ClutchBasket:Basketball News

 

FIBA Launches Year-Long 3x3 Campaign Championing Women's Empowerment and Gender Parity

MARCH 10, 2025 MIES (Switzerland) - FIBA has launched a landmark year-long campaign, dedicated to celebrating the inclusivity of 3x3 basketball, the world’s fastest-growing urban team sport, and its commitment to gender parity since its inception in 2010. Started on International Women’s Day, and culminating on 8 March 2026, the campaign will shine a spotlight on the game-changing female 3x3 basketball players who are inspiring the next generation of fans and players globally. From its inception, FIBA has championed gender equality in 3x3, ensuring equal opportunities and visibility for female players, coaches, officials, as well as the DJs who play a major role in creating the unforgettable festival atmosphere for which 3x3 basketball is known for. From providing the same rules, ball, court and hotel accommodations, FIBA continues its steadfast commitment to creating a sustainable and thriving 3x3 ecosystem for women in the sport’s community, beyond one-off opportunities. “Accessibility is really important,” said Paige Crozon, a two-times FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series winner with Team Canada. “Something I think FIBA does well – with its slogan being ‘from the streets to the Olympics’ – is that you only need a ball and five other friends to play the sport. By removing those barriers to sport, it will help young girls to continue to participate throughout their life.

“As a single parent, my experiences may differ from some of my male counterparts, so I think the sport has presented a platform to be able to speak about those issues and barriers as well as to celebrate in our successes. It’s therefore important for women to have the opportunities to play at a high level, to be compensated fairly in contrast to their male counterparts and to receive the attention and recognition that they deserve. This will provide a clear pathway for girls to follow.” This year-long initiative will further amplify this commitment by featuring one female star each month, sharing their inspiring stories, journeys, and achievements on and off the court. Alex Sanchez, FIBA 3x3 Managing Director, said: "This campaign is a powerful testament to our dedication to showcasing the incredible talent and resilience of the 3x3 female players. We want to use this campaign as an opportunity for the players to share their stories and inspire the next generation of young players to follow their dreams.” This campaign aligns directly with FIBA’s broader commitment to women in basketball. Women in Basketball is a Strategic Priority for FIBA, launched in 2019 and extended to 2027, with six specific goals developed to drive greater participation, representation, and impact across every level of the women’s game. This year-long 3x3 campaign directly contributes to these overarching goals, showcasing the incredible diversity of talent and leadership within the 3x3 basketball community. Spain jump one spot to No. 5 in the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike FEBRUARY 28, 2025 MIES (Switzerland) - There was little movement in the latest edition of the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike following the final window of the 2025 Continental Cup Qualifiers as the top four remained the same headed by United States. Spain made the only move in the top 10, jumping one spot to No. 5. USA picked up two wins in the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers for 840.1 points to top the rankings, followed by Serbia (761.1), FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 champions Germany (757.3) and France (753.4) - all who collected two victories in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers. Spain went 1-1 in the window, losing to Latvia before defeating Belgium. They lost nearly one ranking point (745.7) but still jumped from sixth to fifth because Canada lost its last two games of the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers and dropped to sixth place. The rest of the top 10 was unchanged: Australia, Argentina, Latvia and Lithuania. Slovenia and Brazil both split their two games in their respective Qualifiers but the Europeans leapfrogged Brazil into 11th place. Chinese Taipei were the biggest mover in Asia in the top 100, moving up four spots to No. 75 with a victory over the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers. Norway, for their part, improved four spots as well to 77th and Mali jumped six places to No. 80 after two wins in three games in the FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers, including beating South Sudan. Qatar climbed five places to 87th in the rankings after winning its last two games in the Asia Cup Qualifiers. Right outside the top 100, Mongolia jumped seven spots to 102nd with a victory over Guam while Madagascar's win over Egypt helped them move five spots to No. 106. For more information about the method used in the calculation of the FIBA World Ranking Men, please refer to the 'How it Works' section. Click here to view the full FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike.

MLW News and results...

 

The following results are from Saturday’s MLW Intimidation Games event at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia, courtesy of Fightful.com:

– Okumura defeated Ariel Dominguez.

– Bomaye Fight Club (Alex Kane and Mr. Thomas) defeated The Andersons (Brock Anderson and CW Anderson) in a First Blood Tag Team Match.

