An inquiry has been initiated into the NBA following allegations of antitrust violations against Ice Cube’s BIG3 league.
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has reportedly launched an investigation into the National Basketball Association over accusations of anticompetitive behavior aimed at stifling the growth of Ice Cube’s Big3 league.
The Allegations The claims suggest that the NBA used its dominant position to obstruct sponsors and potential partners from engaging with the league founded by Ice Cube and his business partner, Jeff Kwatinetz. Furthermore, it’s alleged that the NBA sought to dissuade television networks from broadcasting Big3 league games.
Ice Cube’s Big3 league was established in 2017 and comprised primarily retired NBA players. Interestingly, some current NBA players have reportedly expressed an interest in participating in the 3-on-3 league. However, the Big3 has asserted that the NBA has imposed “arbitrary rules” to prevent players from participating in their league. Notably, the NBA and Big3 do not have overlapping seasons, and it’s common for current NBA players, including prominent figures like LeBron James, to engage in non-NBA games after the conclusion of the regular NBA season. The Los Angeles Drew League, for instance, frequently features NBA players well after the NBA season ends.
As previously reported by AFROTECH, this is not the first instance of Ice Cube accusing the NBA of obstructing the Big3’s plans.
The Investigation Apart from affecting players, reports suggest that NBA team owners have been discouraged from investing in the Big3 while holding an NBA franchise.
NBA spokesperson Mike Bass has responded to these allegations, stating, “The claims are not true.” He further emphasized the NBA’s support for the Big3 since its inception, though they declined to invest in it.
According to a source familiar with the current DOJ investigation, Ice Cube and Kwatinetz reportedly met with DOJ lawyers earlier in the year. NBA owners have also allegedly been contacted by investigators regarding the case.
If the NBA is found to have committed antitrust violations, reports indicate that the league could potentially face substantial fines.
Salute 🫡
— Ice Cube (@icecube) October 25, 2023
We all know that the NBA has most of the sports media in their pockets. You probably won’t hear a peep about this from the people who talk NBA all day. https://t.co/zzemVixeRW