastructure at every corner of India. We will do our best and no athlete will drop his game just because of money. BFI will help them.”

International Women’s 3x3 specialist to be seen in action for the second time in the women’s league. The Basketball Federation of India  (BFI) shared that the chances of women basketball teams are more to qualify for the Paris Olympics because of less competition. Prerna Sharma, 3BL Director says, “We believe that our women’s basketball team will qualify and participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Only six women’s teams are playing in 3BL as of now. But next year, the number will be double. And we also want the prize money of the women's team to the men’s team to be equal.”

Chander Mukhi Sharma, General Secretary BFI says, “we are happy to grant exclusive rights to 3BL’s professional league as an added avenue for our star players to shine. #BL will provide additional income and  exposure to many Indian basketball athletes.”

Gurugram Master (Men) and Kochi Stars (women) are the defending champions. Vikas Bansal, Gurugram Masters owner says, “IN 3BL Season 3, we will defend our title and aim for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final 2022.”

On the other hand, Rajeev Tiwari, owner of Kochi Stars says, “We have invested heavily on 3x3 to promote and grow our team this year. We will win the title in 3BLseason 3 and shine in FIBA 3x3 World Tours in  2022.”

Top Indian National Team stars such as Raspreet Sidhu (Former Indian National team captain), Amjyot Singh Gill (ex-NBA G-League players),  Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (Arjun 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.

Upcoming talents such as Prince Pal Singh (ex NBA G league draftee), Sahaij Sekhon, Arvind Kumar and Sejin Mathew, among other players, will be making their professional 3x3 debut this year.

Amjyot Singh Gill from Chandigarh Beasts says, “It is an honor for me to be representing my city franchise, and that too playing at home.”

Raspreet Sidhu from Delhi Divas says, “I thank 3BL for providing such a wonderful platform for Indian basketball players. I look forward to leading my Delhi Divas team to its maiden title.”

Carlos Martinez, Captain of Mumbai Heroes says, “I am excited to witness India’s hospitality. Participating in 3BL is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

The teams participating are Chandigarh Beast, Ahmedabad Wingers, Gurugram Masters, Goa Snipers, Hyderabad Ballers, Bangalore Machas, Chennai Icon, Aizawl Legends, Kolkata Warriors, Delhi Hoopers, Mumbai  Heroes, Lucknow Tiger.