Elite teams compete for World Tour tickets at the Xi'an Challenger

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Sixteen elite teams will compete for tickets to the World Tour at the 3x3 Xi’an Challenger 2026 in China on 16-17 May.

The FIBA 3x3 website stated on Friday that the participants will compete for three tickets to the 2026 Amsterdam World Tour, while also collecting important points in this season’s Challenger series.

Xi’an is the fourth Challenger series of the 2026 season, bringing together a number of strong teams from various countries who are not only chasing the championship title, but also important qualification points towards the highest level of international 3x3 competition.

The Skyliners team from Germany is one of the favourites, relying on Stefan Kojic. Meanwhile, Raudondvaris Hoptrans from Lithuania will once again rely on Evaldas Dziaugys.

The host country, China, is pinning its hopes on Hangzhou Jingwei DeQing, Beijing, and Xi’an.

Another highlight is Phoenix, which is strengthened by former NBA player, Kyle Guy.

Other players to watch out for include Leo Branquinho from Taipei WanBao and Te Tuhi Lewis from Christchurch BBNZ, who recently led New Zealand to victory in the 2026 Asia Cup.

Six teams will begin their journey through the qualifying round, while 10 teams will wait in the main round.

Group A: Kandava Turiba (Latvia), Singapore, Beijing (China).

Group B: Phoenix (United States), Christchurch BBNZ (New Zealand), Ashgabat (Turkmenistan).

Main round

Group A: Skyliners (Germany), Lausanne (Switzerland), Taipei WanBao (Taiwan).

Group B: Raudondvaris Hoptrans (Lithuania), Bordeaux (France), Xi’an (China).

Group C: Hangzhou Jingwei (China), Princeton (United States), QD A (winner of qualifying group A).

Group D: Barcelona (Spain), DeQing (China), QD B (winner of qualifying group B).