BANGKOK (Thailand) - The much-anticipated 3x3 season will start with a bang in 2025 because the best countries from around the world are ready to create history.
Buckle up because FIBA 3x3 will unveil its latest showpiece event with the FIBA 3x3 Sponsor | Red Bull Champions Cup in world famous Bangkok, Thailand, on March 14-16.
The three-day event features the world's top 16 men's and women's 3x3 teams, including continental cup winners, the highest-ranked teams and Olympic gold medalists. Let's dig deeper.
Men's: Serbia, USA, France, Netherlands, Austria, Australia, Thailand, Madagascar
How they qualified
Olympics: Netherlands
2024 will always be remembered for the Paris Olympics and that's where the Netherlands etched their name in Olympic lore with a triumph for the ages after beating host France in a classic final. Worthy de Jong hit the iconic two-piece to lift the Dutch Masters to gold and an automatic berth in the first edition of the Champions Cup.
Continental winners: Australia, Austria, Madagascar, USA
The world is truly represented with the four continental champs set to make their way to Bangkok. Almost 12 months ago Australia reclaimed their crown with a record-extending fourth triumph in the Asia Cup, while Austria won an unbelievable first Europe Cup crown with an upset over defending champs Serbia in front of their wild home fans.
Madagascar won their second Africa Cup title, while USA rebounded from a torrid Olympic campaign to regain the AmeriCup crown.
Rankings: Serbia, France
No field of champions would be complete without 3x3 powerhouse Serbia, who have long set the standard. 2024 was a tough year for them as challengers start emerging, but Serbia remain No.1 for a reason.
France had an incredible 2024 and were within an inch from winning Olympic gold on their home half-court. They finished the year only behind Serbia and USA in the rankings to underline their ascension.
Host: Thailand
Thailand will enter as underdogs, but just can't be dismissed from making a crazy giant-killing run because they will have the fanatical support of their fans behind them.
Women's: China, France, Spain, Germany, Canada, Australia, Thailand, Madagascar
How they qualified
Olympics: Germany
Germany came of age during a magical six days in Paris to win Olympic gold in one of the greatest moments for the country in hoops. Superstar Sonja Greinacher cemented her legacy with an epic performance in the tense final against Spain as Germany also earned a ticket to Bangkok.
Continental winners: Australia, Spain, Madagascar, Canada
Australia known affectionately as the Gangurrus repeated as Asia Cup champs in style last year to book a berth to Bangkok, while Spain backed up from their Olympic silver medal with an epic triumph at the Europe Cup.
Canada agonizingly lost to USA in the bronze medal game at the Olympics, but exacted revenge with victory in the AmeriCup final. Madagascar made it double delight at the Africa Cup after the women's team stormed to the title.
Rankings: China, France
Former World Cup and Asia Cup champs China have proven they are long-time 3x3 powers in the women's game. They remain top of the rankings after continual success on the Women's Series and so too France who had a tough home Olympic campaign but can start 2025 on a strong note.
Host: Thailand
Like their men's counterparts, Thailand will be outsiders but don't underestimate this rising 3x3 nation who finished 4th at the Asia Cup in 2023. They might just shock the world once again.
FIBA