MIES (Switzerland) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour never truly goes quiet. Even in the offseason, roster moves send ripple effects across the pro circuit, subtly reshaping the competitive hierarchy ahead of a new campaign. As teams recalibrate in pursuit of World Tour supremacy in 2026, several headline transfers stand out. These are not only for the talent involved, but for the tactical implications behind them. From title contenders reinforcing their depth charts to rising squads swinging for higher upside, these five player movements could prove pivotal when the new season tips off.
Milivojevic boosts Liman’s ceiling
Liman’s acquisition of Stefan 'The Gladiator' Milivojevic from Partizan is a move grounded in both belief and projection. The Serbian guard was once the engine behind Partizan’s rise, known for his physical drives, tempo control and ability to shoulder offensive responsibility.
3x3 World Tour commentator Bas Rozendaal views the signing as a calculated upside play.
"Liman’s move for the Gladiator feels like a calculated bet on upside. At his peak, Milivojevic was the engine of Partizan’s rise -- a physical downhill guard who could dictate pace and shoulder offensive responsibility."
While his efficiency dipped over the last two seasons amid roster instability, Liman’s structure and veteran leadership could provide the environment needed to reignite his best form, especially defensively, where the fit looks immediate.
Ub add more firepower
Ub reinforcing their roster with Filip Kaluderovic from Hangzhou raises the bar even higher for their rivals. Already the benchmark team on the circuit, they’ve added one of 2025’s most dangerous isolation scorers.
Rozendaal emphasized the luxury nature of the move.
"Ub adding Killer Kaluderovic is the kind of move only the top team in the world can make, turning a strength into an even bigger problem for everyone else."
With Dejan Majstorović managing injuries last season, the signing also provides stylistic insurance and deeper lineup flexibility.
Van der Horst returns to Amsterdam
Dimeo van der Horst’s transfer from Utrecht back to Amsterdam is less a shock and more a natural reunion. After experimenting with a three-ballhandler setup in 2025, Amsterdam regain a player whose value extends beyond raw scoring.
Rozendaal framed the move as a structural correction.
"Dimeo returning to Amsterdam feels less like a surprise and more like a course correction," he said. "He brings connective tissue -- screening, rebounding, defensive intensity and championship-level adaptability."
Van der Horst’s familiarity with the system and ability to impact winning without dominating the ball could make Amsterdam more resilient across long tournament runs.
Ulaanbaatar's new offensive dimension
Few transfers carry the star gravity of Nauris Miezis joining Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy from Chongming. An Olympic champion and one of the sport’s most decorated scorers, Miezis arrives to address a specific tactical gap.
Rozendaal explained the strategic target behind the move.
"This signing directly targets what held the Mongolians back in 2025 -- a lack of consistent on-ball creation and rim pressure when games tightened up."
At his peak, Miezis remains one of the most feared closers in 3x3.
"If Ulaanbaatar gets the engaged, downhill version we’ve seen on the biggest stages, this could fundamentally change their ceiling," Rozendaal added.
Expósito’s rise earns Deqing opportunity
Guim Expósito’s move from Barcelona to Deqing highlights how quickly trajectories can change in 3x3. Following a breakout World Cup showing, the Spanish standout now steps into a new competitive ecosystem.
Rozendaal pointed to the evolution in his all-around impact.
"His numbers don’t scream superstardom, but they tell a story of steady growth and increasing responsibility," he said. "He’s one of the best do-everything players in the game -- disruptive defensively and always a step ahead in feel and positioning."
Beyond statistics, it’s Expósito’s intangibles that stand out. Barcelona lose a vital glue piece, while Deqing gain a globally proven contributor entering his prime.
Reshaped World Tour 2026 road
Individually, each transfer reflects ambition and fit. Collectively, they signal a shifting competitive map ahead of the 2026 season. Powerhouses have fortified strengths, contenders have addressed weaknesses and emerging teams have gambled on star upside. Other moves worth mentioning: - Vuk Borovicanin and Milos Supica (Partizan) to Hangzhou - Dorde Simeunovic (Taipei Wanbao) to Liman - Trey Bardsley (Miami) to Princeton -Jamell Anderson to London - Vuk Vukicevic (Ub) to Crvena Zvezda
If chemistry forms as envisioned, these offseason moves won’t just influence results. They could define the race for World Tour supremacy in 2026.
FIBA