MIES (Switzerland) – After a successful and memorable debut in 2025, the FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup is set to return for its second edition, taking place from 13-15 March, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand. Launched as a major new competition on the 3x3 calendar, the Champions Cup brings together top national teams for a high-level showdown that celebrates excellence, competitiveness and the global growth of the game.
A World-Class Lineup
The FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup 2026 will once again bring together the world’s elite, with 16 of the best men’s and women’s teams battling not only for silverware, but for early-season supremacy on the global stage. Featuring continental champions, World Cup winners, top-ranked nations, and hosts Thailand, the event promises a high-stakes showdown from start to finish. For the defending Champions Cup winners (Serbia - men, Canada - women), Bangkok represents a chance to assert their dominance once more and prove that last year’s triumph was no one-off. At the same time, a hungry field of contenders, including reigning continental champions and top-ranked teams, will arrive determined to dethrone the holders and stamp their authority ahead of another demanding 3x3 basketball season.
The annual Champions Cup features the world's top 3x3 teams, including continental cup winners, the highest-ranked teams in the rankings, Olympic gold medalists and the host nation.
The eight teams per gender have now been confirmed for next year's tournament.
Can Thailand be the host with the most? They will need their electric fans to be even louder after Thailand were unable to win a game as host in the first edition.
The 3x3 Champions Cup 2026 winners will qualify directly to the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2027, 3x3 Champions Cup 2027 and the Cups-based Olympic Qualification Tournament in 2028.
Men
Spain (World Cup winners)
Spain booked their place in the draw for the first time after winning a historic World Cup crown, the greatest moment in the country's 3x3 men's history.
Serbia (Defending champion)
Of course Serbia would add another trophy to their bulging cabinet. It was quite fitting that the dominant force of men's 3x3 won the inaugural Champions Cup, which turned out to be their biggest prize in 2025 after a tough year at international level.
Madagascar (Africa Cup winners)
Madagascar was the last team to book their spot after defending their Africa Cup crown.
Lithuania (Europe Cup winners)
Perennial powerhouse Lithuania made history after winning the Europe Cup for the first time with an incredible victory over Latvia in the final. The triumph ensured they will take their talents to Bangkok for the first time.
USA (AmeriCup winners)
Mighty USA will return to Bangkok after defending their AmeriCup crown. USA will be looking for revenge at the Champions Cup after an agonizing 21-20 loss to Australia in the bronze medal game.
Australia (Asia Cup winners)
The reigning bronze medalist return after continuing their utter dominance of the Asia Cup, coming out triumphant for the fifth time.
Netherlands (Ranking)
It was a tougher year for the Paris Olympic gold medalist, but the Netherlands still finished 2025 as No.2 on the FIBA 3x3 rankings. The Dutch Masters will be determined to go one better in Bangkok after their runner-up finish in the first edition where they fell short to rival Serbia in the final.
Thailand (host)
Thailand enter the Champions Cup with a lot of potential and promise, especially after they won the 3x3 gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games 2025. They are looking to raise their game even more in Bangkok.
Women
Thailand (host)
Led by scoring machine Rattiyakorn Udomsuk, Thailand are a formidable foe in the women's game and proved they belong after a major opening upset against former World Cup champs France.
Canada (Defending Champions)
Canada will return to Bangkok determined to defend their crown having romped through the tournament undefeated.
Netherlands (World Cup winners)
Quite fittingly the Netherlands took out their first World Cup crown to cement their status as the best women's team on the planet. Superstar Noortje Driessen walked off with the MVP and she will be determined for more success as the Dutchwomen booked their ticket for the Champions Cup for the first time.
Madagascar (Africa Cup winners)
Madagascar was the last team to seal their spot after memorably defending their Africa Cup crown on home soil.
USA (AmeriCup winners)
Hoops power USA will be playing at the Champions Cup for the first time after reclaiming the AmeriCup crown from rival Canada. T
Azerbaijan (Europe Cup runner-up)
The landlocked nation of Azerbaijan has been one of 3x3's success stories as the half-court game leaves a footprint in non-traditional basketball playing countries. Azerbaijan's women have been at the forefront of the rise marked by an incredible runner-up finish at this year's Europe Cup, securing Champions Cup qualification in the process.
Australia (Asia Cup winners)
The Gangurrus cemented their utter dominance with a three-peat of the Asia Cup, continuing a remarkable record in recent years at the international level.
Spain (ranking)
Spain are simply one of the very best women's teams to ever do it. They submitted another stellar season to finish No.2 in the rankings behind the Netherlands and that was enough to once again qualify for the Champions Cup.
Building on a Landmark First Edition
The inaugural FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup in 2025 marked a significant step forward for international 3x3 basketball competition, delivering thrilling action, standout individual performances and a vibrant festival atmosphere in Bangkok. That first edition helped cement the Champions Cup as a premium event, and the 2026 return aims to build on that foundation by raising the level of competition while continuing to showcase the unique energy and global appeal of 3x3 basketball.
What’s Next
Further details on the competition format, schedule, and surrounding activities will be announced in the coming weeks, including during the official press conference on 13 January. Stay tuned as the road to the FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup 2026 begins and the world’s best prepare to battle once more on the half-court in Bangkok.
FIBA