One of the Olympic Games' youngest sports will return for just the second time ever in Paris - 3x3 basketball.
A stripped-down version of one of the world's most popular sports, this event will see some of the world's premier players on both the men's and women's sides attend the Olympics in search of glory.
While the women's side is full of WNBA star power, bigger names are notably absent so far from the men's tournament, so are NBA players able to take part in the event?
MORE: USA Olympics basketball roster - Latest updates, rumors for 2024 squad
Can NBA players play Olympic 3x3 Basketball?
Despite the NBA being the world's most elite basketball league, players from the competition are notably absent from the 2024 Olympic rosters.
While NBA players are not prohibited from competing in the 3x3 Olympic event, they are required to amass 'ranking points' earnt through playing FIBA-approved 3x3 tournaments such as World Cups and stops on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.
As a result, NBA players are unable to commit their time to these events, leading to the nations filling their teams with specialized 3x3 players.
For example, the USA men's team for the 2024 Paris Olympics features Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Kareem Maddox, and Canyon Barry, with Fredette being the only member with NBA experience, having played 241 games across six seasons after being drafted No. 10 overall in 2011.
This differs for the women's side, with select WNBA players more willing to compete in the lead-up 3x3 events, resulting in names including Rhyne Howard suiting up for the Paris tournament.
When is the Olympic 3x3 Basketball?
The 3x3 Basketball at the Paris Olympics begins on Thursday, July 30, and concludes on Monday, August 5.
The tournament will be played at La Concorde 1, the precint that will also host the BMX freestyle, breaking, and skateboarding events.
Which teams have qualified for Olympic 3x3 Basketball?
Eight teams have qualified in both the men's and women's 3x3 Basketball for the Paris Olympics.
The USA, China, and France are the only nations to see both their men's and women's team qualify.
Women's qualifiers (by seed)
- China
- USA
- France
- Germany
- Canada
- Spain
- Azerbaijan
- Australia
Men's qualifiers (by seed)
- Serbia
- USA
- Lithuania
- China
- Netherlands
- France
- Latvia
- Poland
