DUBAI (United Arab Emirates) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour is heading to Dubai for the first time ever, bringing some of the world's best 3x3 basketball teams to the United Arab Emirates on November 6–7. With 14 teams set to compete, a packed two-day schedule and plenty of entertainment around the court, the inaugural edition promises to be a major occasion for the sport in the region.
Here's everything you need to know before the action gets underway at Festival Bay.
Where is the event?
The FIBA 3x3 World Tour Dubai 2026 will take place at Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City, in the United Arab Emirates.
Known for its iconic skyline, ambitious architecture and vibrant sporting culture, Dubai has established itself as one of the region's leading destinations for major international events.
The city now adds another chapter to its sporting story by welcoming the FIBA 3x3 World Tour. With its international outlook, world-class event infrastructure and established basketball community, Dubai provides a fitting stage for the world's best 3x3 basketball players.
When is it?
The tournament takes place over two days, on Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7.
Schedule
🔸 Friday, November 6: World Tour Qualifying Draw and Pool Games
🔸 Saturday, November 7: Knockout Games and Final
The Qualifying Draw will determine the final team to join the 12-team Main Draw, before the competition moves into the knockout stages on Saturday.
Who are the teams?
A total of 14 teams will compete in Dubai, with 11 earning direct entry into the Main Draw and three facing off in the Qualifying Draw.
Top-seeded Ub (SRB) lead the field, followed by Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) and Liman (SRB). Baskets Bonn (GER) and Skyliners (GER) complete the top five.
The field also features Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), DeQing (CHN), Fuengirola (ESP), Cibona Ph.Classic (CRO), Toronto (CAN), Taipei WanBao (TPE), Lausanne (SUI), host team Dubai (UAE) and Doha (QAT).
The three teams competing in the Qualifying Draw are Raudondvaris, Taipei and Doha. Only the winner will advance to the Main Draw.
Pools
The 12-team Main Draw is divided into four pools of three teams. The Qualifying Draw winner will take the final place in Pool D.
Qualifying Draw: Raudondvaris Hoptrans (LTU), Taipei WanBao (TPE), Doha (QAT)
Main Draw
Pool A: Ub (SRB), Cibona Ph.Classic (CRO), Toronto (CAN) Pool B: Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED), Fuengirola (ESP), Lausanne (SUI) Pool C: Liman (SRB), DeQing (CHN), Dubai (UAE) Pool D: Baskets Bonn (GER), Skyliners (GER), QD A
(See the Full Team Seedings list for more information)
How does the competition work?
The tournament begins with a three-team Qualifying Draw, with the winner earning the final place in the 12-team Main Draw.
The Main Draw features four pools of three teams. Each team will play the other two sides in its pool, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the Quarter-Finals.
From there, the competition moves into a single-elimination knockout format, with the winners advancing through the Semi-Finals and ultimately to the Final on Saturday, November 7.
With a place in the knockout rounds at stake, every pool game will be important as teams look to keep their title hopes alive.
Who won last year?
There is no defending champion in Dubai, as the 2026 edition marks the first-ever FIBA 3x3 World Tour stop in the city.
That means a new champion will be crowned on November 7, adding another destination to the World Tour's list of tournament winners.
Which players should you watch?
Dubai will feature several of the circuit's biggest names, alongside emerging talents looking to make their mark.
Top seed Ub will be led by Strahinja Stojacic, the world No. 1 known as 'Doctor Strange' for his creative playmaking, explosive scoring and ability to produce highlight-reel moments.
Olympic champion Worthy de Jong will headline second-seeded Amsterdam RABOBANK. Fresh from winning MVP honors at the World Tour Bucharest 2026, the Dutch star will look to guide his team to another title.
Third-seeded Liman will rely on the perimeter threat of Andreja Milutinovic, while Fabian Giessmann will be a key figure for Baskets Bonn. His all-around game and physical presence make him one to watch in the German side's campaign.
Fifth-seeded Skyliners will turn to sharpshooter Stefan Kojic, also known as 'Chef Koja,' whose long-range shooting can quickly change a game. Meanwhile, Francis Lacis brings World Cup-winning experience to DeQing.
There will also be plenty of interest in Isaac Mayo, who helped Fuengirola make history by reaching the World Tour Bucharest Final, and Roko Spaseski, the offensive catalyst for Cibona Ph.Classic.
Why does Dubai matter?
Dubai's arrival on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour calendar marks an important milestone for the sport's growth in the United Arab Emirates and the wider region.
The city is an international destination with a strong sporting profile and experience hosting major events. Its addition to the World Tour gives 3x3 basketball another prominent platform to connect with new audiences and bring elite competition to a new setting.
The tournament also offers a chance to showcase what makes 3x3 basketball distinctive: fast-paced games, individual creativity, intense competition and an atmosphere that brings fans close to the action.
With some of the world's leading players competing at Festival Bay, Dubai's first World Tour edition will be an opportunity to introduce more fans to the sport and establish a new destination on the international 3x3 calendar.
How can you follow?
Follow the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Dubai 2026 through the official World Tour website and FIBA 3x3's social media channels.
Visit the official event website for the latest news, pools, schedules, results and standings. Follow @FIBA3x3 for 24/7 3x3 basketball coverage throughout the tournament.
Fans can attend the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Dubai 2026 free of charge, but advance registration is required.
Fans can also follow the action through the FIBA 3x3 YouTube Channel and Unbeaten.
Follow the conversation with the official hashtags #3x3WTDubai and #3x3WT.
Stay Connected
Follow all the latest action from the FIBA 3x3 World Tour throughout the 2026 season by visiting the official World Tour website, where you can find the latest news, team standings, player statistics and everything you need to follow the Race to the Final. Fans can also keep track of the Event Calendar and the latest FIBA 3x3 Individual and Federation Rankings as teams and players continue their push toward the season finale.
Want to learn more about 3x3 basketball? Explore the official FIBA 3x3 Rules to understand the unique fast-paced format of the game, or discover the FIBA 3x3 Competition Structure to see how the discipline’s global pathway connects grassroots events, professional tours and world-class international competitions.
FIBA