UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - No.1 ranked Ub (SRB) will be aiming to reclaim their crown as the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025 season starts with the traditional Utsunomiya Opener on April 26-27. The top 10 ranked teams will be aiming to make an early season statement having qualified for the World Tour's launch as hard seeds. There are still four spots to be confirmed for the 14-team showpiece event.
Hard seeds: Ub , Toulouse (Paris), Miami, Amsterdam, Vienna, Raudondvaris, Riffa, Liman, Partizan, London (Princeton)
Ub kick-started their dominant campaigns in 2022 and 2023 with titles in Utsunomiya, but they fell short to Miami (USA) in a classic final last year to foreshadow a season where their stranglehold of the World Tour was under threat.
Ub's quest to reclaim their crown won't be easy with a host of powerhouses out to start the season with a bang.
The No.2 seed are Toulouse (FRA), who are the artists formerly known as Paris. The fabulous Frenchmen had an incredible 2024, especially their best player Franck Seguela who won a silver medal at his home Olympics to become a legend in France.
Miami are the reigning champs after superstar Jimmer Fredette dropped an epic game winner to end Ub's dominance. We'll have to wait and see who the Americans bring this time around, but you just know they'll do everything to defend their crown.
Amsterdam (NED) were one of the very best teams in 2024 with their main stars taking center stage at the Olympics. The last time we saw these Dutch Masters, they were basking in glory at the Hong Kong Final. Superstar Worthy de Jong finished the year sitting on the throne and we can't wait to see what he has in store in 2025.
Vienna (AUT) were another major success story last year as they won multiple titles, while their stars also represented Austria with pride in a historic gold medal triumph at the Europe Cup.
Partizan (SRB) weren't able to go all the way last year on the World Tour, but they've loaded up by adding rising star Vuk Borovicanin who might just help them take the W in Utsunomiya.
Raudondvaris (LTU) will be looking for redemption after a winless campaign in Utsunomiya last year, but we know what these lethal Lithuanians are capable of.
They've tasted success on the World Tour before while they have dudes who own Olympic bronze medals. And let's not forget Raudondvaris are often ignited by high-flyer Modestas Kumpys, who isn't just all flash as this dunk machine is also a former MVP on the World Tour.
Riffa (BRN) have a good record in Utsunomiya having made the semis last year and they will want to start the season fast after a patchy first-half of 2024 before they powered home strongly in the backend.
Legendary Liman (SRB) will be extra motivated after not winning a title last season. The last time that happened was way back in 2016 and you just know they would have spent all off-season plotting how to get their hands back on the silverware.
Last but not least - London (USA) have also qualified as a hard seed. These Americans aren't new kids on the block, they were once the much-loved Princeton but have rebranded and are ready to shine in new colors.
FIBA