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New Zealand's Men's and Women's 3x3 Basketball sides have confirmed their spots in the 3x3 Basketball competition at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Basketball NZ 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.”
Glasgow 2026 is the largest sporting event in the UK this year, with 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories set to compete in 10 sports and six Para sports, in four iconic venues across the city.
Taking place at the SEC Centre from 24 July to 29 July 2026, 3x3 Basketball is a fast-paced, half‑court format of Basketball. With its urban roots and festival-like atmosphere, 3x3 has become one of the most exciting and accessible versions of Basketball on the global stage.
It is played by two teams of three players, using one hoop and a 12‑second shot clock to keep the action constantly moving. Games last just 10 minutes or end earlier if a team reaches 21 points, creating a high‑energy, quickfire style of play that showcases speed, skill and agility.
Following the strong reception from fans to its first Commonwealth Games appearance in Birmingham 2022, the 3x3 Basketball programme has been expanded from eight teams per gender to 12 per gender for Glasgow 2026, demonstrating the rapid growth and rising global appeal of the exciting format.
The full list of qualified nations is:
Men’s 3x3 Basketball Competition
Australia
Cayman Islands
Fiji
Guyana
Jamaica
Kenya
Malaysia
New Zealand
Nigeria
Scotland
Singapore
European Qualification Slot – Nation TBC*
Women’s 3x3 Basketball Competition
Australia
Cayman Islands
Fiji
Jamaica
Kenya
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Scotland
Singapore
Tonga
Uganda
European Qualification Slot – Nation TBC*
Scotland, as host nation, secures automatic entry in both the men’s and women’s tournaments. Several nations will return for their second Commonwealth Games 3x3 appearance following their participation at Birmingham 2022. Australia, Kenya, New Zealand and Scotland will all look to build on their previous experience, with Australia entering the event seeking to better their silver medal in the men’s competition and their bronze medal in the women’s.
Fiji, who secured qualification for both the men’s and women’s tournaments by winning the Pacific Mini Games in July 2025, will make their Commonwealth Games 3x3 debut alongside fellow Pacific Island first‑timers Papua New Guinea and Tonga who qualified in the women’s event.
In addition, The Cayman Islands, Jamaica and Singapore will each field men’s and women’s teams for the first time, while Guyana, Malaysia and Nigeria will make their debut appearances in the men’s draw. Uganda will make its first appearance in the women’s competition.
Ann-Louise Morgan, Director of Sport at Commonwealth Sport said: “3x3 Basketball has become one of the most exciting formats in global sport and expanding the competition to 12 men’s and women’s teams at Glasgow 2026 underlines just how far it has come. We’re seeing a brilliant mix of nations qualify, including several making their Commonwealth Games debut in the sport, and its high-octane, crowd-friendly format perfectly captures the dynamic and youthful spirit of the Commonwealth Games.”
The draw and match schedule for 3x3 Basketball will be released later this year. The competing nations, draw and match schedule for 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball will also be released in due course and fans are encouraged to sign-up to the Glasgow 2026 newsletter via www.glasgow2026.com to keep up to date with all the latest news and information.