C.J. Stroud Leads Texans to Dominant Win

In Houston, C.J. Stroud overcame a slow start to lead the Texans to a convincing 32-12 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite some early difficulties, including an interception, Stroud found his rhythm and finished the game with 282 passing yards and one touchdown..

The turning point came late in the second quarter when Stroud made a remarkable play on third-and-16. After fumbling the snap and getting the right bounce, he recovered the football and completed a 34-yard pass to Xavier Hutchinson.  

The play changed the game’s momentum and eventually sparked a 99-yard touchdown drive that gave the Texans their first lead. The recovery displayed the poise and ability of CJ Stroud to turn a potential disaster into an opportunity.

Stroud’s performance was awe-inspiring in the middle of the field, where he completed 13 of 16 passes for 223 yards and a score on in-breaking routes. His connection with receiver Nico Collins was exceptional, as the wide receiver finished with seven catches for 122 yards and a touchdown.

Jayden Daniels Delivers in Clutch for Commanders

In Tampa Bay, Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a thrilling 23-20 victory over the Buccaneers, marking the franchise’s first playoff win in nearly 7,000 days. Daniels threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing remarkable composure in his NFL Playoff debut.

The rookie quarterback made his most critical contribution in the game’s final moments. With the score tied at 20-20, Daniels led a game-winning drive that ended with Zane Gonzalez’s 37-yard field goal as time expired.

Jayden Daniels is the first rookie starting QB to win a road playoff game since 2012 pic.twitter.com/UZowHHveDf

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) January 13, 2025

During this drive, Daniels made a crucial play by scrambling for a first down on third-and-2, enabling the Commanders to run down the clock before attempting the winning kick.

Daniels showcased his dual-threat abilities throughout the game, making plays with both his arm and legs. His skill in extending plays and delivering accurate throws under pressure was crucial to Washington’s success.

Historical Context and Future Implications

In recent years, Stroud and Daniels joined an elite group of young quarterbacks to win playoff games. Stroud became just the sixth quarterback in NFL history to win a playoff game in each of his first two seasons. In Washington, Daniels joined C.J. Stroud and Brock Purdy as rookie QBs to win playoff games in the past three seasons.

These performances bode well for the future of both franchises. Under Stroud’s leadership, the Texans have now advanced to the divisional round for the second consecutive year.  

The Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Daniels, improved from a 4-13 record last season to a 13-5 playoff contender.

Stroud and Daniels will encounter more formidable challenges as the playoffs progress. The Texans need to demonstrate their ability to compete against the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Commanders are preparing to face the top-seeded Detroit Lions in the NFC divisional round.

In NFL history, there have been 3 instances of a team having 0 turnovers & 0 punts in a game behind a rookie starting QB (reg or post).

All 3 were by the @Commanders & Jayden Daniels (Week 2, Week 3 & tonight). pic.twitter.com/Pz3qTO9PUy

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) January 13, 2025

Based on their Wild Card performances, these young quarterbacks have displayed they have the talent and composure to lead their teams on potential deep playoff runs.

Next week, the favorites from the AFC and NFC will stand in the Texans’ and Commanders’ paths to New Orleans.

Be sure you follow on X (Twitter) @KTMOZE and @blacksportsinc to never miss another Saints breaking news story again.

“It’s my time,” Girmay said. “Now we are really part of the big races. We have a lot victories so it’s our time, it’s our moment. I never cry, but inside I am, I just have no words.”

“This is so important for cycling,” said Aike Visbeek, the performance director for Girmay’s Intermarche-Wanty team. “Now the world can see what is possible when we give these guys a chance.”

A victory for all of Africa.

Biniam Girmay’s 2024 Tour de France run will go down in the history books. #TDF2024 pic.twitter.com/QnPB3bg8TE

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) July 21, 2024

The “African King’s’ Historic Wins

Girmay’s journey in the 2024 Tour de France has been nothing short of spectacular. He became the first Black rider to win a stage in the competition’s history, clinching stages 3, 8, and 12. Only Tadej Pogacar, the Tour’s champion, had more stage wins than Girmay, with six.

