FFBB Announces Fourth National 3×3 Day for June 2026

The Fédération Française de Basketball (FFBB) has announced the fourth edition of the National 3×3 Day, scheduled to take place on June 19, 20, and 21, 2026. This initiative continues the federation’s push to expand the reach of the fast-paced, half-court version of the game across France.

To ensure the success of the weekend, the FFBB is actively supporting organizations and structures that wish to get involved. The federation’s goal is to facilitate the organization of these events, providing the necessary framework for local entities to host 3×3 competitions and promotional activities.

Institutional Support for Local Growth

The National 3×3 Day is designed as a grassroots movement, leveraging the FFBB’s administrative power to empower local clubs and community structures. By accompanying those who wish to engage, the federation aims to lower the barrier to entry for organizing sanctioned events, ensuring that the logistics of the tournament are streamlined.

This support comes at a time when the FFBB is overseeing a massive infrastructure of basketball in France. As of 2024, the federation manages 3,712 clubs and supports a membership base of 615,771 licensees. This extensive network provides a robust foundation for the National 3×3 Day to scale across various regions and cities.

The Scale of Basketball in France

The push for 3×3 basketball is part of a larger trend of growth for the sport within the country. According to records, basketball stands as the second most practiced team sport in France. Notably, It’s the primary team sport in terms of female participation, highlighting the game’s broad appeal across demographics.

The FFBB, led by President Jean-Pierre Hunckler and headquartered at 117 rue du Château-des-Rentiers in Paris, operates as an association under the law of 1901. Its mandate is to organize, direct, and develop basketball throughout the nation while ensuring access to the sport for all and prohibiting any form of discrimination.

A Legacy of Evolution

While 3×3 represents the modern, urban evolution of the sport, the FFBB’s roots run deep. Basketball officially became a sport in France in 1920, initially operating under the Fédération française d’athlétisme. By 1929, the organization was renamed the “Fédération française d’athlétisme et de basket-ball” to reflect the sport’s growing popularity.

The formal separation from athletics occurred in 1932, the same year the FFBB was founded and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) was established. This independence allowed the federation to focus exclusively on the growth of the game, leading to the diverse ecosystem seen today, which includes the Fédération Française de Basket-Ball‘s management of various national teams and leagues.

The 3×3 Ecosystem

The National 3×3 Day focuses on the community level, but it is supported by a high-performance structure. The FFBB currently manages several specialized 3×3 squads, including:

• Men’s 3×3 National Team
• Women’s 3×3 National Team
• Youth 3×3 National Teams

By bridging the gap between these elite teams and the local events held during the National 3×3 Day, the federation creates a pathway for talent identification and promotes the sport’s dynamic nature to a wider audience.

For those unfamiliar with the format, 3×3 is a streamlined version of basketball played on a half-court with a single hoop. Its shorter game duration and higher intensity make it an ideal format for the “National Day” concept, allowing for more participants and faster rotations in a festival-like atmosphere.

Looking Ahead to June 2026

As the dates of June 19, 20, and 21 approach, the FFBB will continue to coordinate with participating structures to finalize event locations and schedules. The federation remains the primary representative for French basketball before public authorities and international sports bodies, ensuring that the National 3×3 Day aligns with both domestic goals and international standards.

The next official checkpoint for the event will be the finalization of the participating structures and the release of local event calendars closer to the June dates.

Do you think the 3×3 format is the future of grassroots basketball? Let us understand in the comments.