3X3 Festival Successfully Kicks Off

20 June, 2026

The first day of the 3X3 Festival had everything needed for a successful opening. Glorious weather, a vibrant festival site, top-level sport and enthusiastic visitors who enjoyed the unique atmosphere at the NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam. From the moment the gates opened, there was a relaxed vibe throughout the venue.

There was something to experience everywhere: on the outdoor courts, youngsters played 3x3 games against each other, while 3X3 Leaders and stakeholders from the network also took ample time to reflect on the tenth anniversary of 3X3 Unites. The Impact Handbook was presented, talks were held and there was an enjoyable networking reception.

As the evening progressed, attention increasingly shifted towards the specially built stadium, which serves as the beating heart of the festival throughout the weekend. Here, the world's best male and female basketball players tipped off the FIBA 3x3 World Tour and Women's Series Amsterdam. From the streets to the top.

“The atmosphere was great, the festival site looks fantastic and the stadium invites people to stay seated and watch high-level games”, said tournament director Jesper Jobse. Earlier in the day, he had already addressed stakeholders attending the celebration of the tenth anniversary. “It is great to reflect on what we have already achieved together, but also to look at where we want to go together in the future.”

The successful first day concluded in the stadium with a spectacular halftime show that drew attention to the campaign ‘We Take Back the Night’, making a statement for the safety and freedom of women and girls in public spaces. The plan was for the Dutch 3x3 women's team to play their game, but due to adverse weather conditions this could not take place.

“It was unfortunate that we could not end this wonderful evening with a game featuring our own Dutch 3x3 women’s basketball players”, said Jobse. The Dutch team consists of Janis Boonstra, Noortje Driessen, Ilse Kuijt and Lutje Schipholt. Jobse remains positive: “The advantage is that they will be in action twice on Saturday.”

And that is not all. On the men's side, Team Amsterdam, featuring Olympic champions Worthy de Jong and Jan Driessen among others, will take to the court twice in the atmospheric stadium. Maarten Bouwknecht and Daen van Tilborg complete Team Amsterdam. Jobse: “It promises to be a spectacular day.”