Kwat And Cube Go 3-on-3

Ice Cube and The Firm founder and CEO Jeff Kwatinetz are reportedly diversifying their portfolios by launching, with a group of investors, a new professional venture for retired National Basketball Association players – a 3-on-3, half-court summer league.

Scott Legato / RockStarProPhotography.com – Ice Cube
DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, Mich.

They’ll be joined by investor Roger Mason, NBA Players Association Deputy Executive Director, who will reportedly step down from that post to become president and commissioner of the new league, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

The league is to be called BIG3 and consist of eight teams of five players that will tour together starting in June, according to TheVertical with Woj.

While Kwat didn’t speak to Woj for the article, or define his role, Ice Cube said he considered taking on the job of commish until Mason came on board.

 “I thought of this concept as a fan who got sick of seeing his heroes retire and not play anymore,” Ice Cube told Woj. “A lot of these guys can still play once they retire – just not the back-to backs or four games in five nights.”

They’re betting that former NBAers are willing to drag Walton and Lanier up and down at least a half-court for 48 minutes, and fans at venues would be willing to pay to see it. The idea is for eight teams to play a sort of “festival” consisting of four games amid music acts and other entertainment.

The league would reportedly start June 24 and play for 10 weeks.