Considered the top urban sport in the world, 3x3 basketball developed from a creative variation of basketball with a far less formal structure — street basketball.

Unlike conventional basketball, 3x3 basketball is played on a half-court where two teams of three players compete. Both teams attack and defend the same hoop, depending on who has possession of the ball. Games can be won in two ways: be the first team to score 21 points or have the highest score through 10 minutes. The three-point line in conventional basketball serves as the two-point line in 3x3 basketball.

3x3 basketball was only added to the Olympic program for the first time at the Tokyo Olympic Games, which were held in 2021. The U.S. men's team failed to qualify for Tokyo. The women's team of Kelsey Plum, Allisha Gray, Stefanie Dolson and Jackie Young made history in Tokyo by winning the first-ever Olympic women's 3x3 title.

3x3 Basketball Podcasts

The Podium

In The Village

Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & The Olympics

Paris Summer Games

iHeartOlympics: The Latest


Play by play schedules are subject to change.