The ninth BIG3 season opens with plenty of intrigue as Michael Beasley, Dwight Howard and Glen Rice
Saturday’s action at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles marks the start of another campaign for the 3 on 3 league, which recently announced plans to merge with Graf Global Corporation at a reported pre money valuation of $290 million. The deal positions BIG3 to become the first traditional U.S. based professional sports league to go public.
The league’s popularity continues to rest on a familiar formula. Former NBA stars, fast paced half court action and personalities that remain fan favorites years after their NBA careers. Among the biggest names returning this season are Michael Beasley of Miami 305, Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Riot and Glen Rice Jr. of Dallas Power.
With opening weekend arriving, here are three player props drawing attention ahead of the season’s first games.
Michael Beasley looks poised for another scoring showcase
Miami 305 travels to face the Los Angeles Riot on Saturday, and all eyes will once again be on Michael Beasley.
The former NBA forward has established himself as one of the most dominant scorers in BIG3 history. Since joining the league in 2022, he has become a two time MVP and one of its most reliable offensive players.
Beasley averaged more than 21 points in each of the last three seasons and played a major role in Miami 305 capturing the 2025 championship. Last year alone, he averaged 23.1 points per game and finished atop the league leaderboard in total points and field goals.
His shooting range has also become a weapon in the half court format. Beasley ranked among the league leaders in both three pointers and four pointers, making him a threat from nearly anywhere on the floor.
He already has a history of success against the Riot, scoring 21 points in last season’s opener against Los Angeles. With Miami again expected to lean heavily on his scoring ability, another productive outing would hardly be surprising.
Dwight Howard aims to build on a promising first season
The Los Angeles Riot made headlines last year when they added Dwight Howard, and the former NBA superstar enters 2026 with significantly more experience in the BIG3 format.
Howard admitted last season that adapting to the unique pace and spacing of 3 on 3 basketball required an adjustment period. Still, he finished the year averaging 14.1 points and 8.9 rebounds while showcasing flashes of the dominance that made him one of the NBA’s premier centers.
The eight-time NBA All Star and five time All NBA First Team selection appeared increasingly comfortable as the season progressed, using his size and athleticism to control the paint.
His first BIG3 game happened to come against Miami 305, although his performance was cut short after an early ejection stemming from an on court altercation. That contest ended with Howard scoring 10 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
Now entering his second season and facing the defending champions once again, Howard has an opportunity to make a stronger statement. The matchup is expected to be competitive from start to finish, giving him ample chances to contribute offensively.
Glen Rice Jr. remains Dallas Power’s offensive engine
Glen Rice Jr. has quietly become one of the BIG3’s most productive stars, and Dallas Power will once again count on him heavily this season.
Selected first overall in the 2022 BIG3 Draft, Rice quickly justified the selection by earning Rookie of the Year honors. Since then, he has evolved into one of the league’s most versatile offensive players.
Last season, Rice averaged 19 points per game while also leading the league in assists. His ability to create shots for himself and his teammates has made him the centerpiece of Dallas offense.
He also ranked near the top of the league in made field goals and three pointers, underscoring his value as a scorer.
Rice has already shown he can thrive against the Boston Ball Hogs, Dallas opening opponent. In last season’s opener, he erupted for 23 points against Boston, helping expose a defense that struggled throughout the year.
Consistency has been one of Rice’s greatest strengths. He topped 16 points in seven of his nine games last season, including the playoffs, making him one of the league’s safest offensive bets entering opening weekend.
As BIG3 begins another season filled with recognizable stars and renewed excitement, Beasley, Howard and Rice are among the players expected to set the tone early. Their performances could go a long way in shaping the opening chapter of the league’s ninth year.