BIG3 Basketball Season Begins with Dwight Howard’s Debut

CHICAGO, Illinois — The 2025 BIG3 basketball season kicks off on Saturday, June 14, at the Allstate Arena. The season opener features a highly anticipated matchup between the LA Riot and Miami 305.

Former NBA All-Star Dwight Howard leads the LA Riot in his debut with the league. Known for his size and defensive skills, Howard aims to make a significant impact in the BIG3’s half-court format. Alongside him are Jordan Crawford and Wes Johnson, both of whom have notable NBA careers.

Meanwhile, the Miami 305 roster includes former Miami Heat players Mario Chalmers and Michael Beasley. This matchup is particularly intense due to recent competitive tensions, following Beasley’s defeat to Lance Stephenson in a one-on-one game.

The season features exciting changes, including a total of eight new teams, each representing major U.S. cities. The league structure now emphasizes home markets, promising fans an engaging experience across venues in cities like Boston, Dallas, and Detroit.

BIG3 co-founder Ice Cube expressed enthusiasm for the new season, highlighting the heightened competition and the introduction of a $1 million championship bonus. “This is the most anticipated BIG3 season yet,” he said, underscoring the league’s growth.

In addition to the LA Riot vs. Miami 305 game at 4 p.m. ET, fans can also watch the Detroit Amps face the Chicago Triplets in a Midwest showdown at 5 p.m. ET. With multiple star players and legendary coaches like Dr. J and Gary Payton at the helms, the BIG3 promises to deliver thrilling basketball.

As part of the league’s strategy, this season will also be streamed on multiple platforms, allowing viewers to follow their favorite teams and players in real time. The first game airs live on CBS, starting at 4:00 p.m. ET.

The excitement builds as the BIG3 season has the potential to showcase some of the best three-on-three basketball ever seen. Fans are eager to witness the debut of Dwight Howard and the fierce competition among former NBA professionals.