Legacy3x3 builds new home for 3x3 basketball in South Australia

A new chapter in Australian basketball is quietly taking shape in South Australia with the development of Legacy3x3, the country’s first FIBA-endorsed state-based 3x3 league.

Founded and operated in Adelaide, the league completed its first 10-week season in 2025, with games and finals held at GameReady Performance.

Created to provide a clear pathway for emerging players in the rapidly expanding 3x3 format, Legacy3x3 aims to build a competitive platform that remains locally grounded.

“3x3 is one of the most powerful tools we have for building community and developing talent,” said Luke Mollet, founder of Legacy3x3.

“It’s fast, raw, and forces players to make decisions under pressure. But more than that, it brings people together. It’s the perfect blend of culture and competition.”

The first season featured five teams and 20 athletes, a mix of university players, semi-professionals, and younger players seeking higher-level competition.

Players participated in weekly games, with a growing emphasis on consistent, player-centred social media coverage across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

The league reports that its social content reached over 80,000 Instagram accounts during the season, helping to increase visibility for the league and its players.“Legacy3x3 came together out of a real need for connection,” Mollet said.

“I saw so many athletes and creatives in South Australia looking for something they could be a part of,  something consistent, competitive, and culturally relevant. We launched just one season ago, and in 10 weeks, the community has driven it forward.”

That community support was amplified by a surprise appearance from former NBA big man Nene Hilario, who filled in for a game and expressed support for the league’s direction.

Looking ahead to Season 2, the number of players is expected to more than double, growing from 18 to around 40–50 athletes when the second season begins on July 23.“The timing felt right,” said Mollet.

“3x3 is expanding globally and is now ranked as the number one urban sport in the world. South Australia needed its own home for it, a place that wasn’t just about basketball, but about community, identity, and opportunity.”

Partnership discussions are ongoing, with Red Bull Adelaide having previously collaborated with the league.

A national supplier is also expected to support Season 2, with additional opportunities to develop commercial relationships in progress.

Teams will receive branded jerseys and playing gear, marking a step towards professionalising the league.

“We want Legacy3x3 to be the leading platform for 3x3 in South Australia, and in turn, Australia,” Mollet said.

“Developing ranked players, telling local stories, and creating an atmosphere that brings people back week after week. It’s about giving athletes a genuine pathway and giving the wider community a reason to show up and be part of something exciting.”Already, that vision is yielding results according to Mollet.

“From our very first season, 14 to 15 of our players have already broken into the top 150 ranked 3x3 athletes in Australia.

“That’s a huge achievement for a brand-new league. But more than that, the atmosphere and sense of belonging have been the biggest wins. The feedback has been nothing but positive.”