Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) is celebrating a landmark moment after both the 3×3 2degrees Tall Ferns and the 3×3 Tall Blacks secured qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The achievement marks the second time both national 3×3 sides have earned places at the same Commonwealth Games, following the 3×3 format making it’s Commonwealth Games debut at the 2022 Birmingham games.
BBNZ Chief Executive Belinda Edwards describes the double qualification as a significant milestone for the sport. “This is a proud moment for our basketball community,” she said. “Qualifying both teams for the Commonwealth Games reflects the dedication of our athletes and coaches, and the growing strength of 3×3 basketball in Aotearoa.”
The 2026 Games, running from 20 July through to 1 August in Glasgow, will showcase 3×3 basketball as one of it’s headline sports.
For athletes and coaching staff, the qualification represents both a competitive opportunity and a chance to inspire more New Zealanders to engage with the sport. “We’re really excited about this unique opportunity to take a group of 3×3 athletes to the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” said 2degrees 3×3 Tall Ferns coach Kat Jones. “Our athletes have been working hard to master the concepts and style of play we want to showcase. It’s a huge honour to represent Aotearoa, and we can’t wait to bring New Zealand 3×3 to the fore at this pinnacle event.”
In addition to their Commonwealth Games berth, the 3×3 Tall Blacks have also qualified for the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier in Poland.
Their strong campaign at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, where they took home the bronze, ensures that they will compete for a place at the World Cup. With the Qualifier scheduled to take place immediately after the 2026 Asia Cup in Singapore, the tight turnaround underscores what is expected to be a demanding year for the men’s programme, with an already busy start to the season quickly approaching.
Aotearoa will also be represented on the officiating stage, with referee Hamish Dale appointed to the 3×3 Referee Panel for the Commonwealth Games. “It’s a huge honour to be appointed,” Dale said. “I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me to get to where I am today. I’m excited for the challenges and learnings ahead.”
Both national squads will ramp up their build-up in the coming months, including training camps and international warm-up events as they prepare to take on some of the world’s best 3×3 teams in Glasgow.
Fans can follow updates and behind-the-scenes content on BBNZ’s dedicated 3×3 social channels.
Website: www.nz.basketball
Social: @bbnz3x3
