The Big 3, a professional three-on-three basketball league founded by O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson, is about to become a bit bigger. On Wednesday, July 3, Lime Rock Resources CEO Eric Mullins and Fidelis New Energy Senior Adviser Milton Carroll purchased the rights to a Big 3 franchise based in Houston, Texas. The yet-to-be-named franchise will begin play next season in 2025.
“Milton and I are thrilled to team up and take ownership of this exciting sports property,” Mullins said.
“Not only is the on-the-court product captivating, but the way that Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz conduct their league off the court is something to be admired. They really care about the communities they visit and I’m honored to bring that dedication to Houston and am confident that with our combined sports experience, Milton, Ice Cube, Jeff, and I will make the Houston BIG3 team a long-term success.”
Mullins and Carroll’s acquisition of the league’s Houston franchise is part of a broader expansion effort within the Big 3. In May an investment group led by DCB Sports acquired a franchise based in Los Angeles, California. One month later, media, sports, real estate, and hospitality executive Heath Freeman acquired a franchise based in Miami, Florida.
“The BIG3 is the pioneer of the global professional 3-on-3 game, and the league’s momentum and influence continues to grow each year; among their fans and the impressive roster of premier 3-on-3 players set to compete this summer,” DCB Sports Partner Matt Sherman said.
“In addition to building out the Los Angeles franchise, we hope to help drive innovation within the global basketball ecosystem and be a catalyst for growth and connectivity internationally. The BIG3 is the most dynamic blend of culture, entertainment, and sports, and it’s exciting to see what the league has in store for this next chapter.”
