Get ready for the squeak of sneakers and the roar of the crowd, The Commonwealth Games has officially pulled back the curtain on the nations set to battle it out in the 3×3 Basketball competition this summer.
From July 24 to July 29, 2026, the SEC Centre will transform into a high-energy urban arena. After a breakout debut at Birmingham 2022, the sport is returning bigger, faster, and louder than ever before.
If you’re used to the traditional 5v5 game, 3×3 is basketball on fast-forward. It’s played on a half-court with one hoop, a 12-second shot clock, and a non-stop soundtrack, the games last only 10 minutes and the first team to 21 points wins instantly.
Due to overwhelming popularity, the field has expanded from 8 teams per gender in 2022 to 12 teams per gender for Glasgow 2026. This year’s roster is a melting pot of returning giants and hungry debutants. Scotland enjoys automatic entry as the host nation, while the rest of the world had to fight for their seats.
The men’s draw features a heavy-hitting roster including Australia, the Cayman Islands, Fiji, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, and Singapore. The final spot—the European Qualification Slot—is currently a “to be confirmed” mystery that will be settled soon.
While in the women’s category equally stacked with Australia, the Cayman Islands, Fiji, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Singapore, Tonga, and Uganda. Like the men’s side, one European Qualification Slot remains open for a nation to be confirmed at a later date.
The 2026 Games will see a historic wave of newcomers. Fiji secured their spot after a dominant performance at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games and will be joined by Pacific neighbors Papua New Guinea and Tonga.
Meanwhile, powerhouse Australia is arriving with a chip on its shoulder. After taking Men’s Silver and Women’s Bronze in Birmingham, they are eyeing nothing less than the top of the podium.
”Birmingham was a massive moment… the crowds, the pace, and the intensity were incredible,” says Australian Olympian Alex Wilson. “We’re determined to show just how far Australian 3×3 basketball has come.”
The leadership behind the Games is promising an “electrifying” atmosphere that bridges the gap between professional sport and a summer festival.
Natalie Cunningham, Director of Sport, Glasgow 2026 said;”3×3 Basketball is going to be unmissable, the entertainment value had fans hooked from the first to the final whistle.”
Also, Ann-Louise Morgan Commonwealth Sport; express;”Expanding to 12 teams underlines how far we’ve come. It perfectly captures the dynamic and youthful spirit of the Games.”
FIBA 3×3 Managing Director, Alex Sanchez also said,”Glasgow 2026 will once again showcase 3×3 as a world-class competition on a major multi-sport stage.”
While the nations are locked in, the drama is just beginning. The official match schedule and draw are slated for release later this year. Additionally, news regarding the 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball competition is expected to follow shortly.
Meanwhile, tickets are already on sale! Head over to www.glasgow2026.com to sign up for the newsletter and ensure you don’t miss a single buzzer-beater.
