Ice Cube’s BIG3 Set to Go Public in Landmark $290 Million Deal

Ice Cube’s BIG3 basketball league is set to enter a new phase after agreeing to go public in a significant deal that values the league at $290 million. This move represents a key moment not just for the three-on-three basketball league but also for the wider sports industry. It positions BIG3 to be the first publicly traded professional sports league in the United States.

The basketball league was founded in 2017 by Ice Cube, whose real name is O’Shea Jackson Sr., and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz. BIG3 was created to offer a competitive platform for former NBA players. It does this while showcasing a fast-paced version of professional basketball centered around the popular three-on-three format. Nearly a decade later, the league is looking to broaden its reach through public investment and more fan involvement.

The deal involves a merger with special purpose acquisition company Graf Global Corp. It is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, pending shareholder approvals and standard regulatory conditions. Once finalized, the new company is expected to operate as Big3 Basketball Holdings Inc. It will trade under the symbol “TONT,” highlighting the league’s three-on-three identity.

What the $290 Million Deal Means

According to reports, the deal values BIG3 at $290 million before the money from the merger, showing how much the league has grown since it started, and its goals for future growth. Current equity holders are expected to convert their stakes into common stock of the new public entity.

For Ice Cube, going public means more than just financial gain. It also allows the league’s supporters to share in its future achievements.

“We are excited for BIG3 to be the first publicly traded professional sports league in the U.S.,” Ice Cube said. He noted that this move would help elevate the league, speed up international growth, and enable fans to be part of its success.

The league’s leaders believe that the public market can provide extra funds to support expansion efforts, new business ventures, and increased visibility in a competitive sports environment. Co-founder Jeff Kwatinetz described the move as a chance to build on the league’s scalable platform and future growth prospects.

A League That Continues to Grow

BIG3 will enter its ninth season on June 20, 2026. This is with opening games at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The league currently features eight city-based teams. It has worked hard to cultivate a dedicated fanbase through television broadcasts, social media interaction, and international partnerships.

According to information shared with the transaction announcement, BIG3 generated over one billion social media impressions and averaged more than 550,000 viewers on CBS during the last season. The league also has international broadcast deals in markets like China and Brazil, highlighting its expanding global presence.

Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler serves as commissioner. Notable basketball figures such as Julius Erving, Nancy Lieberman, and Gary Payton have helped strengthen the league’s credibility and appeal.

Why This Moment Matters

The importance of BIG3’s public debut goes beyond basketball. Professional sports teams and leagues have usually stayed privately owned. This limits the chances for average investors to participate in the field directly. BIG3’s planned listing might open a new door for fans and investors.

James Graf, CEO of Graf Global Corp, pointed out how rare these opportunities are. He noted that public-market investors seldom have the chance to own a stake in a professional sports league. He highlighted the long-term appreciation of sports assets and the ongoing growth of sports media and advertising as major factors behind the deal.

For Ice Cube, this move strengthens a reputation for challenging the norm. From changing the music industry to building a successful film career and starting a new professional sports league, he consistently looks for opportunities that go beyond traditional limits.

Looking Ahead

As BIG3 gears up for its ninth season and its expected public listing later this year, the league is at a pivotal moment. The $290 million deal highlights how far the organization has come since its first season and shows confidence in its long-term prospects.

With goals of expanding franchises, attracting new investors, and reaching international fans, BIG3’s next chapter seems focused on growth. If it succeeds, the public listing could become one of the most notable achievements in modern sports business. This turns a league once seen as an experiment into a publicly owned organization with global goals.