As Ice Cube’s 3-on-3 basketball league gears up for its ninth season, the 2026 BIG3 Championship odds are finally on the board. The race for the Julius Erving Championship Trophy is nearly underway, and I have the best bets to consider.
In this betting preview, I break down the latest futures odds, evaluate the top contenders, and share my BIG3 predictions to capture the title in 2026.
2026 BIG3 Championship Betting Odds
The following BIG3 odds are courtesy of BetOnline:
| TEAM | ODDS |
|---|---|
| Miami 305 | +250 |
| Los Angeles Riot | +300 |
| Chicago Triplets | +800 |
| Houston Rig Hands | +1000 |
| Dallas Power | +1000 |
| DMV Trilogy | +1200 |
| Detroit Amps | +1600 |
| Boston Ball Hogs | +2000 |
The Miami 305 (+250) enter the season as the clear favorite at top basketball betting sites. Their latest odds to win the BIG3 Championship translate to a 28.6% implied probability of going back-to-back. Last year, Miami opened as the +325 favorite and delivered by winning the title.
Under Michael Cooper, the 305’s perceived chances have risen in the preseason market, with their implied probability climbing from 23.5% to 28.6% year over year. Right behind them are the LA Riot (+300), who hold the second-shortest odds. At +300, their implied probability increased from 20% to 25%, even though they fell short of reaching the championship series last season.
Beyond those two, the BIG3 futures board drops off to the Chicago Triplets (+800). After losing to the 305 in last year’s championship game, Julius Erving’s squad is priced with an 11.1% implied probability at BetOnline.
For the most up-to-date Big3 Championship odds at BetOnline, navigate to Sports > Basketball > Basketball Futures > BIG3.
BIG3 Championship 2026 Favorites
While it’s expected to be a competitive season between all eight franchises, three squads come through as having the best chance to win the Julius Erving Championship Trophy.
Before locking in my 2026 BIG3 Championship picks, let’s break down the three favorites:
Miami 305 (+250)
-
- Head Coach: Michael Cooper
- Impact Players: Mario Chalmers, Michael Beasley, Lance Stephenson
- Big3 Championships: 1 (2025)
The defending champs return to the hardwood with a veteran-laden, confident squad, fresh off a championship. The core remains intact, with former NBA contributors Mario Chalmers, Michael Beasley, and Lance Stephenson back together.
Under the guidance of head coach Michael Cooper, Miami 305 put together a masterclass last season to capture the title. They proved that their roster is perfectly built for the half-court, physical, isolation-heavy nature of Fireball3 basketball.
Beasley’s game is tailor-made for 3-on-3 basketball, and he led the league in scoring as a result.
MARIO. CHALMERS. SEALS THE DEAL.
YOUR @thebig3 CHAMPS ARE THE MIAMI 305 🔥🔥🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/XXIHn7wlvl
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) August 24, 2025
He scored 162 points to lead the BIG3, finishing 10 points ahead of Glen Rice Jr.’s 152. Stephenson added 120 points, giving the 305 two of the league’s top-10 scorers.
Beasley averaged 23.1 points per game, while the former Indiana Pacer poured in 15 points per game in 2025. These two dominate in iso-ball, so it’s no surprise they are perfectly suited for the 3-on-3 brand of basketball.
Between Reggie Evans, Chalmers, Beasley, and Stephenson, the 305 boast 47 years of NBA experience on their roster, which is tough to match in this league.
While Sean Williams doesn’t get as much attention, he is a fantastic paint defender who helps round out Miami’s all-around roster. He and Evans also provide the 305 with standout rebounding.
The Miami 305 look like the benchmark for the 2026 campaign, and if they can avoid a championship hangover, they are on pace to repeat.
Los Angeles Riot (+300)
-
- Head Coach: Nick Young
- Impact Players: Jordan Crawford, Dwight Howard, Kosta Koufos
- Big3 Championships: 0
Head coach Nick Young has fully transitioned from his playing days into a savvy leader on the sideline, instilling a flashy yet highly effective brand of basketball in the BIG3.
That said, the LA Riot fell below expectations and went just 4-4 in the regular season to claim the last playoff seed.