– Delmi Exo (c) defeated Tara Zep to retain her MLW Women’s World Featherweight Championship.

– Templario is backstage and cuts a promo about how he will capture the MLW World Middleweight Title from Mistico.

– Matthew Justice (c) defeated AKIRA, Bobby Fish and Paul Walter Hauser to retain his MLW National Openweight Championship. After the match, the Rogue Horsemen’s lackey attacked the other wrestlers.

– Cesar Duran announces that he is the new president of MLW. Then, Salina De La Renta gets engaged and Duran faints.

– Eric Bischoff is approached backstage by Alex Kane, who announces that he intends to win Battle Riot, much to the chagrin of the WWE Hall of Famer.

– Donovan Dijak cuts a promo on Battle Riot. He says he is targeting Matt Riddle and Tom Lawlor.

– KUSHIDA defeated Neón.

– Contra Unit (Ikuro Kwon and Mads Krule Krügger) vs. The Filthy Bros (Matt Riddle and Tom Lawlor) ends in a no contest.

– The entire locker room spills out and there is a giant brawl to close out the show and tease Battle Riot.

 

MAJOR LEAGUE WRESTLING (MLW) NAMES PAUL WALTER HAUSER EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, SIGNS WITH ARTISTS FIRST FOR REPRESENTATION

Los Angeles, CA – [03/12/2025] – Major League Wrestling (MLW) is proud to announce that award-winning actor and wrestler Paul Walter Hauser has been elevated to the role of Executive Producer within the organization. In addition, MLW has signed with Artists First for representation, where Hauser’s management company will spearhead the brand’s expansion into TV & streaming rights, as well as brand licensing opportunities.

A longtime supporter of MLW and professional wrestling as a whole, Hauser brings a wealth of entertainment industry expertise, storytelling acumen, and passion for the sport. As Executive Producer, Hauser will play a pivotal role in shaping the creative and business direction of MLW, enhancing the promotion’s reach across media platforms, and driving new content initiatives.

“I’ve been a lifelong fan of professional wrestling, and MLW represents everything I love about the sport—hard-hitting action, compelling characters, and innovative storytelling,” said Paul Walter Hauser. “I’m thrilled to join MLW as an Executive Producer and look forward to working alongside the team to bring fans the best possible experience.”

In alignment with its expansion strategy, MLW has also partnered with Artists First, a leading management company with a strong track record in entertainment representation. Under this partnership, Artists First will guide MLW’s efforts in securing television and streaming distribution deals, as well as brand licensing partnerships, ensuring continued growth for the league in the ever-evolving sports and entertainment landscape.

“Bringing Paul Walter Hauser on board as Executive Producer and teaming up with Artists First marks a major milestone for MLW,” said Court Bauer, MLW Founder and CEO. “Paul’s passion and creative insight, combined with the industry-leading expertise of Artists First, will propel MLW to new heights and expand our presence across multiple platforms.”

This exciting development comes as MLW continues to push forward with new programming, live events, and digital content that captivate wrestling fans worldwide.

For more information on Major League Wrestling, visit MLW.com and follow @MajorLeagueWrestling on IG/FB/TikTok and @MLW on X

About Paul Walter Hauser

Paul Walter Hauser is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice Award-winning actor known for his standout performances in Black Bird, I, Tonya, and Richard Jewell. Upcoming projects include The Luckiest Man in America (IFC Films), The Fantastic Four (Marvel Studios), The Naked Gun (Paramount Pictures), Americana (Lionsgate), Balls Up (Amazon/Skydance), Deliver Me From Nowhere (20^th Century Studios) and The Chris Farley Show (New Line Cinema). He recently starred in The Instigators and voiced roles in Inside Out 2 and Orion and the Dark.

About Major League Wrestling (MLW)

Founded in 2002, Major League Wrestling (MLW) is a sports media company and professional wrestling organization delivering high-impact action to a global audience. MLW features recognizable talent from around the world with large social media followings. Leading the charge is MLW World Heavyweight Champion Matt Riddle, a dominant force who blends MMA-honed striking with world-class grappling. He is joined by international stars like “The Disruptor” Donovan Dijak, Kushida, Mads Krule Krügger and Mexico’s biggest box office star of the 21st century, Místico. Together, they make MLW a powerhouse of hard-hitting warriors and rising sensations.

