Glasgow 2026 confirms expanded 3×3 Basketball line-up as African nations make strong showing

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games organisers have confirmed the nations set to compete in the 3×3 Basketball competition, with the fast-growing format returning after a successful debut at Birmingham 2022 and expanding to 12 teams per gender.

The high-octane 3×3 Basketball tournament will take place at the SEC Centre from 24 to 29 July 2026, featuring the half-court format played by two teams of three, a 12-second shot clock and games lasting 10 minutes or ending at 21 points. The sport’s urban roots and festival-style atmosphere have made it one of the most accessible and exciting disciplines at the Games.

Africa well represented

Several African nations will feature prominently. Nigeria makes its men’s 3×3 debut, while Kenya returns in both the men’s and women’s competitions after appearing at Birmingham 2022. Uganda will compete for the first time in the women’s tournament, underlining the continent’s growing footprint in the sport.

Qualified nations

Men’s 3×3 Basketball
Australia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, Singapore, plus one European qualifier (TBC).

Women’s 3×3 Basketball
Australia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Singapore, Tonga, Uganda, plus one European qualifier (TBC).

Host nation Scotland qualifies automatically in both categories. Australia, Kenya, New Zealand and Scotland will look to build on their Birmingham 2022 experience, with Australia aiming to improve on their previous silver (men) and bronze (women) medals.

Fiji will make its Commonwealth Games 3×3 debut in both men’s and women’s events after winning the Pacific Mini Games in July 2025, alongside first-time women’s qualifiers Papua New Guinea and Tonga. The Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Singapore will field both men’s and women’s teams for the first time.

Organisers say the expanded field reflects the rapid global growth of 3×3 Basketball and its appeal to younger audiences across the Commonwealth, including Africa and the diaspora.

The draw and match schedule are expected later this year. Tickets for 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball are already on sale via the official Glasgow 2026 website, with prices starting from £17 for non-medal sessions.

For African teams and fans in the diaspora, Glasgow 2026 offers a major platform to showcase speed, skill and rising continental talent on a global stage.

Background

About Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Glasgow 2026 promises a new era for the Commonwealth Games, combining world-class sport with a future-focused vision rooted in the city’s vibrant culture. The Games will run from 23 July to 2 August 2026, featuring an 11-day programme designed to bring sport closer to fans than ever before.

Hosted within a compact eight-mile corridor, Glasgow 2026 will stage competitions across four iconic venues, including the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Scotstoun Stadium, the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena, and Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Key highlights include:

• A record-breaking Para sport programme, with 47 events across six sports
• The largest-ever Track Cycling, Swimming and 3×3 Basketball competitions at a Commonwealth Games
• The return of the historic Commonwealth Mile in Athletics

The Games are expected to welcome 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories, supported by around 3,000 volunteers, delivering a major sporting and cultural moment for Glasgow and the wider Commonwealth.

Glasgow 2026 Limited, led by Chair George Black CBE and Chief Executive Phil Batty OBE, is the independent organising company responsible for delivering the Games. Privately funded, the organisation expects the event to inject nearly £150 million into the local economy, with no cost to the public purse for staging the sporting competition.

About Commonwealth Sport

Commonwealth Sport oversees the direction and delivery of the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games, advancing the movement’s vision: “Our Commonwealth, united through sport.”

Established in 1930, the Commonwealth Sport Movement brings together 74 nations and territories, representing over 2.5 billion people—around one-third of the world’s population. The organisation champions inclusion, fully integrated Para sport, gender equality, youth empowerment and long-term social impact through sport.

About Commonwealth Games Scotland

Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) is responsible for selecting, preparing and leading Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games.

Scotland has competed in every edition of the Games since 1930 and has hosted the event three times—Edinburgh 1970 and 1986, and Glasgow 2014. Working closely with national sports governing bodies and the sportscotland institute of sport, CGS aims to provide athletes with a world-class performance environment. Funding support includes National Lottery investment, commercial partnerships and fundraising initiatives.

About Longines

Founded in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, in 1832, Longines is renowned for its tradition of elegance, precision and performance. A long-standing official timekeeper of world sports championships and partner of international sports federations, the Swiss watch brand maintains a strong presence in global sport.

Longines is part of the Swatch Group Ltd and is represented in more than 150 countries, symbolised by its iconic winged hourglass emblem.

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