MIES (Switzerland) - Before we wrap up 2025, it's time to give a shout out to the teams who dominated 3x3 this year.
Netherlands
The Dutchwomen deservedly finish 2025 with top dog status after a year for the ages. The Netherlands simply submitted one of the most dominant seasons we've ever seen.
They won almost every major event having completed the tough double of World Cup and Europe Cup titles. It was the first time the Netherlands were crowned world champs, while they claimed their second continental crown in three years.
The Netherlands were also the dominant force on the Women's Series winning 31 of 37 games, including three titles. Superstar Noortje Driessen holds the belt as the best player on the planet although missed the backend to ensure sidekick Janis Boonstra finished No.1 on the rankings.
One of the most remarkable seasons in women's 3x3 ended in rare heartbreak for the Netherlands after their 21-19 defeat to Azerbaijan. But a first WS Final triumph was always going to be difficult without Driessen, who you can bet will be even better in 2026.
Spain
You really expected Spain not to make this list? Another year, another spectacular season for one of the OGs of the women's game.
Spain started the season with silver at the first Champions Cup and they also repeated the dose at the Europe Cup, continuing their outstanding record at the continental event.
Spain were sensational in the WS, winning 21 of 27 games, including three titles to remain one of the leading teams. They were brilliantly led all season by their Olympic silver medal winning heroes Vera Gimeno and Sandra Ygueravide, who remains ageless. Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has emerged into one of 3x3's grandest stories, largely due to the small nation's rapid rise up the 3x3 women ranks. Hot on the heels of a memorable appearance at the Paris Olympics, Azerbaijan became a women's power after a historic silver medal at the Europe Cup where fell they fell short to the Netherlands in the final. Azerbaijan also won 17 of 23 games on the WS, including two titles and a runner-up finish at the showpiece Shanghai Final.
Brianna Fraser became one of the very best players on the planet to inspire a nation that has taken the half-court by storm.
Mongolia
Mongolia produced one of the most stirring performances ever seen on the half-court. The home heroes surely had the most incredible giant-killing run as they stormed to the World Cup final. The 12th seed had never progressed beyond the group phase from three previous World Cup appearances. But riding a tidal wave of support, Mongolia went on the most improbable run ever seen at the World Cup, including thrilling OTs wins over Ukraine and China, before an upset of the ages to end mighty USA's title defense. Best was yet to come when Ariuntsetseg Bat-Erdene hit an amazing two-point buzzer beater in an OT to lift Mongolia past Poland and into the final. The scenes of jubilation were perhaps unmatched in anything we've ever seen in 3x3 and their heroics will no doubt inspire the new gen of what is possible on the half-court.
Canada
Canada finished the season the same way they've finished most others - as one of the very best teams in the business.
The Canadians started the year by winning the inaugural Champions Cup and they were just getting warmed up. Canada added more medals by claiming silver at the AmeriCup and also bronze at the World Cup.
There have only been six editions of the Women's Series, yet Canada have won half of them after their latest triumph at the Shanghai Final. Canada also won two titles from four regular season stops they played.
Canada again were led by their slew of superstars, namely Katherine Plouffe who continues to make the paint her personal playground. CS Rapid Bucharest (ROU)
There is a new force on the WS and they are CS Rapid Bucharest, the talented Romanian commercial team. Only No.1 Netherlands finished with more points than Romania, who equalled next best Spain with 420 points.
They were ultra-consistent having made five semi-final finishes from seven stops. French wizard Hortense Limouzin was a superstar and she was well supported by Martyna Petrenaite as CS Rapid Bucharest absolutely deserves to be remembered as a defining team of 2025.
FIBA