Plans to base the team in Detroit for the 2025 season.
DETROIT, July 8, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Today, GameAbove Sports, a sports-focused business
development and strategic investment entity announces the purchase
of the fourth BIG3 franchise with plans to base the team in
Detroit representing the
State of Michigan for the 2025
season. The GameAbove Sports ownership group led by Founder and
Chairman Keith J. Stone consists of
individuals with deep connections to the region and robust acumen
in operations, business, basketball, and sports; including
Detroit pro sports notables NBA
Hall of Famer and BIG3 Coach George
Gervin and two-time NFL Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl Champion
T.J. Lang, as well as Joe Januszewski, Karen
LeVert, Dan McClory,
Skyler Stone, Corey Welch and co-founder of Born in
Detroit apparel Anthony Tomey. Former NBA point guard
Earl Boykins will also be involved
with the organization.
"The entire team at GameAbove and I are thrilled to bring a BIG3
franchise to the Motor City," said Gervin. "My experience as part
of the BIG3 these past few seasons has shown me that the league is
at the forefront of 3-on-3 basketball's increasing growth and
global traction. Detroit's rich
sports history makes it a fantastic market for the BIG3; get ready
for next summer!"
This announcement follows the purchase of rights to the LA,
Miami, and Houston BIG3 franchises earlier this year. The
league is currently in the fifth week of the BIG3's seventh season,
which continues to tour nationwide and reach millions of fans
across linear, streaming, and digital platforms.
"I am excited to finally announce the sale of our Detroit team to this amazing group of
investors, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists," said BIG3 CEO and
co-founder, Ice Cube. "GameAbove Sports and its leadership
represent the values of the BIG3 every day and have an exemplary
community outreach infrastructure that will take the Young3
initiative to a new level. It's been a privilege to work with
George Gervin over the past few BIG3
seasons and I know what he means to the Detroit and Southeast Michigan community. I look forward
to working together with GameAbove Sports to bring the vision of
BIG3 Detroit to life next
season."
GameAbove Sports is a unique player in the sports business. It
is backed by CapStone Holdings Inc., which provides robust support
to invest capital into various franchises and leagues worldwide.
The company is committed to expanding its investment portfolio by
strategically investing in franchises and leagues globally,
including well-known entities such as the NHL, NBL, MLS, USL, MLS
Next, professional golf, product investments, and other emerging
leagues. GameAbove Sports' innovative and flexible investment
approach focuses on acquiring minority and majority ownership
positions in established franchises or leagues. The company aims to
promote, invest in, and advance technology within the sports
industry.
"We are very excited about the BIG3 and the momentum Ice Cube
and Jeff Kwatinetz have established
in the league," said Stone. "Our philosophy at GameAbove Sports is
to seek new and innovative ways to diversify our portfolio. The
BIG3 presents a great opportunity for us to invest early in this
emerging version of basketball. The ownership group and operational
support are enthusiastic and ready. Detroit and the State of Michigan will be a leader in many
ways for the league."
GameAbove Sports's decision to bring a BIG3 franchise to
Detroit aligns perfectly with the
brand's existing presence in the region. In November 2019, Stone launched GameAbove as a
philanthropic brand under CapStone Holdings Inc. He focused his
giving efforts on his alma mater, Eastern
Michigan University. Stone formed a philanthropic advisory
board of 24 diverse, spirited, and accomplished EMU alums who
shared his vision for the university's success. Since its start,
GameAbove has contributed millions to special causes and
initiatives in Southeast Michigan,
including social impact such as student emergency funds, combating
food insecurities, mental health, youth STEM and literacy
education, youth sports, and scholarships.
To learn more about the Ownership Group, visit
www.big3detroitbasketball.com.
Visit GameAbove Sports at www.gameabovesports.com for all the
latest news, updates, and exciting developments.
To learn more about the BIG3 go to big3.com and follow @thebig3
on X and Instagram. Tickets for the 2024 season are on sale now at
big3.com/tickets/.
About BIG3
On January 11,
2017, the BIG3 was born. The first-ever professional
FIREBALL3 league is the brainchild of producer, actor, and music
legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, who shared a vision of a
player-centric league focused on entertainment and innovation. The
BIG3 is a league with no garbage minutes, where trash talk is
allowed, defense is emphasized, fast-paced action, and where every
point –whether it's a 4-point or 3-point shot – counts. Any given
BIG3 team has hall of famers, icons and trailblazers, and the next
best 3-on-3 player.
The league has led the sports industry in diversity and
opportunity, becoming the first professional sports league to
implement a mental health policy, favor CBD as a pain management
alternative to opioids, enlist female coaches of men, and appoint a
black Commissioner in Hall of Famer Clyde
Drexler, who is also professional sports first former player
serving as Commissioner. The inaugural CEO was the legendary,
incomparable Raider executive Amy
Trask. This January 2024, BIG3
co-founder Ice Cube was honored at the Naismith Basketball Hall of
Fame in Springfield, where he
received the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award, acknowledging
individuals making substantial contributions to their community,
the first non-player to be recognized. Founders Ice Cube and
Jeffrey Kwatinetz are missioned to
better society as BIG3 pursues business success while also helping
to break down stereotypes, promote diversity in sports, create
opportunities for black, brown, and female athletes beyond the
court, and support the black, youth and basketball communities
overall.
About GameAbove
GameAbove is a successful multifaceted
brand consisting of charitable giving, capital investment, sports
entertainment, and media ventures. It provides its portfolio
companies the power to propel their business to the next level, fan
and athlete experiences that aim to grow sports, and awe-inspiring
cinematic experiences. Brands include GameAbove Capital, GameAbove
Entertainment, GameAbove Sports, and GameAbove Giving. To learn
more, visit www.gameabove.com.
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SOURCE GameAbove