Ice Cube is taking his BIG3 basketball league to a major new level, with the company preparing to go public through a business combination with Graf Global Corp. The move would make BIG3 the first publicly traded professional sports league in the United States, marking a historic step for both the league and sports business overall.
Founded by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz, BIG3 has spent years building a unique place in basketball with its fast-paced 3-on-3 format, rule changes, and mix of former NBA talent, entertainers, and competitive energy. What started as an alternative summer basketball league has now grown into a larger sports brand with plans for expansion, franchise development, and deeper fan involvement.
The deal values BIG3 at around $290 million before possible earnouts. Once the transaction is completed, the combined company is expected to be renamed Big3 Basketball Holdings, Inc. and trade under the ticker symbol “TONT,” a reference to the league’s 3-on-3 identity. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, pending shareholder approval and other standard closing conditions.
Ice Cube has framed the move as a major opportunity to expand BIG3’s reach, both in the U.S. and internationally. By becoming publicly traded, the league could open the door for fans and investors to take part in its growth while helping BIG3 pursue larger business opportunities, new markets, and long-term stability.
The announcement also comes as BIG3 continues pushing toward a more traditional city-based franchise model. Cube has previously emphasized that the league wants to plant roots in cities instead of only operating as a traveling showcase. That shift could help BIG3 build stronger local fanbases and create more consistent team identities.
For Ice Cube, the moment reflects years of persistence as an entrepreneur. While many know him as a hip-hop legend and actor, BIG3 has become one of his most ambitious business ventures. If the public listing goes through as planned, it would represent a major milestone in his mission to grow 3-on-3 basketball into a lasting professional sports movement.