NBA Faces Department of Justice Probe Over Alleged Antitrust Behavior Against BIG3. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into the National Basketball Association (NBA) regarding potential antitrust violations directed at the BIG3 basketball league, an endeavor led by rapper Ice Cube. The NBA has vehemently denied these allegations.
NBA Faces Department of Justice Probe Over Alleged Antitrust Behavior Against BIG3
The DOJ launched this inquiry several months ago, focusing on accusations of the NBA engaging in anticompetitive actions aimed at hindering the growth of the Big3 league. Allegations range from the NBA allegedly leveraging its influence to discourage potential sponsors and partners from collaborating with Ice Cube’s league to dissuading television networks from broadcasting Big3 games.
Ice Cube, in collaboration with Jeff Kwatinetz, established the 3-on-3 Big3 league, primarily composed of retired NBA players, in 2017. While some current NBA players have expressed interest in participating during the offseason, the Big3 claims that the NBA has imposed arbitrary rules to prevent players from engaging in Ice Cube’s league. It’s important to note that NBA and Big3 seasons do not overlap.
Traditionally, NBA players, including major stars like LeBron James, engage in non-NBA games after the official season ends, such as the Drew League in Los Angeles.
According to sources close to the investigation, Big3 officials believe they have been unfairly singled out by the NBA. Additionally, NBA team owners have purportedly faced discouragement from investing in the Big3 while owning an NBA franchise. Even referees, despite officiating outside the NBA for other organizations, have been told they cannot officiate for the Big3.
It has been reported that Cube and Kwatinetz met with DOJ lawyers during the first half of the year. The investigators have also commenced reaching out to NBA owners as part of their probe. If the government determines that the NBA has committed antitrust violations, it could lead to significant fines.
When contacted for a response, NBA spokesman Mike Bass denied the claims of interference with sponsorships and TV networks and stated, “Those claims are not true.” He also added that the NBA has supported the Big3 from the beginning but chose not to invest.
Requests for comments from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Big3 have been declined by both parties.
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