Girmay, 24, held off Wout Van Aert and Pascal Ackerman to don his third vest, proving he was a formidable cyclist after an exciting Stage 12 triumph. Joe Rindl reported that the “‘African King’ has battled through visa issues and loneliness since he moved to Europe six years ago.”

“I’m just super happy for the future of Africa and the future of cycling”

Biniam Girmay spoke to Matt after the green jersey podium ceremony #TDF2024 pic.twitter.com/45bNtdz1Ao

— ITV Cycling (@itvcycling) July 21, 2024

Girmay’s Impact and Legacy

Bini’s success in his second Tour de France has been a source of immense pride for Eritrea, the African continent, and black sports fans worldwide. 

“To be one of the big symbols of Africans, a big pressure I know, but on the other hand, it’s really powerful to push me,” Girmay stated.  

“So to see Girmay not only be competing but to also win a much coveted stage is incredible. He’s proven himself to be amongst the best riders in the world,” Mani Arthur noted, who manages the Black Cyclists Network.

Girmay may surpass the moniker of being known as the “African King” if he continues trending upwards in the world of cycling.

MVP Arike Ogunbowale scored 21 points in the third quarter and finished the contest with 34 points all in the second half with three rebounds, six assists, and a pair of steals. Her effort led the youthful Team WNBA to a surprising victory.  It was a night of individual brilliance as incoming league sensations etched their names into the WNBA All-Star rookie record books. Cailin Clark’s 10 assists and Angel Reese’s 11 rebounds were standout performances.  

MVP, MVP, MVP!

With 34 PTS, 3 REB, 6 AST Arike Ogunbowale is named the @ATT #WNBAAllstar Game MVP for the 2nd time in her career! pic.twitter.com/SfJrdzECFB

— WNBA (@WNBA) July 21, 2024

Nneka Ogwumike scored 14 points, Kelsey Mitchell scored 13, and Angel Reese added 12 points with her first WNBA All-Star double-double.  USAB Women’s National Team had guard Breanna Stewart leading the squad with 31 points and ten rebounds in the loss. A’Ja Wilson posted 22 points (6 rebounds), Brittney Griner hit 10 points (7 rebounds), and Diana Taurasi notched 13 (6 rebounds).

Team WNBA’s biggest lead was 20 points, including 16 fast-break points, with the bench players contributing 54 points on the evening.  The National Team staged a late, dramatic rally, bringing the game within eight points before the final buzzer, adding a thrilling finish to the game.

“Having played in Houston in the mid-80’s with the Houston Gamblers, then having a chance to work with June Jones as the assistant general manager with the 2020 Houston Roughnecks, I can’t wait to get back to H-Town and take care of business,” said Will Lewis, general manager of the Houston Roughnecks. “I look forward to working alongside Head Coach CJ Johnson to build a competitive roster that our passionate Houston fan base can be excited about!”

Lewis, who most recently worked as the Director of Player Personnel with the XFL’s San Antonio Brahmas in 2023, got his start in the front office with the Green Bay Packers, serving as a scout for the 1997 season. He went on to serve multiple roles with the Seattle Seahawks from 1999-2012, including Vice President of Football Operations from 2010-12. He then worked as the Director of Pro Scouting from 2013-17 with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Quakertown, Pa. native also served as the General Manager of the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football in 2019 and was the Assistant Director of Pro Personnel with the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL in 2020, before joining the Brahmas.

“Will’s deep understanding of spring football and previous NFL experience will undoubtedly help develop these players, prepare them for the next level of their career, and position the Roughnecks for a competitive edge this season,” said Houston Roughnecks Head Coach CJ Johnson.

Lewis, who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 1980 by the Seahawks, had a playing career that spanned across nine seasons and included stops in the National Football League, United States Football League and Canadian Football League. He also served as a Defensive Assistant with the New York/New Jersey Knights of the World Football League in 1992, and Defensive Secondary Coach with the University of Maine in 1994 and Defensive Assistant Coach with the Atlanta Falcons from 1994-95.

