FIBA has extended its agreement with the QBF to host the season-ending 3x3 All Stars event for a further five years ©FIBA

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3x3 All Stars event will be held in Qatar until at least 2020 after the sport’s governing body extended its contract with the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) for a further five years.

The season-ending competition, which has been held since 2012, sees the top 3x3 teams in the world battle it out for a share of the $120,000 (£79,000/€110,000) prize fund.

This year’s event is due to take place on December 11 in Doha, the host of every 3x3 All Stars tournament to be staged so far, and will see Novi Sad Al Wahda of the United Arab Emirates attempt to defend their title.

The 2015 edition will also feature a FIBA 3x3 gala dinner and the FIBA 3x3 Awards, which will honour the world’s best players in the discipline.

"We are delighted to renew our partnership with the Qatar Basketball Federation," FIBA secretary general and International Olympic Committee member Patrick Baumann said.

"Thanks to Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani's visionary leadership, QBF have been a pioneer in the development of 3x3, not only winning the 2014 FIBA 3x3 World Championships but also establishing the FIBA 3x3 All Stars as one of the most prestigious FIBA 3x3 events in the world."

Team Novi Sad will be looking to defend their FIBA 3x3 All Stars title at this year's event
Team Novi Sad will be looking to defend their FIBA 3x3 All Stars title at this year's event ©FIBA

Novi Sad were one of the first teams to book their place at the 2015 event, along with International University Sports Federation 3x3 World University League winners Montreal UQAM of Canada.

They will be joined by Tokyo, Canadian outfit Saskatoon, hosts Doha and a side representing Slovenian capital city Ljubljana.

"It is with great pleasure that we have made this long-term commitment to the FIBA 3x3 All Stars," QBF President Sheikh Saoud said. 

"The event has quickly become a local favourite and shows the unlimited potential of 3x3 basketball.

"Signing until 2020 is the symbol of the great plans we have for the young urban discipline."

The sport is enjoying a rapid growth in popularity, which has led to calls for it to become part of the Olympic programme in the future.


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