CHENGDU (China) - After a long off-season honing their skills in the lab, it's time for the best women's 3x3 players to take their talents to the half-court.
The FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2025 launches in style at the fan favorite Chengdu Stop on May 2-3.
This season will be a marathon with 17 stops confirmed before the Women's Series Final in September.
Let's take a deeper look at the season-opener.
The Favorites
Two of the main contenders find themselves in the same pool with former European champs Netherlands and three-time reigning Asia Cup winners Australia on a collision course in Pool A.
Top seed Netherlands are locked and loaded with superstars Noortje Driessen and Janis Boonstra forming a formidable presence in the front court. Australia will be out to defend their title in Chengdu, but will have a new-look side from last year's triumph.
They will rely on highly talented Miela Goodchild, who is making a name for herself on the half-court after being part of Australia's title run at the Asia Cup and she was also named in the Team of the Tournament at the Champions Cup.
China just have to be rated among the contenders as they bring back three members of the country's stirring bronze medal effort at the Asia Cup.
Ulaanbaatar Amazons (MGL) have plenty of firepower to be a title threat led by inspirational Khulan Onolbaatar, who will leave it all on the half-court. The Field
The Philippines had an amazing run at the Asia Cup and they will once again show plenty of heart. Their 3x3-crazy fans will go crazy every time magician Kaye Pingol has the Wilson because she can do things you've never seen on the half-court.
Thailand are always a dark horse because they have walking bucket Rattiyakorn Udomsuk, who can go on a heater whenever she pleases.
Takasaki (JPN) have the tough task of being in Pool A alongside powers Netherlands and Australia, but don't write them off. They will be led by scoring machine Fuyuko Takahashi, the leading scorer at the Asia Cup where she lifted Japan to the silver medal. Pools Pool A: Netherlands, Takasaki (JPN), Australia Pool B: Ulaanbaatar Amazons (MGL), Philippines, Bangkok CT (THA) Pool C: China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan Pool D: Thailand, Singapore, Yuanda Meile (CHN)
How to watch The two-day extravaganza is on May 2-3 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube and Facebook pages.
FIBA