FIBA Celebrates the Unprecedented Success of 3x3 Basketball at Paris 2024

Paris (FRANCE) -  Following the thrilling semifinals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, FIBA hosted a press conference to highlight the remarkable growth and impact of 3x3 basketball. This year's Olympics marked the sport's first opportunity to play in front of live audiences, creating an exhilarating atmosphere and setting new standards for urban sports worldwide. 

Historic Milestone: First Olympics with Fans

The 3x3 basketball venue at Place de la Concorde saw sold-out crowds of 4,000 spectators daily, with thousands more gathering outside to catch a glimpse of the action. This unprecedented turnout emphasized the sport's rapid rise in popularity and the exceptional entertainment value it offers.

"The presence of fans in Paris has underscored the incredible potential of 3x3 basketball," said Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Secretary General. "Looking ahead, we aim to build on this success, further expanding our reach and engaging new audiences worldwide. The excitement and energy at the venue are a testament to 3x3's unique appeal, and we look forward to continued growth and innovation as we head towards Los Angeles 2028." 

Player Experience and Positive Feedback

Players competing in the tournament have expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback about their experiences in Paris. From the vibrant village atmosphere to the intense competition, the event has delivered an exceptional experience for all involved.

"Paris has delivered an unforgettable 3x3 experience," remarked Alex Sanchez, Managing Director of FIBA 3x3. "The players, teams, volunteers, and staff have created something truly special."

Digital Growth and Global Reach

3x3 basketball's digital presence has exploded, with followers growing from 2.6 million in 2021 to over 8 million today. This rapid expansion underscores the sport's universal appeal and its potential to engage new audiences across the globe. 

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, FIBA 3x3's digital presence skyrocketed with an impressive 132 million views and 195 million impressions on their social and digital channels, marking a significant increase from Tokyo 2020—a remarkable growth of over 613%. Engagement numbers also soared to 10.6 million, more than doubling the engagements from Tokyo 2020, while players experienced a 20% average increase in new followers thanks to our strategic content support from the FIBA content team. This success was bolstered by incredible media support, which amplified our reach and impact globally 

The final of the women's 3x3 basketball tournament at the Olympic Games, which took place on Monday between Spain and Germany, recorded spectacular live viewership on La1 of TVE, with an average of 1,898,000 viewers.

These figures were above the average for Olympic Games broadcasts on TVE's first channel, with a market share of 17.4%.

ZDF achieved excellent ratings with the Olympic final of the 3x3 women’s basketball on Monday night, with an average of 7.4 million viewers watching Germany defeat Spain around 10:00 PM. This was just slightly below the 7.56 million viewers for table tennis 45 minutes earlier. The 3x3 final captured a strong 35.0% market share, peaking at 43.2% among the 14-49 age group, leading the ratings on Monday.

The semifinals were also popular, with almost 4 million viewers watching earlier in the evening and 4.64 million tuning in for the final moments.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future

As FIBA looks to the future, the focus remains on expanding the reach and influence of 3x3 basketball. The organization's strategic initiatives include enhancing the World Tour, Women's Series, and Nations League, ensuring the continued growth and development of the sport on the road to LA28.

FIBA's commitment to promoting gender parity was also emphasized, with equal representation of male and female athletes, referees, and officials at the event.