PHOENIX (United States) – The race for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour heats up in Arizona as the FIBA 3x3 Phoenix Challenger 2026 brings a loaded international field to the Chicken N Pickle in Glendale on September 19-20, with three coveted tickets to FIBA 3x3 World Tour Macau 2026 on the line. The 24th Challenger of the season features several of the highest-ranked teams in the 2026 standings and potentially the return of one of the discipline's most iconic players.
Contenders collide
Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) headline the field as the No. 3 team in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2026 standings, continuing a strong campaign against a collection of established 3x3 basketball programs.
Antwerp (BEL), ranked sixth overall, will be among their leading challengers, while Miami (USA) arrive at No. 7 and will have the advantage of competing on home soil. Toulouse (FRA), currently 12th, add further international experience to a field where every game carries significance.
The depth continues with Hangzhou Jingwei (CHN) at No. 15, Fuengirola (ESP) at No. 17 and Phoenix (USA) at No. 20. Bordeaux (FRA), ranked 22nd, complete a group of highly touted teams looking to make their mark in Arizona.
With three World Tour tickets available, the stakes are clear: strong Challenger form can translate directly into a place on the global 3x3 basketball stage.
Star power in Phoenix
The Phoenix Challenger also features a collection of proven 3x3 basketball players, with one of the biggest names in the field potentially making his return to the FIBA 3x3 Pro Circuit.
Jimmer Fredette has been added to Team Miami's roster and is expected to make his return to 3x3 basketball action in Phoenix. The former NBA player and 2011 Naismith College Player of the Year brings plenty of experience and scoring ability to a Miami team whose lineup has been hit by injuries. Fredette is coming out of retirement to join a team that is currently ranked seventh in the 2026 standings.
Of course, Amsterdam RABOBANK's Worthy de Jong brings experience and creativity to the Dutch side, fresh off a runner-up finish at the recent FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2026, while Antwerp's Dennis Donkor and Toulouse's Jules Rambaut add further firepower to two teams with ambitions of making a deep run.
Hangzhou, which won WT Shanghai earlier this year, will be led by Vuk Borovićanin, while Fuengirola can count on Diego De Blas. Bordeaux's Alex Vialaret and Phoenix's Malik Hluchoweckyj will also be players to watch as the host-city team looks to make the most of its home-court opportunity.
Full Seeding List
1. Miami USA (USA) 2. Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) 3. Antwerp (BEL) 4. Toulouse (FRA) 5. Fuengirola (ESP) 6. Hangzhou Jingwei (CHN) 7. Bordeaux (FRA) 8. London (GBR) 9. Princeton (USA) 10. Phoenix (USA) 11. Los Angeles (USA) 12. San Juan (PUR) 13. Santiago (CHI) 14. Gran Canaria PDM (ESP) 15. Toa Baja Xtravit (PUR) 16. Washington DC (USA)
Qualifying Draw
Qualifying Draw A: London (GBR), Santiago (CHI), Gran Canaria PDM (ESP) Qualifying Draw B: Los Angeles (USA), San Juan (PUR), Washington DC (USA)
Main Draw
Pool A: Miami USA (USA), Princeton (USA), Phoenix (USA) Pool B: Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED), Bordeaux (FRA), Toa Baja Xtravit (PUR) Pool C: Antwerp (BEL), Hangzhou Jingwei (CHN), QD A Pool D: Toulouse (FRA), Fuengirola (ESP), QD B
Road to Macau
The Phoenix Challenger represents another important stop in the race toward the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2026. With three tickets to Macau available, teams will have little room for error across the weekend. Again, Fredette's impending return also adds a lot more intrigue to the picture.
Qualifying Draw and pool games take place on Saturday, September 19, before the knockout games and the Final on Sunday, September 20.
At the Chicken N Pickle in Glendale, the combination of elite international teams, established 3x3 stars and World Tour qualification pressure promises a truly high-stakes weekend in Arizona.
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.
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