BANGKOK (Thailand) – The FIBA 3x3 Sponsor | Red Bull Champions Cup 2026 once again delivered elite action in the heart of Bangkok, with the United States (men) and Netherlands (women) emerging as champions after three days of intense competition.
From breakthrough performances to dramatic upsets and dominant MVP displays, the second edition of the FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup revealed several key storylines and developments looking ahead to the new 3x3 basketball season.
Here’s what we learned.
USA cannot be overlooked
The United States showed why they remain one of the most dangerous teams in the global 3x3 basketball scene.
After navigating a competitive field that included defending champions Serbia and a strong Spain squad, the USA men elevated their level during the knockout stage. Their run culminated in a 19-14 victory over Spain in the Men's Final, showcasing a balanced attack and strong defensive execution.
Players like Caden Pierce, who earned Men's MVP honors, provided consistency and energy throughout the event, while the team’s athleticism and versatility proved decisive against elite opponents.
Even the USA women, despite falling short of winning their division, showcased high-level play. Allisha Gray was an offensive firebrand, while Shakira Austin was a lot to handle around the basket.
For a program with its sights firmly set on future global competitions, this tournament victory sends a clear message: the USA are a major force in the 3x3 basketball landscape.
Netherlands’ women showed grit
If there was even any sliver of doubt about the Netherlands’ place in women’s 3x3 basketball, this tournament erased it.
The Dutch claimed the title with a 21-12 victory over Azerbaijan in the Women's Final, powered by an extraordinary performance from Noortje Driessen, who poured in 15 points and earned Women's MVP honors.
Throughout the tournament, the Netherlands combined physical defense, efficient scoring and composure in big moments. And they did all that with just three players on the active roster.
Driessen & Co. have now won the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2025, the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2025 and the FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup 2026. This golden run underscores this team's unassailable quality and intent to continue dominating the 2026 3x3 basketball season.
Spain remain among the elite
Spain once again proved their strength in 3x3 basketball. Despite a very challenging pool phase, the Spanish men rallied to reach the Final after defeating the Netherlands in the Semi-Finals.
Led by Iván Aurrecoechea, Spain demonstrated their trademark chemistry and resilience throughout the tournament.
Although they ultimately fell to the United States in the Men's Final, their performance reinforced their status as one of the sport’s most consistent teams.
Drama galore
One of the most exciting developments in Bangkok was the continued rise of Azerbaijan. The FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2026 runners-up delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the tournament when they stunned the United States in the Women's Semi-Finals thanks to Arica Carter's last-second game winner.
Behind standout performances from Brianna Fraser and Alexandra Mollenhauer, Azerbaijan advanced all the way to the Final and ultimately secured another runner-up finish.
Azerbaijan's campaign highlighted the growing competitiveness of women’s 3x3 basketball, with more nations emerging as consistent contenders.
Unpredictability
Few moments captured the spirit of 3x3 basketball better than Thailand’s shocking victory over Lithuania.
The hosts defeated the European powerhouse in Men's pool play, a result that dramatically reshaped the standings and ultimately allowed Spain to advance to the Semi-Finals.
The upset also demonstrated the unpredictability that makes the format so exciting -- where a hot shooting stretch or a standout individual performance can change not just a game but an entire field.
Growing into a major stage
Only in its second edition, the FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup is quickly establishing itself as one of the most important events in international 3x3 basketball.
The tournament brings together continental champions, Olympic medalists and top-ranked teams, creating a compact but highly competitive showcase for the discipline.
With elite teams, dramatic games and passionate crowds in Bangkok, the 2026 edition once again demonstrated 3x3 basketball's growing global appeal.
FIBA