UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - Utsunomiya, a historic Japanese city doubling as an iconic 3x3 location, is ready to launch the 13th edition of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour in style on April 27-28. 

The now traditional Utsunomiya Opener will kickstart a massive season that promises to be the best ever in history. There will be at least 15 stops before the World Tour Final and the cream of the crop will want to make a fast start in Utsunomiya. 

The top 10 ranked teams in the world will be in Utsunomiya led by the best team on the planet Ub (SRB), who are the two-time defending champs.

The spectacular Serbs have used Utsunomiya as the perfect launching pad for their domination of the last two seasons, but their rivals are out to flip the script in 2024. 

No.2 ranked Miami (USA) and No.3 Amsterdam (NED) will be loaded with superstars as they aim to seize control from Ub.

Vienna (AUT) will be in-form, but also extra determined after Austria fell agonizingly short at the FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 1. 

Riffa (BRN) might have a new name, but these artists formerly known as Antwerp TOPdesk remain just as lethal in new jerseys. 

Partizan (SRB) and Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU) won Masters in 2023, but want to start dominating the World Tour, while Lausanne (SUI) have started this season hot on the pro circuit. 

Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) should boast scoring machine Anand Ariunbold, who created a storm in Utsunomiya 12 months ago and is coming off an amazing performance to lead Mongolia to bronze at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024. 

You can bet the New Gen of San Juan Church’s (PUR) won't have the second season blues as they eye a Masters title having come close in 2023. 

There are four Japanese teams in this insanely loaded 14-team draw led by hometown heroes Utsunomiya BREX EXE (JPN), who you just know will be inspired by their passionate fans. 

The countdown has started as anticipation builds for this mega event to light up the World Tour. 

FIBA