ATHENS (Greece) – The race to the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2026 reaches another milestone as the 13th Challenger of the 2026 season lands in one of world sport's most iconic venues. The FIBA 3x3 Athens Challenger 2026, taking place on July 31-August 1 at the legendary Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), promises two days of elite action as teams battle for three coveted tickets to a FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2026 TBC stop later this season. The Panathenaic Stadium, famed for hosting the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, provides a spectacular backdrop for one of the strongest Challenger fields of the year.
Leading the charge are Ub (SRB), who once again arrive as the favorites with superstar and the No. 1-ranked player on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Strahinja Stojacic aiming to guide the Serbian powerhouse to another win. Of course, there will be no shortage of other ballers eager to stand in their way.
Miami (USA) headline the North American contingent with the explosive James Parrott, while Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) bring their trademark chemistry and versatility led by versatile big man Jan Driessen.
French contender Toulouse will rely on the experience and shot-making ability of Franck Seguela, while Fuengirola (ESP) continue their impressive campaign behind the dynamic Diego De Blas.
The field only gets deeper from there. London (GBR), spearheaded by veteran Ashley Hamilton, who is fresh off winning a gold medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, are capable of making a deep run. Meanwhile, Shinjuku SS (JPN) will look to the shooting and speed of Samuel Sekiguchi to spring an upset. Latvian outfit Kandava Turība (LAT) also arrive with plenty of pedigree thanks to Olympic champion Edgars Krumins, whose experience on the biggest stages could prove invaluable.
With so many proven contenders in the draw, every pool game will carry added significance. One hot shooting performance or defensive masterclass could be the difference between an early exit and a place on the World Tour.
Full Seeding List
1. Ub (SRB) 2. Miami (USA) 3. Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED) 4. Toulouse (FRA) 5. Fuengirola (ESP) 6. London (GBR) 7. Shinjuku SS (JPN) 8. Kandava Turība (LAT) 9. Warsaw (POL) 10. Akademija VDU (LTU) 11. Kuala Lumpur (MAS) 12. Pirot (SRB) 13. Rio (BRA) 14. Athina ΔΕΗ (GRE) 15. Tel Aviv Royce (ISR) 16. Kutaisi (GEO)
Qualifying Draw
Qualifying Draw A: Kandava Turība (LAT), Pirot (SRB), Tel Aviv Royce (ISR) Qualifying Draw B: Akademija VDU (LTU), Kuala Lumpur (MAS), Kutaisi (GEO)
Main Draw
Pool A: Ub (SRB), Warsaw (POL), Rio (BRA) Pool B: Miami (USA), Shinjuku SS (JPN), Athina ΔΕΗ (GRE) Pool C: Amsterdam RABOBANK (NED), London (GBR), QD A Pool D: Toulouse (FRA), Fuengirola (ESP), QD B
Road to the World Tour
With three FIBA 3x3 World Tour tickets up for grabs, every game in Athens carries huge significance. There is little margin for error in a field packed with proven contenders, meaning teams will have to be at their best from the opening tip until the final possession.
Fans can expect the trademark mix of deep shooting, highlight-reel finishes and relentless defense that has defined the 2026 Pro Circuit, as another chapter unfolds at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium.
From established powerhouses to ambitious challengers, the ingredients are all there for a memorable weekend in the Greek capital. Against the backdrop of one of the world's most historic sporting landmarks, the FIBA 3x3 Athens Challenger 2026 will deliver another thrilling chapter in the race toward the World Tour.
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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