Everything for the Riot begins and ends in the paint with their captain, Dwight Howard. Howard remains a massive physical anomaly in the BIG3, dominating the boards, anchoring the defense, and creating easy second-chance points simply by overpowering smaller opponents.
The former NBA All-Star’s presence down low forces opposing defenses to collapse, which opens up the perimeter for the team’s guards. The perimeter is led by sharpshooter Jordan Crawford, who has had success in the BIG3. He scored 16.9 points per game to lead the Riot offensive on the floor.
Jordan Crawford wins it for the LA Riot! @thebig3 pic.twitter.com/MK3N9FpGkz
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) July 20, 2025
Crawford can be a streaky shooter as a bit of a microwave scorer. When he is on, it’s hard for him to miss. However, the Riot lack another solid option on the perimeter for when Crawford doesn’t have his best. Howard doesn’t offer much outside of the paint, so it puts a lot of pressure on Crawford to hit his shots.
Aside from Crawford and Howard, 7-foot center Kosta Koufos has NBA experience, mainly with the Sacramento Kings from 2015 to 2019. However, Koufos isn’t an outside shooter, which is needed in the BIG3. I don’t see value at +300, so I’d pass on this team for your best BIG3 betting picks.
Chicago Triplets (+800)
-
- Head Coach: Julius Erving
- Impact Players: Montrezl Harrell, Amir Johnson, Wesley Johnson
- Big3 Championships: 1 (2019)
There is no shortage of size on Dr. J’s squad for the 2026 season. The Chicago Triplets are big, long, and built to cover the floor. They have four players on the roster who stand 6’7” or taller.
Led by former NBA talents Montrezl Harrell and Amir Johnson, the Triplets’ frontcourt is in good hands. In 2025, they rode Harrell and Johnson to the league’s best regular season record and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs at 6-2.
BREAKING 🚨
Montrezl Harrell has been named the 2025 @thebig3 Rookie of the Year 💯
Harrell averaged 17.9 PPG and 7.1 RPG in his first season in the league.
Trez was led the Triplets to the No. 1 seed and finished top-5 in the league in scoring.
Congrats 🤝
📸 via… pic.twitter.com/URiBi2Xh6I
— The Fourth Man: A BIG3 Podcast (@4thManPod) August 15, 2025
Both Harrell and Johnson are imposing presences who can overwhelm and frustrate smaller lineups. Harrell had an especially impressive debut BIG3 season, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2025.
He finished fifth in the league with 143 total points, averaging 17.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, ranking in the top 5 on the glass as well.
Still, like the Riot, the Triplets lack a true sharpshooter. For this team to reach its ceiling, Harrell and Johnson will have to bully opponents in the paint and control the interior.
Leandro Barbosa, who played 13 years in the NBA, hasn’t been a major contributor since his days with the Phoenix Suns more than 15 years ago. Even so, if Barbosa can turn back the clock and become an X-factor, the Triplets could end up surprising a lot of people this season.
Best BIG3 Championship Sleepers
For solid value, consider playing a couple of longshot 2026 BIG3 Championship picks. Find my top selections and analysis below:
BIG3 Championship 2026 Predictions and Betting Pick
Last year, I cashed on Miami 305 to win the BIG3 title at +325. Their number has shortened this season, but I still see them as the best team on the court and the top championship bet.
No other squad can match their guard play. Even if they don’t have a big man on the level of Monroe or Howard, Williams is a high-end defender who can hold his own against those types in the paint.
That balance between perimeter talent and interior defense helped Miami lead the league on that end last year, and I expect a similar effort again.
Miami started slowly in 2025 and didn’t really lock in until the playoffs. If they bring that same level of focus from opening night, it’s easy to imagine them finishing 7-1 and grabbing the No. 1 seed.
Beasley should be in for another big season, while Chalmers and Stephenson provide strong second and third options. With that three-headed backcourt and a defense anchored by Williams, Miami 305 at +250 is my favorite pick to win the BIG3 Championship.
Where to Bet on the BIG3?
The BIG3 2026 odds are only available at select sportsbooks! As one of the most reputable bookies online, BetOnline is our top pick for wagering on the 2026 Big3 season.
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