MIES (Switzerland) - FIBA introduced the Approved 3x3 Equipment category in 2020, with the goal of approving basketball equipment that is tested to be outdoor resistant. Currently, through FIBA's Equipment & Venue Centre, the Approved 3x3 Equipment has four product categories: 3x3 basketball, 3x3 backstop unit, 3x3 synthetic flooring, and the canopy system.  

Each of these product categories has its own specific characteristics and the canopy system is one category that highlights the unique challenges and opportunities of outdoor sports events production.  These unique roofing solutions must provide protection from rain and UV, whilst serving as a projection surface on which creative elements can be displayed.  

A provider of canopy systems is German-based Magic Sky, which has been in production since 2002. Currently, they provide three FIBA Approved models of canopy systems which have been utilized at FIBA's 3x3 events since 2013.  And since the announcement of 3x3's inclusion in the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2017, Magic Sky has been an integral part of FIBA 3x3's journey from the streets to the Olympics.

3x3 Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games 

Bart Prinssen, the Head of FIBA's Equipment & Venue Centre, said "Our newly introduced FIBA Approved 3x3 Equipment category specifies the equipment requirements related a highly changeable outdoor environment. For example, the Approved Canopy Systems must be able to be calibrated precisely to adapt to minimal differences in the level of the surface as well as to withstand severe weather and wind force. We are pleased to see the FIBA Approval program continue to raise the global equipment standards for outdoor sports events."  

The most recent Magic Sky canopy system was used at the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Lausanne 2022 this August located right next to the iconic Lake Geneva, Switzerland.

FIBA 3x3 World Tour Lausanne Masters 2022

With the canopy systems becoming an integral part of the FIBA 3x3 brand, temporary infrastructure for outdoor use like this is the result of complex engineering research and work.  

Mark Liese, the founder and CEO of Magic Sky, said: "The advantage of our canopy system is our pursuit of engineering excellence behind it and our research and development mindset to be always ahead of the game. To meet FIBA 3x3 competitions and approval standards, our system is designed to be set up and dismantled within 8 to 10 hours. To fit in different event venues’ conditions, we have also developed software to simulate wind force, sunlight SUV and rainfall impact on the canopy so that the safety standard is never compromised when our engineering team and membrane textile developer work to raise the level of the systems. The sky is the limit!"  

Alex Sanchez, FIBA 3x3 Managing Director said "We are pleased that the Magic Sky canopy system has continuously gone above and beyond in order to provide excellence to our 3x3  competitions that take place in all four corners of the globe. Magic Sky's understanding of the entertainment business, in which the demands of sound and lighting systems and TV broadcast needs grow every day, helps both FIBA and Magic Sky to continue to raise the level of our event production."  

The FIBA Equipment & Venue Centre offers a global platform to find the highest level of quality, testing and innovation related to basketball equipment and software. Its partners supply approved products that fulfill the strict requirements of high-level basketball competitions. 

The FIBA Approved 3x3 & Outdoor label includes Level 1 equipment for elite competition and Level 2 equipment recommended for any other outdoor basketball aiming to achieve a safe and durable playing environment. 

For more information about the Equipment & Venue Centre, click here. 

FIBA