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Black Sports Insiders by Kyle T. Mosley (@KTMOZE). BSI will deliver an insiders view on the business of Black Collegiate and Professional Sports.

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How did Texas Southern's defense smothers FAMU for the Win? Who were the key players? What's next?
@TSUMensHoops | @hbculegends

READ: https://www.si.com/college/hbcu/basketball/texas-southern-defense-smothers-florida-am

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Texas Southern leaves Tallahassee with a 62-57 road victory over Florida A&M. Troy Hupstead led all scorers with 24 points. @hbculegends @TSUMensHoops

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SWAC Titans Clashed! Alabama A&M Defeated Southern For 10th-Straight Victory! @hbculegends @DivaCoachAAMU @aamuwbb

READ: https://www.si.com/college/hbcu/basketball/swac-titans-clash-as-alabama-am-defeats-southern

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State Of the MEAC w/ Ray Rogers | E5: The Mecca (Howard University) featuring @CoachDavisHU, @cmansfield27, @iamtedwhite

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The unprecedented pairing of the James family members will etch a new chapter in the history of the National Basketball Association, sparking intrigue and appreciation among LeBron and Lakers fans.

Bronny James left USC after one season. He didn’t light up the scoreboard and highlight reels, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and .7 steals in 20 minutes of game action. James’ best performance was against Oregon State when he posted 15 points.

Though execs and scouts were shy about selecting Bronny James during the draft, he’ll have no better instructor for being a professional basketball player than his father and new head coach, J.J. Redick. Drafting James will also secure re-signing LeBron James Sr., who can agree to the option for another season by Jun. 29. If he re-ups with the Lakers for this season, he’s projected to earn $51.4 million.

Bronny James must first make the Los Angeles Lakers. However, father and son will grace the basketball courts together this preseason, which will tip off in October. The first will be against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 7. They will play the Warriors again on Oct. 13 at Crypto.com Arena, giving the Lakers fans their first glimpse of the James Duo on their home floor.

Jaylen Brown, who added 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists, was named the NBA Finals MVP. While averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and five assists per game, Brown was a key factor in the Celtics’ success in winning in front of the Celtics home crowd.

After accepting the Bill Russell Trophy, Brown graciously attributed part of his success to his teammate Jayson Tatum, who could have been named the MVP for his Finals performance.

“It was a full team effort,” Brown stated. “I share this with my brothers. My partner-in-crime, Jayson Tatum. He was with me the whole way. We share this s— together.”

The Celtics star Tatum was a pivotal player in the game. He scored a game-high 31 points, and was instrumental with 11 assists and eight rebounds. He averaged 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the NBA Finals.

Boston Celtics forward-guard Jaylen Brown received seven of the 11 votes for #NBAFinals MVP from a media panel covering the series. Celtics forward Jayson Tatum received the other four votes.

Complete voting results pic.twitter.com/i9g51gD10S

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 18, 2024

Also, Tatum became the sixth player in NBA history to win the championship while leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists throughout the playoffs. He joins Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, Hakeem Olajuwon, Larry Bird, and Tim Duncan as the only men to accomplish the feat.   

Jayson Tatum becomes the 6th player in NBA history to win the championship while leading their team in PTS • REB • AST in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/9YGtPemINr

— StatMamba (@StatMamba) June 18, 2024

“Jayson, I can’t talk enough about his selflessness,” Brown said. “I can’t talk enough about his attitude. It’s just how he approached not just this series or the Finals but just the playoffs in general.”

Tatum surpassed Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant for scoring 2,695 points, the most points in the NBA Playoffs by any player before the age of 27. After all the legendary Celtics to play in the other 17 NBA championship teams, Tatum is the first to score 30+ points and 10+ assists in a Finals game.

HAKEEM BUTLER, UFL OPOY

By the end of the season, Butler led the league in yards per reception with an average of 14.5 yards. He also ranked No. 4 in total receptions and No. 2 with five receiving touchdowns in his second season.

