3X3

Feb 24 2026

Basketball Ireland to participate in U21 and U23 FIBA Nations League

Basketball Ireland is looking for expressions of interest for male and female players to be part of Irelands 3x3 high performance programme at the under 21 and under 23 age groups this summer.

Since the inception of the 3x3 format on the international stage nine years ago, our teams have continuously outperformed our ranking, as well as nations operating on a much larger budget.

The first part of this pathway involves men’s and women’s teams being entered into the FIBA 3x3 Nations League. In the summer of 2026 Basketball Ireland will enter U23 and U21teams for the first time. The Nations league will run between June and August with the program starting in early May.

The benefits of our participation at this level include a large increase in ranking points available to our international teams. This is vital as we aim improve our standing in FIBA’s ‘Continental’ and ‘World’ rankings, which will in turn increase our chances of qualifying for major tournaments such as the World Championships and the Olympics qualifying events.

Expression of Interest Form

Nations League Format

Two ‘triple stop’ tournaments

Teams travel to a designated venue to play three tournaments at the same venue on three successive days. This occurs twice during the season which took place previously between May and August.

The finals, for the countries that qualified, are held in the middle of September.

The draw hasn’t taken place for the 2026 competition yet, so the exact dates and venues are yet to be confirmed.

Regulations

Men and women interested in being considered for selection must be under the age of 21 or 23 as of midnight, December 31st 2025.

You can express your interest by completing this form:

Expression of Interest Form

Depending on the volume of applications, players will be asked to attend selection camps and training camps during May and June where the final squad will be selected.
Not all players will be selected to attend trials.
This will be determined on previous experience, standard of play and eligibility to play for Ireland.
Anyone wishing to play for Ireland must hold a valid Irish passport.
Players living outside of Ireland will be considered for selection.

Participation in this elite performance programme involves playing at the highest level of European 3x3 basketball in this age group, thus significant commitment will be required if you wish to be part of this squad. Prior playing schedules and commitments of players can be worked around.

This programme will run in conjunction with our other national team programmes.