Ice Cube's Big3 three-on-three basketball league is officially the first Black-owned sports league in America. The news was announced on Friday (October 14): The Big3 has been fully recognized as a Black-owned and operated business by the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. and ByBlack. BIG3 can work directly with Black businesses and Black Chambers across the U.S., bolstering its commitment to supporting Black entrepreneurs.

This new relationship with ByBlack and the USBC is expected to also maximize the deal Cube and Contract For Black America made with the NFL this year, with the league earmarking $125 million to invest in Black-owned businesses.

“USBC is energized by the BIG3 basketball league becoming a certified ByBlack business,” said USBC CEO and President Ron Busby Sr. “This is the first step of what we deem to be a fruitful partnership, with Ice Cube’s commitment to helping other Black-owned businesses get ByBlack certified.

“We applaud Ice Cube for leading the way in this initiative and it is our goal to continue this partnership by collaborating with Ice Cube, BIG3, and other Black-owned businesses in the sports and entertainment industry.”

“Myself and the entire league are honored to be officially certified by ByBlack and the U.S. Black Chambers,” Ice Cube said via statement. “From day one, the league has been dedicated to providing opportunities for Black players, fans, investors, and partners, and we are proud to be a part of a nationwide network of Black business owners.”

“Supporting Black enterprise is a lifelong passion of mine and the BIG3 will continue to build upon its successes and lift up other Black entrepreneurs.”