He was tied for 6th in the league in scoring with 31 points (5 touchdowns and 1 1-point PAT). Additionally, he ranked 7th in all-purpose yards for the league-leading St. Louis team.

Hakeem ‘Always Open’ Butler

Congratulations on a great season, @410Keem pic.twitter.com/2u6QW6wVhx

— United Football League (@TheUFL) June 7, 2024

Butler earned All-UFL and All-XFL First Team honors.

BREELAND SPEAKS, UFL DPOY

Michigan Panthers defensive end Breeland Speaks as the 2024 UFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Speaks led the UFL with 9.5 sacks during the regular season. He also led the league with 13 tackles for-loss.

The one, the only … BREELAND SPEAKS

Congratulations to THE Defensive Player of the Year @Bspeaks9 x @TheUFL pic.twitter.com/IAHDPWNgx6

— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) June 7, 2024

 USFL & XFL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

The Birmingham Stallions will host the Michigan Panthers in the USFL Conference Championship Game, which will kick off at 3 PM ET at Protective Stadium on Saturday, June 8.

The XFL Conference Championship is scheduled for 7 PM ET on Sunday, June 9, with the St. Louis Battlehawks facing the San Antonio Brahmas at The Dome at America’s Center.

The inaugural season will conclude with the 2024 UFL Championship Game, supported by the U.S. Army, at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis on June 16.

Stroud, the 20th Good Guy Award winner, is the first member of the Texans franchise to win the award.

Other finalists for the Good Guy Award were Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio, Buffalo Bills tackle Dion Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

The Good Guy Award is given to an NFL player for his qualities and professional style in helping pro football writers do their jobs. The award has been presented annually by the PFWA since 2005.

Stroud, the second overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft by Houston, made an immediate impact on the field with his play, in the locker room with reporters covering the Texans daily and in the greater Houston community.

“Stroud is the Good Guy Award winner because of his professionalism and openness with both the national and local media. He is always available during the week and after games, win or lose. He understands the media has a job to do and answers each question thoroughly,” said PFWA Houston chapter co-vice president Jonathan Alexander, who covers the Texans for the Houston Chronicle. “He is also active in the Houston community without seeking attention, recently volunteering to remove trees and clean up debris from yards in underserved communities after a storm left many residents without power for several days.”

“First and foremost, I want to give all glory and praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s a blessing to be recognized as the PFWA Good Guy Award winner, and it stands out to me because it’s more of an award that embodies someone’s character rather than the stats they compile on the field, Stroud said. “I appreciate the job the media has and thank them for choosing me as someone who is deserving of this honor. A special shoutout to the other very deserving players who were nominated and those that won before me.”

The 2023 PFWA NFL Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year, Stroud started all 15 games he appeared in, and he finished the regular season completing 319 of 499 passes for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions while posting a passer rating of 100.8. The 4,108 yards were third most by a rookie quarterback in NFL history, and his TD-interception ratio of 4.6 led the league – the youngest player to pace the league in that category. Stroud also started the season with 191 consecutive passes without an interception – an NFL mark to start a career.

Stroud was the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month twice in September and November, the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for November, and he was selected as the AFC Offensive Player of the Week twice (Weeks 9 and 18).

ABOUT THE PFWA: In its 61st season in 2024, the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) is the official voice of pro football writers, promoting and fighting for access to NFL personnel to best serve the public. The PFWA is made up of accredited writers who cover the NFL and the 32 teams daily. Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News is the PFWA president for the 2023-24 seasons and the organization’s 31st president. Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post is the PFWA’s first vice-president, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic is the second vice-president, Lindsay Jones of The Ringer is the advisor to the president and Mike Sando of The Athletic is the secretary-treasurer. At-large board members include Mike Jones of The Athletic, ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold, Joe Reedy of the Associated Press and ProFootballTalk.com’s Charean Williams. Follow the PFWA at ProFootballWriters.org and on Twitter at @PFWAwriters.

