XIONG'AN (China) - The most talented young players on the planet are ready for the bright lights of the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2025 on September 17-21. Let's take a closer look at the major youth event's sixth edition, which will be played for the first time in the exciting Chinese city of Xiong'an. Where can I watch the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup? The action runs from September 17-21, and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page.
Who is competing? There are a whopping 40 teams – 20 per gender – competing in Xiong'an. What are the pools?
Who are the favorites?
In the men's, we just have to start with defending champs Germany who return with the top billing. Germany is going through a golden period in all forms of hoops and 3x3 is no exception with this talented line-up to unleash not only a couple of dudes from last year's triumph, but also from their fourth-placed finish at this year's World Cup.
After agonizingly falling short of defending their crown last year, losing to Germany in the final, USA will be extra determined to make amends while fellow powerhouse France are out to win just their second tournament medal.
The Frenchmen will look to 20-year-old excitement machine Rudy Ekwakwe to get them going.
Defending the women's title has proven impossible so far. No team has managed that feat previously, with USA aiming to buck the trend but it won't be easy in a draw loaded with talent.
Top seed China have top billing and broke a hoodoo last year after finally reaching the podium with a bronze medal. But they will be out for a deeper run and their hopes might rest with JianPing Zhang, who has won medals at the U23 World Cup and Asia Cup before.
European powers France, Netherlands and Germany should also be in the title mix.
Who are the players to watch?
Last year we were all witnesses to Alex Fudge straight out ballin' in the men's draw as he led USA to a silver medal. The 22-year-old will be even better the second time up and he will enter with plenty of hype with Fudge boasting NBA experience with the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers.
He will be a favorite for the MVP, but might at some stage have to go toe-to-toe with German sensation Denzel Agyeman, who has already won a number of accolades.
Speaking of sensations and the baton in Mongolia is set to pass soon to 21-year-old young gun Bolor-Erdene Gantsolmon, while New Zealand big fella Aidan Tonge has the taste of success having won bronze at this year's Asia Cup.
There are plenty of emerging wonder women in the draw, with USA especially brimming with talent as expected. But all eyes will be on recent WNBA draft selection Serena Sundell, who leads a new-look Team USA team looking to create history.
Elisa Mevius is only 21, but we know she's built for the big stage after her breakout on the biggest stage of them all - the Paris Olympics, where she walked off with a gold medal around her neck.
The Netherlands continue to create stars and their latest is Liselot Kulk, who has been lights out for Netherlands U25 on the Women's Series, while Quinn Kacey Dela Rosa is set to be hoops crazy Philippines' next fan favorite.
FIBA