FIBA 3×3 Masters returns to Macau this weekend

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3X3 Masters Tournament is returning to Macau this weekend.

The CEO of Macau Star Entertainment Company (STARMAC), Lou Kit Long, told the media on the sidelines of a press conference yesterday that the event will be of a similar scale and feature set as last year’s edition.

As in previous editions, the Sports Bureau (ID) and STARMAC will organize the event, which is part of FIBA’s 3×3 basketball world tour. The local tournament will take place on the outdoor lawn at Wynn Palace on October 18 and 19.

This year’s 3X3 basketball world tour began in April across several cities. Organizers said the Macau event will also actively promote 3X3 basketball ahead of the 15th China National Games by testing venues and creating a sporting atmosphere.

At the press conference, acting president of the ID, Mok Chin Hang, noted that the sporting activity is linked to the National Games starting next month in Macau, emphasizing that hosting more events of this kind could increase the sport’s popularity locally.

The Macau tournament will feature 16 of the world’s top teams, including Team Ub (Serbia), Team Miami (USA), Team Liman (Serbia), and Team Chongming (China), which are ranked 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 7th in the world, respectively.

The 16 participating teams will compete for the championship title and a cash prize of up to USD185,000 (MOP1.48 million). Tickets go on sale today at noon.

On October 18, qualifying rounds will begin at 10 a.m., and team events will start at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at MOP100 and are valid for the entire day. On October 19, quarterfinals begin at 2:30 p.m., with tickets priced at MOP200. Semifinals and finals start at 6 p.m., with tickets also priced at MOP200.

Each person may purchase up to six tickets at a time. All spectators aged three or older must present a ticket to enter, while younger spectators who do not occupy a seat can enter free of charge when accompanied by an adult.

Macau is the 12th stop of the world tour, which comprises 14 tournaments beginning in Amsterdam (Netherlands). The best-ranked teams will then advance to the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final on November 21 and 22 in Manama (Bahrain).

After Macau, the tour will continue to Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Bucharest (Romania).