GOOD GUY AWARD WINNERS (To a NFL player for his qualities and professional style in helping the pro football writers do their job) Year indicates when award was presented for previous season: 2005 – Jerome Bettis (Pittsburgh Steelers); 2006 – Tiki Barber (New York Giants); 2007 – LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers); 2008 – Brett Favre (Green Bay Packers); 2009 – Kurt Warner (Arizona Cardinals); 2010 – Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints); 2011 – Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers); 2012 – Tim Tebow (Denver Broncos); 2013 – Tony Gonzalez (Atlanta Falcons); 2014 – Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks); 2015 – Richard Sherman (Seattle Seahawks); 2016 – Thomas Davis (Carolina Panthers); 2017 – Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals); 2018 – Chris Long (Philadelphia Eagles); 2019 – Chris Long (Philadelphia Eagles); 2020 – Eli Manning (New York Giants); 2021 – Philip Rivers (Indianapolis Colts); 2022 – Cameron Heyward (Pittsburgh Steelers); 2023 – Jason Kelce (Philadelphia Eagles); 2024 – C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)

Welcome to the WNBA, Angel Reese. No champion can say they don’t welcome the battles without having the battle scars as proof. The Sky’s rookie continues to play steadily with the Chicago Sky during their 86-82 loss to the Connecticut Sun on Saturday night. Reese had a couple of hard falls at the hands of veteran forward Alyssa Thomas. The last tumble was from a Flagrant 2 penalty, resulting in Thomas’ ejection from the contest.  

It’s like Alyssa Thomas was deliberately trying to take Angel Reese out. She’s notorious for playing like this & could’ve seriously injured Angel. Alyssa shouldn’t have even joined the #WNBA & should’ve gone into the WWE instead because this is ridiculous. It’s embarrassing… pic.twitter.com/oq8aporAQb

— Sha Hartley (@shahartley) May 26, 2024

Media and fans posted negative commentary about the level of physicality of Thomas’ play, but Reese’s postgame remarks shed a different light. “It’s not just because I’m a rookie,” Angel Reese said. “I’m a player. I’m a basketball player. They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie. I mean, I want them to come at me every day. I want them to come at everybody. I mean, they’re not supposed to be nice to me. I hope you all know that.”   

Angel Reese on that hard foul by Alyssa Thomas which led to an ejection: “They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie. … They’re not supposed to be nice to me. … Thank you AT for sending a message to me because I got back up and I kept going.” pic.twitter.com/tZUsMjSm8g

— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) May 26, 2024

Whether people agree or not, basketball is a contact sport in which hard and tough fouls occur by accident and on purpose. “They’re not supposed to be nice to me or lay down because I’m Angel Reese or because I’m a rookie. Like, thank you, AT, for sending the message to me because I got back up, and I kept going, and kept and kept pushing. Like, me and AT have been cool since we were in Maryland. So I know it’s no hard feelings, and I appreciate her for going out here every day for today.”

Angel Reese tonight

13 points
5 rebounds
44% FG

pic.twitter.com/HA4txsGgdT

— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) May 26, 2024

Reese finished the highly competitive matchup against Thomas with 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal.   After four professional games, the rookie forward has averaged 12.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.5 assists.  

One aspect of her game you can admire, is her willingness to clash and extend playing time. Reese’s minutes have gone from 26, 25, 31, to 33, as head coach Teresa Weatherspoon is developing trust in her young player.

BIG3 First-Round Selections

• No. 1. – Brandon Moss  (3 Headed Monster – Rashard Lewis, coach)
• No. 2. – Larry Sanders (Ball Hogs | Rick Barry, coach)
• No. 3 – Henry Sims (Tri-State | Dr. J, coach);  Amir Johnson is a member of Tri-State
• No. 4 –  Roscoe Smith (Triology | Isaiah Briscoe, captain)
• No. 5 –  Abraham Millsap  (Aliens |  three brothers on the same team)
• No. 6 – Dominique Johnson (Killer 3s )
• No. 7 – Darnell Jackson (Ghost Ballers | George Gervin)
• No. 8 – Deshawn Stephens  (Power | Nancy Lieberman)
• No. 9 – Jeff Ayrs (The Triplets| Lisa Leslie)
• No. 10 – Nasir Cole (3’s Company | Michael Cooper)
• No. 11 – Jaylen Johnson  (Bivouac | Gerald Green)

