Dallas is getting a different kind of basketball show this weekend as the BIG3 brings its 3 on 3 professional basketball format to the American Airlines Center on Saturday, August 15.
The event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. The Dallas stop combines competitive basketball with celebrity entertainment, giving fans an alternative to the traditional NBA game day experience.
Ice Cube’s BIG3 Returns to Dallas
The BIG3 was co founded by rapper and entertainment figure Ice Cube and has built its identity around fast paced 3 on 3 basketball featuring former professional players and recognizable names from the sport.
The league’s 2026 season is being promoted as one of its biggest yet, with the Dallas event featuring the BIG3 playoffs along with a celebrity game.
That mix gives the event a broader appeal than a standard basketball game. Fans can expect a combination of former NBA talent, competitive 3 on 3 action and entertainment throughout the day.
Dallas Power Adds a Local Connection
Dallas also has its own BIG3 team, the Dallas Power.
The league’s current team lineup includes Dallas Power alongside teams such as the Chicago Triplets, Boston Ball Hogs, Houston Rig Hands, Miami 305 and LA Riot.
Dallas Power’s current roster merchandise includes former NBA player Glen Rice Jr., giving local basketball fans another reason to follow the league’s return to the city.
What Makes BIG3 Different
Unlike traditional five on 5 basketball, BIG3 uses a 3 on 3 format that puts more emphasis on individual matchups, shooting and physical play.
The smaller format can create more space for offensive players while also putting greater pressure on defenders. The league has developed a following among fans who enjoy watching former NBA players compete in a less conventional setting.
The Dallas event also gives fans the chance to see professional basketball mixed with entertainment and celebrity appearances under one roof.
A Saturday Basketball Event at American Airlines Center
The American Airlines Center is one of Dallas’ biggest sports and entertainment venues, and the BIG3 event gives the arena a different atmosphere from its usual Mavericks and Stars schedule.
The venue lists the event for Saturday, August 15 at 10:30 a.m., with doors opening one hour earlier.
With the event taking place during the summer basketball calendar, it offers fans a chance to watch competitive basketball before the return of the NBA regular season.
Why the Dallas Event Stands Out
The BIG3’s Dallas appearance is particularly notable because it sits at the intersection of basketball, celebrity culture and live entertainment.
For casual sports fans, the event provides a chance to see former NBA talent in a different competitive format. For longtime basketball fans, it offers another way to follow familiar names after their NBA careers.
The celebrity component also gives the event potential appeal beyond traditional sports audiences.
BIG3 Heads Into the Weekend Spotlight
As Dallas prepares for the event, the BIG3 is bringing its distinctive brand of 3 on 3 basketball to one of the city’s biggest venues.
The Saturday event is scheduled for August 15 at the American Airlines Center, with basketball, former professional players and celebrity entertainment all part of the day’s lineup.
For Dallas basketball fans looking for something outside the usual NBA routine, the BIG3 offers a distinctly different kind of game day.