3x3 Basketball is a form of the game played three a side on one hoop. It is the largest urban team sport of the world. The sport was added to the World University Championship programme with a first edition hosted in Kragujevac, Serbia, then became part of the FISU University Wold Cups programme. 

History of 3x3 Basketball in FISU

With all the sports options out there, why did FISU decide to work with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to help 3x3 Basketball, nearly since the sport's start? That's easy, 3x3 Basketball is an ideal team sport for student-athletes on the university campus.  

The beauty of 3x3 Basketball comes from its simplicity. The game is played on half a court, with one hoop. There’s no halftime, no quarters, and the energy limits are always on maximum. Games are played outdoors, surrounded by music, entertainment and cheering fans. 3x3 Basketball is a game pretty much everyone can play, anywhere in the world.  

The sport is tailor-made for university students. Each game lasts a maximum of 10 minutes. There’s a 12-second shot clock, ensuring teams take risks and attack the rim.

With teams composed of three players plus one possible substitute, it’s easy to field a team. It's just players playing as no coaching is allowed during a competition.

The simplicity of the 3x3 game stands out: all you need are a hoop, a ball, some teammates, and a little competition. There is not even a mandatory surface; a tournament can take place on concrete, asphalt, on existing or temporary courts.

Bringing sport to the center of university campus life was the goal FISU set out to achieve with the League and 3x3 Basketball. The League has delivered. 

More on FISU and the start of 3x3 Basketball: FISU's history in the 3x3 game goes back to just about the official start of the sport in 2010 as both the first and second World University 3x3 Basketball Championships were attributed in May 2011 to the University Sports Federation of Serbia and of Brazil, respectively . In 2012 the championship took place in Kragujevac (SRB) and in 2014 in Salvador (BRA). Since this start, FISU has played an active role in promoting 3x3 Basketball on university campuses around the globe.