The @thebig3 Draft, LIVE!https://t.co/Yhn8JPIHbv

— Kyle T. Mosley (@ktmoze) May 24, 2024

BIG3 Second-Round Selections

• No. 12 – James “Flight” White (Trilogy)
• No. 13 – Ray Nixon (Tri-State)
• No. 14 – Austin Day (Bivouac)
• No. 15 – Mo Charl0 (Ghost Ballers)
• No. 16 –  Shakur Johnson (Three Headed Monsters)
• No. 17 –  Jamario Moon (The Triplets)
• No. 18  – Sean Williams (3’s Company | Mario Chalmers)
• No. 19  –  Hollis Thompson (Ball Hogs)
• No. 20 – Marcus Foster (Power)
• No. 21 – William Felder (Killer 3s | Charles Oakley)
• No. 22 – Dusan Bulut (Aliens)

The 2024 BIG3 Draft Picks pic.twitter.com/2iBNGwQHnI

— BIG3 (@thebig3) May 25, 2024

Season 7 Rosters Who will each team pick up in the draft? pic.twitter.com/NGoGmqZ3mU

— BIG3 (@thebig3) May 24, 2024

The BIG3 announced that the fifth BIG3 Combine will be held at Las Vegas Basketball Center on May 24, 2024, at 10 am PST, followed by the 2024 BIG3 Draft. Both events will stream live on X for the first time. Invited athletes will compete for a limited number of spots in the draft in front of current player-captains and coaches.

“We are thrilled to be returning to Las Vegas for our draft and combine,” said BIG3 Commissioner, Clyde Drexler. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen Vegas transform into a true sports hub that continues to draw more and more basketball talent. I’m looking forward to seeing what these athletes can do. You never know who will show up and where the next star will come from, that’s the beauty of the BIG3!”

Previous combines have produced league standouts and stalwarts, including 2023 BIG3 Champion Quincy Miller, 2023 4^th Man of the Year Dominique Johnson, Royce White, DaJuan Summers, Ryan “Hezi God” Carter, Jodie Meeks, and Jason Richardson.

“The combine is one the most important weekends of our season” said BIG3 CEO and co-founder, Ice Cube. “This league was founded on providing opportunity, and we want to make sure that anyone who can ball, no matter what your name is or where you are from, has a chance to show up and see if they can make it in the BIG3. This year, these athletes better be ready, because you’re not only playing for our coaches, but to the world live on X.”

This announcement follows the release of the full 2024 schedule and a number of key player signings including Nick “Swaggy P” Young, Jeff Teague, Leandro Barbosa, and Mario Chalmers. Tickets for the 2024 season are on sale March 29. Sign up for early access at BIG3.com/tickets. To learn more about the BIG3 go to BIG3.com and follow @thebig3 on X and Instagram. Full broadcast schedule, rosters, and other details will be released at a later date.

ABOUT BIG3:
On January 11, 2017, the BIG3 was born. The first-ever professional FIREBALL3 league is the brainchild of producer, actor, and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, who shared a vision of a player-centric league focused on entertainment and innovation. The BIG3 is a league with no garbage minutes, where trash talk is allowed, and where every point –whether it’s a 4-point or 3-point shot – counts. Any given BIG3 team has hall of famers, icons and trailblazers, and the next best 3-on-3 player.

The league has led the sports industry in diversity and opportunity, becoming the first Black-owned and operated professional sports league (certified by ByBlack), the first professional sports league with a Black commissioner, the first basketball league with female head coaches, and the first professional sports league to allow the use of CBD.

In 2024, Ice Cube was honored at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, where he received the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award, acknowledging individuals making substantial contributions to their community, the first non-player to be recognized.