BIRMINGHAM (United Kingdom) – Having successfully stolen the show in its Olympic debut in Tokyo, 3x3 is ready to create more history at next year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The Commonwealth Games is considered one of the largest multi-sports competition in the world alongside the Olympics and the Asian Games - both of which 3x3 have participated in.

Traditionally, basketball has not been amongst the most popular in most Commonwealth countries where soccer, cricket and rugby generally hold sway. But things have started to change and 3x3 is helping hoops expand into new frontiers, including in many Commonwealth countries.

And 3x3's debut in Birmingham - from July 29-August 2- is much-anticipated and a golden opportunity to showcase this fast and furious game to a new audience.

3x3's format in the Commonwealth Games will mirror Tokyo, where eight teams in both men's and women's categories had gold in their sights.

Fourteen men's and women's teams have qualified for Birmingham with the final spots to be determined at the Home Nations Qualification Tournament on December 28 in Paisley, Scotland, where Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales will compete.

Men's category

Host 
- England
Regional Qualification
- Kenya (Africa)
- Canada (Americas)
- Sri Lanka (Asia)
- Great Britain (Europe - a Home Nations Qualifier will determine who owns the slot)
- Trinidad and Tobago (Caribbean)
- New Zealand (Oceania)
Direct Qualification
- Australia

In the men's, England - Great Britain splits up into respective nations at the Commonwealth Games - directly qualify as hosts and will fancy their chances of a podium finish in front of their home fans.

Great Britain was a surprise packet at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2021 qualifier in Romania, where the 12th seed finished fifth highlighted by a stunning 18-9 upset over 4th seed Hungary.

The hosts might even dare to dream of gold but 3x3 powers Australia and Canada loom as favorites given their experience, depth of talent and success on the big stage.

Australia, who directly qualified, are the reigning two-time FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup champions while Canada is a famous 3x3 nation having produced so many stars who have shone on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

Canada missed out on a medal at the recent FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2021 in Miami and will be eager to prove they are the best in the Commonwealth.

It's a loaded field with New Zealand, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Trinidad and Tobago also experienced campaigners in major events.

Women's category

Host 
- England
Regional Qualification
- Kenya (Africa)
- Canada (Americas)
- Sri Lanka (Asia)
- Great Britain (Europe - a Home Nations Qualifier will determine who owns the slot)
- St. Lucia (Caribbean)
- New Zealand (Oceania)
Direct Qualification
- Australia

The women's draw will be fierce with host England having taken the leap in 2021 after a dazzling qualifying run at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Qualifier 2021 in Romania, where superstar Temi Fagbenle dazzled.

In their FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2021 debut in Paris, Great Britain lost no friends after tight losses to No.2 seed Russia and No.9 Ukraine. It was a promise of what's ahead for the rising 3x3 nation and the Commonwealth Games could be their moment to make a mark.

It won't be easy because 3x3 powers Canada and Australia are two of the best in the business. Blessed with some of 3x3 women's biggest names – few better than the brilliant Plouffe sisters – Canada has been one of the trendsetters of the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series.

They also won bronze at the AmeriCup in Miami to continue to fill their trophy cabinet.

Australia, too, have had much success and are the reigning Asia Cup champions. Since the pandemic, they haven't played much together and narrowly missed out on an Olympic berth.

But the team from Down Under always bring it on the big stage with stars such as Bec Cole and Maddie Garrick long-time 3x3 fan favorites.

It won't just be a three-horse race with New Zealand having proven their credentials and are often a thorn to rivals Australia as was the case during their memorable FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2018 title run.

It all means the excitement levels will be amplified ahead of Birmingham as 3x3 gets ready to enter one of the biggest stages in all of sports.   

 FIBA