Cardiff to Host RISE 3x3 City League at Cardiff Met This April

Cardiff Metropolitan University is set to play a central role in the growth of 3x3 basketball in Wales after it was announced as a partner venue for the launch of the RISE 3x3 City League this April.

Cardiff will join London and Manchester as host cities for the UK’s first 3x3 basketball league, with the new competition launched in partnership with Basketball Wales and Cardiff Metropolitan University.

The league will provide players in Wales with the chance to compete in one of basketball’s fastest-growing formats, while also offering a pathway towards elite 3x3 competition. With 3x3 already established as an Olympic sport and included in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2026, the new league marks another important step in the development of the game across Wales.

Hosted at Archers Arena, Cardiff Metropolitan University, the Cardiff league will bring together local teams competing for prizes and the opportunity to progress to a London championship event at the end of May. From there, top teams could earn entry into the RISE 3x3 Summer Slam, the UK’s only professional 3x3 tournament, which can lead to further opportunities within elite FIBA 3x3 events in Europe.

3x3 basketball has grown rapidly in recent years, with its shorter format, fast pace and strong links to urban culture helping attract new audiences and participants. The expansion of the City League into Cardiff reflects that wider momentum and creates more opportunities for players, officials, creators and brands to engage with the sport in Wales.

Martin Dyan, Founder & CEO of RISE 3x3 Basketball, said:“It has taken several months of planning, and I’m incredibly thankful for our partners in Wales. They really understand how exciting this is and how the RISE 3x3 City League is creating opportunities for everyone, from players and officials to content creators and local brands alike.

“Wales has some amazing players, and they are all getting a chance to be part of something special and do what they love, and that’s how we all rise together.

“Expanding the League is very exciting. 3x3 basketball is a fast-paced, modern version of the game, and its popularity is growing massively. We’re creating a new pathway, from grassroots all the way to elite competition.”

Ryan Chambers, Head of Performance & Coaching Pathways at Basketball Wales, said:“3x3 is an important part of the performance strategy for Basketball Wales. We are delighted to be partnering with RISE and Cardiff Met Archers to give players more opportunities to play regularly in a strong, well-structured environment.

“With 3x3 also included in the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2026, it helps shine a light on the format and promotes the game further across Wales. The 3x3 game adds a fantastic dimension to player development, requiring a fast, instinctive style of basketball that challenges players in new ways.”

Sarah Wagstaff, Head of Basketball at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said:“We have some of the best facilities in the country here at Cardiff Met, and I can’t wait to see players from all over competing on the same floor as our Cardiff Archers. 3x3 is such an exciting version of the game, and each evening of basketball is going to have such a buzz about it.”

The Cardiff launch underlines Cardiff Met’s continued commitment to supporting high-level basketball and creating opportunities for athletes to develop in performance environments. With the sport gaining momentum nationally and internationally, the RISE 3x3 City League promises to bring a fresh energy to the game in the Welsh capital this spring.

Team registration is now open, with the Cardiff competition due to get underway in April.