Basketball Australia Launches First 3×3 Championships in Ballarat

Basketball Australia has formalised an expansion of its high-performance calendar with the launch of the inaugural 3×3 Championships.

Set to take place at Selkirk Stadium in Ballarat from 30–31 January 2026, the tournament serves as the official national pathway for the Australian Gangurrus program, bridging the gap between domestic talent and the global professional circuit.

The event, which will run alongside the Foot Locker U20 National Championships, is designed to identify the next generation of 3×3 stars across Under 17 and Under 23 divisions.

For U17 athletes, the stakes include potential selection for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, while the winning U23 teams will earn direct qualification and travel support for the Shibuya Challenger in Japan this April—a critical “Lite Quest” stop on the FIBA 3×3 Pro World Tour.

Commenting on the expansion of the game, Basketball Australia major events manager, Aurélien Bova, said: “It’s going to be a fantastic event, with so much on the line, we’re expecting a highly competitive environment that showcases the depth of 3×3 talent emerging across Australia.”

The organisation’s move to a centralised championships model reflects the rapid commercial and Olympic growth of the 3×3 format.

Unlike traditional 5v5 format, the 3×3 Championships focus on adaptability and individual world ranking points.

To ensure elite participation, Basketball Australia has committed to a High-Performance model that removes financial barriers by providing comprehensive travel and preparation support for teams that qualify for international duties through this event.

The tournament also acts as the primary selection trial for the Australian U23 3×3 program ahead of the 2026 FIBA U23 World Cup.

By integrating the results into its expanding national database, Basketball Australia aims to streamline its talent identification, ensuring the recognisable success of the women’s Olympic debut in Paris is sustained through the Brisbane 2032 cycle.

As the 3×3 format continues to dominate urban sporting culture in Asia and Europe, this inaugural championship serves as Australia’s  anchor in the global game.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.