About Artists First

Artists First, a talent management and production company focused on actors, writers, directors and producers in film, television, and digital media, in addition to Hauser has a client roster that includes Martin Lawrence, Awkwafina, Kenya Barris, Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Niecy Nash, Judy Greer, Will Arnett, Ike Barinholtz, Kate McKinnon, Michael Showalter, Jon M. Chu, Lior Raz, Mitch Hurwitz and Cristela Alonzo, among others. Productions include Incoming, Twisted Metal, Quiz Lady, Central Intelligence, Like a Boss, Keanu, Black-ish, Mixed-ish, Grown-ish, The Last O.G., Hit and Run, and Reno 911!.

Jesus Rodriguez enters Battle RIOT VII in Los Angeles on April 5

Tickets Available at MLWLA.com LOS ANGELES – Major League Wrestling (MLW) today announced Jesus Rodriguez will participate in the 40-wrestler Battle RIOT match at MLW Battle RIOT VII on Saturday, April 5 at Commerce Casino & Hotel in Los Angeles, CA and presented live on YouTube.    Grab tickets at http://www.MLWLA.com and at Eventbrite starting at $10. Tasked with executing the ruthless bidding of Salina de la Renta, Rodriguez is more than just Promociones Dorado’s master of ceremonies—he’s a cutthroat force, a fixer, and a seasoned competitor who has fought across the globe. From the vibrant lucha libre scene in Mexico to the bustling soccer stadiums of India, Rodriguez’s in-ring prowess is matched only by his showmanship and flair for the dramatic. A fixture in Salina’s inner circle, Rodriguez is known for his sharp tongue, even sharper mind, and a penchant for making things happen—by any means necessary. Always draped in the finest suits and commanding attention with his debonair persona, this is a man who gets things done inside the ring. Now, in the chaos of Battle RIOT, Rodriguez has a golden opportunity to shift the balance of power in MLW. Can he outlast 39 other warriors and bring championship gold back to Salina? Find out when MLW invades Los Angeles for Battle RIOT on April 5! This year’s Battle RIOT VII is a 40-wrestler no-holds-barred spectacle where Matt Riddle’s MLW World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line. Can Riddle outlast 39 foes? Combining a battle royal with an anything-goes street fight, the Battle RIOT match is pure chaos as a new participant enters the ring every 60 seconds. Expect legends, surprises, and unpredictable action as the best from MLW, CMLL, and New Japan Pro Wrestling collide. With eliminations by pinfall, submission, or being thrown over the top rope, Battle RIOT VII promises an explosive, can’t-miss main event! Secure your seat today at www.MLWLA.com and Eventbrite, with tickets starting at just $10. Don’t miss your chance to experience the most anticipated MLW event of the year live in the City of Angels!

Bring your signs as MLW TV trucks will be rolling up for a live broadcast streaming broadcasting worldwide! Battle RIOT VII live on YouTube card (10pm ET start) 40-wrestler Battle RIOT match for Matt Riddle’s MLW World Heavyweight Championship. Participants: •Matt Riddle (champion) •Donovan Dijak •Satoshi Kojima •Barbaro Cavernario •Hechicero •Paul Walter Hauser •Paul London •Atlantis Jr. •BRG •Bobby Fish •Alex Kane •Brock Anderson •Okumura •Juicy Finau •Jesus Rodriguez MLW World Middleweight Championship: Místico (champion) vs. Templario MLW Women’s World Featherweight Championship: Delmi Exo (champion) vs. Shoko Nakajima Card subject to change. *** SPECIAL 6:45 PM LOCAL START TIME FOR TICKET HOLDERS *** Tickets start at $10 at http://www.mlwLA.com.Tickets will also be available day of show at the box office unless the event sales out in advance. General Public Doors Open: 5:30 p.m. with a special bell time of: 6:45pm. DAY OF EVENT INFO 5:30 p.m.: Early entry for front row ticket holders 6:00 p.m.: Doors open for general public (all ticket holders) 6:45 p.m.: Showtime MORE ABOUT COMMERCE CASINO The Commerce Casino & Hotel, just minutes from downtown Los Angeles, offers the perfect setting for MLW’s West Coast debut. Renowned for its luxurious accommodations and the largest card room in Southern California, the venue is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable night of professional wrestling. Parking at Commerce Casino Commerce Casino offers valet and free self parking. The parking lot is located next to the casino. The self-parking lot is located to the southeast of the hotel. The parking lot has disabled spots and electric car charging. This is an all-ages event, and MLW TV cameras will be rolling, so bring your signs and be part of the action-packed live broadcast. Tickets are selling fast, so don’t wait—head to www.MLWLA.com now to secure your spot for this historic event.

