News Summary
The Addition Financial Arena at the University of Central Florida will host the Big3 league championship weekend featuring prominent former NBA players. This event not only includes the championship game but also an All-Star game, allowing fans to witness exceptional talent in a fast-paced basketball format. Dwight Howard, recently honored in the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame, is slated to play for the LA Riot during this exciting weekend. The Big3 league aims to showcase basketball’s dynamic style while celebrating its connection to the local community.
Orlando, FL – A thrilling weekend of basketball is set for the Addition Financial Arena on the University of Central Florida (UCF) campus, as the Big3 league prepares for its championship weekend featuring former NBA star Dwight Howard. This exciting event is scheduled for August 24, 2025, and will include not only the championship game but also an All-Star game, providing fans with a chance to see Howard play for the LA Riot, which he will join to compete in the league.
Dwight Howard, a pivotal figure in Orlando basketball history, was recently inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame this spring, celebrating his significant contributions during his time with the team from 2004 to 2012. Howard’s legacy as a player includes being the franchise’s all-time leader in several statistical categories, including points (11,435), rebounds (8,072), blocks (1,344), as well as free throws both made (3,366) and attempted (5,727). In addition to this honor, Howard is also on track to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2025, further solidifying his status as one of basketball’s greats.
The Big3 league, co-founded by Ice Cube in 2017, promotes a dynamic style of play, focusing on fast-paced 3-on-3 basketball. The league features several former NBA players, including Kemba Walker, Jason Richardson, and Joe Johnson, making the championship weekend a highly anticipated event for fans of the sport. The league is in the process of transitioning to a city-based model and has introduced new franchises, such as Miami 305 and the LA Riot, enhancing its appeal across various locations.
The regular season of the Big3 is set to kick off on June 14 at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, and will be broadcast on CBS and VICE TV. Teams will compete not only for the championship title but also for a substantial bonus of $1 million, adding extra incentive for players and their respective teams.
Ice Cube emphasized the importance of hosting the championship in Orlando, citing Dwight Howard’s star power as a significant draw for the event. Howard’s emotional induction speech highlighted his gratitude for his time with the Orlando Magic, mentioning key figures in his career such as coaches and teammates. He expressed a strong connection to the Orlando community, recognizing the role fans have played in both his career and personal life.
As fans look forward to August, the excitement continues to build around the Big3 championship weekend. This event not only showcases Howard in a competitive environment but also serves as a celebration of his lasting impact on basketball within the Orlando community. His upcoming participation in the Big3 league offers a refreshing opportunity for fans to witness the talents of seasoned players taking the court in a unique format designed to engage audiences.
With the Big3’s innovative approach to basketball along with the nostalgia of witnessing a former NBA superstar in action, the championship weekend at UCF promises to be a memorable occasion for sports enthusiasts and the local community alike.
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Additional Resources
- NBA: Dwight Howard to be Inducted into Magic Hall of Fame
- Wikipedia: Dwight Howard
- SI: Dwight Howard Takes Credit for Orlando Magic
- Google Search: Dwight Howard Orlando Magic
- Orlando Magic Daily: Dwight Howard’s Vital Lesson for Current Team
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dwight Howard
- Click Orlando: Orlando Magic to Induct Dwight Howard
- Google News: Dwight Howard Hall of Fame
- My News 13: Magic Welcome Dwight Howard into Hall of Fame
- Google Scholar: Dwight Howard
