NOVI SAD (Serbia) – The road to the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Malaga 2026 runs through one of the sport's most iconic cities as elite teams descend on Serbia for the FIBA 3x3 Novi Sad Challenger 2026 on July 18-19.
The 11th Challenger stop of the season promises another blockbuster weekend, with the top three finishers securing tickets to Malaga. Hosted at SPC Vojvodina Square, the event brings world-class 3x3 basketball to the heart of Novi Sad, a city with deep roots in the discipline and a proud history of hosting major international competitions.
As expected, the field is loaded with contenders capable of lifting the trophy.
Leading the way is hometown favorite Ub (SRB), the current No. 1 team in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2026 Standings. Spearheaded by superstar Strahinja Stojačić, Ub will look to thrill the home fans with another dominant showing.
Fellow Serbian side Liman (SRB) also enter as a serious title threat behind the experience and shot-making of Andreja Milutinović, ensuring the local faithful will have plenty to cheer for.
The international challengers are equally formidable. Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) arrive on the broad shoulders of big man Jan Driessen, while Belgian contender Antwerp (BEL) will rely on the velvet touch of Jonas Foerts as they chase another deep Challenger run.
Austria's Vienna (AUT) have consistently proven they can compete with the world's best and will be guided by Fabio Söhnel, while Spain is represented by two dangerous squads. Fuengirola (ESP), featuring the explosive Diego De Blas, have the firepower to upset anyone, and Valencia Basket (ESP) will count on the inside presence of Iván Aurrecoechea to make a statement.
Adding even more Serbian flavor to the tournament are Crvena Zvezda (SRB), led by the talented Vuk Vukićević, giving the hosts multiple teams capable of making a serious push for the podium.
Full Seeding List
1. Ub (SRB) 2. Liman (SRB) 3. Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) 4. Antwerp (BEL) 5. Vienna (AUT) 6. Fuengirola (ESP) 7. Valencia Basket (ESP) 8. Taipei WanBao (TPE) 9. Crvena Zvezda (SRB) 10. Stockholm (SWE) 11. NY Harlem (USA) 12. Singapore (SGP) 13. Jurmala (LAT) 14. Zagreb NITUI (CRO) 15. Rio (BRA) 16. Novi Sad (SRB)
Qualifying Draw
Qualifying Draw A: Crvena Zvezda (SRB), Jurmala (LAT), Zagreb NITUI (CRO) Qualifying Draw B: Stockholm (SWE), Singapore (SGP), Novi Sad (SRB)
Main Draw
Pool A: Ub (SRB), Taipei WanBao (TPE), NY Harlem (USA) Pool B: Liman (SRB), Valencia Basket (ESP), Rio (BRA) Pool C: Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED), Fuengirola (ESP), QD A Pool D: Antwerp (BEL), Vienna (AUT), QD B
Race to Malaga
With FIBA 3x3 World Tour qualification at stake, every possession will matter from the opening pool games through Sunday's knockout rounds. The combination of experienced champions, rising contenders and passionate home support should make for another exciting Challenger stop.
Novi Sad has long been synonymous with elite 3x3 basketball, and the city's latest Challenger promises to add another memorable chapter to that legacy. Fans can expect high-octane action, highlight-reel plays and fierce competition as the battle for the final spots at the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Malaga reaches another crucial stage.
FIBA