The rising impact of COVID-19, better known as the Coronavirus, in the United States has caused Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz’s BIG3 to move their games to “intimate, safe, controlled non-arena” venues, according to a statement released by the league on Wednesday, March 11.
“Unfortunately, Covid-19 has led us to the conclusion that to best balance these core objectives we will disappoint a minority of our fans but it will allow us to create a unique and special viewing experience for the vast majority of our millions of fans watching on TV and online from a single safe and intimate location in Los Angeles,” said the statement.
The league is taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus by relocating games scheduled in filled arenas. Currently, game dates for Memphis (June 20), New York (June 27) and Portland (August 22) will continue as normal, but could change if mandated by health officials. Other previously announced games will be televised on CBS and additional platforms. The decision to do so came as BIG3 began to assess the financial impact of adjusting the playing schedule at the last minute.
“It is no secret that COVID-19 is escalating in the United States and BIG3 cannot simply bury its head in the sand, merely hoping for it to go away,” the statement reads. “Unlike MLB, NBA, NHL or MLS, BIG3 does not own any of their venues, does not have a home venue pre-sold season ticket base, and our format requires extensive marketing and promoting of each venue at great expense combined with operational and travel costs.”
The statement continues, “In addition, even if we determined a location was safe, we do not control the final decision as it is made at the local, state, and federal levels leaving us at the mercy of a myriad of municipalities that all have different standards. Being proactive allows the 2020 season to be preserved, continues the momentum built over the last four years, and assure all players, coaches, and fans of their safety. We will work collaboratively with local and federal health officials.”
Kwatinetz, who co-founded BIG3 alongside Ice Cube, is hopeful that the league will be able to return next year to the cities that were nixed from this year’s schedule.
“We regret being forced to not play games in multiple cities we already announced, but we want fans to know we intend on visiting those cities next year,” said Kwatinetz. “If things go right, we will be in five cities instead of 10 this year. No matter what, we will be able to play our season and bring the great competition of BIG3 to the vast majority of our millions of fans who watch on TV and online through our broadcast partners. This situation is bigger than sports and we all hope the spreading of Coronavirus ends soon for the well-being of the entire global community.”
BIG3 is in its fourth season
