BIG3, CBS announce TV deal beginning this summer
The BIG3 basketball league has quickly gained popularity since it was co-founded by Ice Cube two years ago, and fans will be able to enjoy the upcoming season on network television.
On Thursday, the BIG3 and CBS Sports announced that they have signed a deal to bring BIG3 games to CBS and CBS Sports Network on Saturdays and Sundays beginning June 22.
The BIG3 is proud to announce @CBS and @CBSSports as the official broadcast partners of Season 3. Games will air LIVE Saturdays and Sundays starting June 22. Every weekend. All summer long. #BIG3Season3 #BIG3onCBS pic.twitter.com/ji0xwtqULf
— BIG3 on CBS (@thebig3) April 4, 2019
Ice Cube described the new partnership as a “big deal” for the league.
“Since day 1, BIG3 has always been about hard-nosed, fierce competition. Now we’re ramping it up with more teams, younger players, and a shiny new TV deal with CBS Sports,” he said in a press release. “Our first two years were about showing that our vision was credible. This year is about taking the game to a whole new level. This is a big deal.”
The BIG3 has attracted more and more star power since its inaugural season in 2017. New players who will join the 3-on-3 league this year include former NBA stars Joe Johnson, Jason Terry, Al Jefferson and Gilbert Arenas. Amar’e Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, Metta World Peace and Stephen Jackson are among the returning players, with Lamar Odom also continuing along his path to remain sober by playing in the BIG3.
Ice Cube has tried and failed to land one of the greatest players of all time for the BIG3, but the league is obviously doing plenty right. Unlike the AAF, which signed a deal with CBS before having ever held a game, the BIG3 has been around for two years. That should make a big difference.
