SASKATOON, SK (March 2, 2018) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour will return to downtown Saskatoon this summer, once again in conjunction with Taste of Saskatchewan on July 21-22, 2018.

"The first edition of the Saskatoon Masters was a thrilling success," said Alex Sanchez, FIBA 3x3 Managing Director.  "We were genuinely impressed by the quality of the organization and how much the entire city embraced the event from the devoted volunteers to the enthusiastic spectators."

Entering the second year of a three-year agreement, Saskatoon will host North America's only FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters event through 2019.

"The FIBA 3x3 World Tour really captured the heart of Saskatoon and provided a valuable platform to market the youth and vitality of our destination," said Todd Brandt, President & CEO of Tourism Saskatoon.  "I am proud of the leadership provided by our Host Organizing Committee, chaired by Nicole Orr and Kara Lackie. FIBA has proven to be a strong partner, with an exceptional social media platform and proven capacity to grow this amazing sport as they build toward its first inclusion in the 2020 Olympics," Brandt said.

The FIBA 3x3 World Tour Saskatoon Masters will once again kick off the World Tour season and be comprised of 12 teams of four players from around the world participating in a two-day tournament. In addition to the main event, a dunk contest and a shoot-out contest will take place in between games. Live music, cheerleaders, dance teams and other entertainment will be held throughout the weekend. An amateur 3x3 tournament is also being planned to take place on satellite courts alongside the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters.

"The host committee, along with Saskatoon Sports Tourism, are thrilled to be hosting the FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Saskatoon for the second year," said Kara Lackie and Nicole Orr, Co-Chairs of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour host committee.  "Building off the success of year one, we are excited to work with FIBA and Canada Basketball to continue to elevate the profile of 3x3 basketball in our community and our country."

Much to the dismay of spectators, the two-time World Tour winners Ljubljana (SLO) won the first edition of the Saskatoon Masters after defeating hometown fan favourites Team Saskatoon (21-14) in the title game last year.

In the lead up to the Masters, eight regional events will take place across the country as part of Canada Basketball's 3x3 Canada Quest series. The winners of the elite division in each of the eight regionals, along with an additional wild card team, will qualify for the 3x3 Canada Quest Finals. The top two finals teams will qualify directly to the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters in Saskatoon.

Registration is now open for 3x3 Canada Quest events across Canada, tipping-off May 12 in Calgary, AB at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

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Returning for its fourth season, the 3x3 Canada Quest also offers a recreational division for males and females of all skill levels (age 18-45) in a fun and friendly environment.

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For more information, contact:

Julien Debove

3x3 Communications Manager

FIBA

Direct: +41798484597

Julien.debove@fiba.com

Matt Walker

Manager, Communications

Canada Basketball

(289) 244-9993

mwalker@basketball.ca

Heather Bury

Sport and Event Sales Executive

Saskatoon Sports Tourism

Direct: (306) 931-7583

hbury@tourismsaskatoon.com

About FIBA 3x3 Basketball

Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world's number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court. The sport will make its first-ever Olympic appearance at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

For further information about 3x3, visit fiba3x3.basketball, FIBA 3x3 accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube or contact 3x3@fiba.com.

About Canada Basketball 3x3 Quest

The 2018 3x3 Canada Quest boasts seven regional events across the country, with the winners of the elite division qualifying for the finals in Edmonton, AB. The top two finals teams will qualify directly to the FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Saskatoon. For more information, visit http://www.basketball.ca/en/page/3x3-canada-quest-2018

About Saskatoon Sports Tourism

Saskatoon Sports Tourism was created to guide the attraction, retention and creation of sports tourism activities in Saskatoon. Saskatoon Sports Tourism assists event organizers to locate local suppliers, sports venues, and hotel accommodation, and helps increase local awareness and attendance at events. For more information, visit www.saskatoonsportstourism.com.

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