Big3 holds combine, draft in Las Vegas as league looks toward ninth season

The concept of bringing former NBA players out of retirement was certainly fresh and the familiar faces behind the operation gave reason for optimism, but starting a competitive professional sports league in the modern day is a feat that had often proved insurmountable. Big 3 founder Ice Cube and Director of Operations Thomas Scott react to a selection during the 2026 Big3 Draft at LIV Nightclub in Las Vegas, NV Kalin Sipes-The Sporting Tribune Big3 founder Ice Cube and Director of Operations Thomas Scott react to a selection during the 2026 Big3 Draft pn Thursday May 7, 2026 at LIV Nightclub in Las Vegas. As the league now approaches its ninth season, it’s safe to say it has more momentum than at any other time in its near-decade long history.

Not only has a fresher, more notable crop of retired NBA superstars have boosted the league’s profile amongst more casual fans, but the league has also discovered alternative methods of finding the best under-the-radar talent that may have been overlooked by the league entirely. Hall of Fame Pedigree Those methods were on display during Big3’s annual draft held at Fontainebleau’s Club Liv, which was preceded by a three-hour combine across town featuring 120 players who traveled from across the country for a chance to try and break into the league. With only 14 selections in the draft, it’s certainly an uphill battle, but a small consolation prize for the many who didn’t get selected was the chance to play in front of a who’s who of NBA legends, including Big 3 commissioner Clyde Drexler and “The Iceman” George Gervin, who’s an established coach in the league.

The most notable ex-NBA superstar currently in the league is Dwight Howard, who announced his surprise return to the LA Riot this week after previously announcing his retirement from professional basketball this past winter. Howard instantly brought fireworks to The Big 3 last summer when he got into a fistfight with Lance Stephenson during his first game, giving the league arguably its most viral moment of all-time. While Howard will likely have a few more viral moments this season, the most important part of the league in his eyes is the opportunities that Ice Cub has afforded both former NBA players as well as up-and-comers in different hoop scenes.

Dwight Howard takes a photo with Big3 combine participant following the Big3 combine on Thursday May 7, 2026 at Las Vegas Basketball Center in Las Vegas. Kalin Sipes - The Sporting Tribune Dwight Howard takes a photo with Big3 combine participant following the Big3 combine on Thursday May 7, 2026 at Las Vegas Basketball Center in Las Vegas. “It’s amazing being part of this league, with Ice Cube,” Howard said.