Juicy Finau enters Battle RIOT VII in Los Angeles on April 5 Tickets Available at MLWLA.com LOS ANGELES – Major League Wrestling (MLW) today announced Juicy Finau will participate in the 40-wrestler Battle RIOT match at MLW Battle RIOT VII on Saturday, April 5 at Commerce Casino & Hotel in Los Angeles, CA and presented live on YouTube.    Grab tickets at http://www.MLWLA.com and at Eventbrite starting at $10. Clear the ring and reinforce the ropes—because the Tongan super heavyweight is back and ready to RIOT! Standing 6’4” and weighing in at a monstrous 450 pounds, Juicy Finau is officially entering MLW’s Battle RIOT, and every competitor in the match just got a whole lot more nervous. A former MLW World Tag Team Champion, Finau is returning to MLW with one goal: win the RIOT and leave Los Angeles as the MLW World Heavyweight Champion. A proud Tongan warrior, Finau is a one-of-a-kind force of nature inside the ring. A powerhouse with an aerial arsenal that defies gravity, the protégé of Jacob Fatu has left broken bodies and bent rings in his wake. But this time, he faces his biggest test yet—outlasting 39 other combatants in a chaotic battle where only one can survive. At 450 pounds, Finau will be the biggest competitor in Battle RIOT. His sheer size and strength make him nearly impossible to eliminate—it may take every other wrestler in the match to get him over the ropes. But don’t mistake Finau for just a brute—he’s a rare heavyweight who can brawl, fly, and rumble with the very best. On April 5, Los Angeles becomes Finau’s battleground, and the question isn’t just who can eliminate him—it’s if anyone even can. Will the Tongan colossus be the last man standing when the smoke clears? New MLW president Cesar Duran’s homecoming set for Battle RIOT VII in Los Angeles on April 5 Tickets Available at MLWLA.com LOS ANGELES – Major League Wrestling (MLW) today announced Cesar Duran’s homecoming at MLW Battle RIOT VII on Saturday, April 5 at Commerce Casino & Hotel in Los Angeles, CA and presented live on YouTube.    Grab tickets at http://www.MLWLA.com and at Eventbrite starting at $10. The stage is set for an unforgettable night of high-stakes action as Major League Wrestling (MLW) welcomes "El Presidente" César Durán for his long-awaited return to Los Angeles at Battle RIOT VII on April 5. Durán, who has long called LA home, is ready for a memorable homecoming, promising an event filled with shocking surprises and exciting opportunities for MLW’s renegades. This past Saturday, Durán was named president of MLW, assuming full control over the day-to-day operations of the league’s wrestling operations. His executive power extends to overseeing everything from matchmaking and athlete acquisition to contract negotiations and recruitment. “El Presidente” has the authority to approve all fight cards, ensuring that each matchup is carefully crafted for maximum impact and excitement for the fans. Durán also oversees MLW’s relationships with wrestlers, managers, and fight camps, giving him an unparalleled influence in the league. This marks Durán’s first appearance in Los Angeles in years, the city where his profile as a powerhouse promoter and impresario first exploded. Over the years, Los Angeles has played a critical role in Durán’s rise to prominence, and now, he promises that LA will be the perfect setting for his MLW renegades. “LA has always been my home, and this city demands the best. The Battle RIOT will be a homecoming like no other,” Durán said. In a bold move this past Saturday, Durán wasted no time asserting his control over MLW. Using his newfound power as president, he swiftly terminated Eric Bischoff as executive producer and ushered in a new era. Durán has already made waves by granting free agent Alex Kane the opportunity to participate in the highly anticipated Battle RIOT. What does César Durán have in store for this monumental homecoming? One thing is certain – the Battle RIOT promises to be a night filled with shocking surprises and unexpected opportunities. Fans will witness firsthand what happens when power, ambition, and opportunity collide in the squared circle. Secure your seat today at www.MLWLA.com and Eventbrite, with tickets starting at just $10. Don’t miss your chance to experience the most anticipated MLW event of the year live in the City of Angels!