The wait is almost over. On 28–29 November, Dubai will host the Red Bull Half Court World Final for the very first time, welcoming the world’s top streetballers for a high-energy 3on3 showdown and South Africa’s newly crowned national champions will be right in the mix.
This follows a historic moment for Mzansi basketball: the first-ever Red Bull Half Court National Finals, held at Wits University in September, which saw South Africa crown its inaugural men’s and women’s champions after qualifying rounds in Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria.
Now, these winning teams are gearing up to take on the world.
TEAM SOUTH AFRICA: READY FOR THE GLOBAL COURT
Representing South Africa on the World Final stage:
MEN’S TEAM – MBB BLUE SOLDIERS
- Nino Dim
- Lebesa Selepe
- Neo Mothiba
- Rabbi Belolo-Lou
Captain Lebesa Selepe shared: “We have just been crowned champions of the South Africa Red Bull Half Court and booked our ticket to Dubai! You only get one shot at this thing called life, so keep firing!”
WOMEN’S TEAM – HOOP HUSTLERS
Lauren Fredericks | Monicah Tlou | Khanyi Maphisa | Liyabona Shannon Nondala
Captain Lauren Fredericks said: “We’re so excited to head to Dubai! I’m grateful to share this journey with such an amazing group of ladies; the experience is going to be incredible.”
These teams will now join elite squads from 18 basketball-obsessed nations as they battle for global honours in one of the world’s most dynamic streetball tournaments.
A NEXT-LEVEL STREETBALL EXPERIENCE IN THE HEART OF DUBAI
The 2025 World Final will take place outdoors at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Plaza, with the iconic Museum of the Future providing a dramatic backdrop. Dubai’s urban skyline will be transformed into a purpose-built 3on3 arena where culture, architecture, and sport collide.
Twelve women’s teams and eighteen men’s teams from 18 basketball-driven nations will compete in this year’s finale. Among the qualifiers are squads from Japan, the USA, the Philippines, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, South Africa, the Maldives, and North Macedonia; where an exceptional storyline sees two brothers playing side by side on the same national team. The World Final concludes a months-long journey through intense national qualifiers and sets the scene for a truly global showdown.
STAR-STUDDED ACTION ON A NEXT-GEN LED COURT
This year also marks a first for the tournament, and for global streetball, with the introduction of an Interactive LED Court Floor. The court will respond to every major play with dynamic graphics, animations, and art-driven visuals, creating an electrifying, fully immersive experience for both players and fans.
“Bringing this level of innovation into a streetball environment is exciting — it’s not just a feature, it’s a statement,” says Paul Gudde, Red Bull Half Court Global Sports Director. “The LED floor creates a completely new dimension for players and fans alike. It shows what’s possible when performance and creativity go hand in hand.”
Supporting the event on-site are key figures from the global basketball and streetball scene. Arike Ogunbowale, WNBA star and Dallas Wings point guard, joins the action alongside Dušan Bulut, four-time World Tour Champion and Olympic medalist, and The Professor, globally known for his streetball flair and viral clips.
“The intensity and speed of 3on3 basketball on this level is incredible,” said Ogunbowale. “It’s amazing to see so many elite women’s hoopers competing on the global stage. Red Bull Half Court is helping elevate the women’s game in a way that truly inspires the next generation.”
THE GAME FORMAT
Red Bull Half Court’s fast, fierce format is rooted in FIBA-style 3on3 rules:
- 3 players + 1 substitute
- 10-minute matches
- First to 21 points wins
- “Own the Court” bonus for the most dominant teams
- Special 3-point hot spots located two metres behind the arc
Every bucket counts, making for explosive, high-scoring action.
A NEW CHAPTER IN SOUTH AFRICAN STREETBALL
Backed locally by Fila and Spalding and amplified through 5FM, South Africa’s first Red Bull Half Court season showcased the hunger, talent, and creativity rising across the country’s streetball culture.
With MBB Blue Soldiers and Hoop Hustlers now stepping onto the world stage, Mzansi’s streetball future looks brighter and bolder than ever.
Visit the Red Bull Half Court site for more details. Free editorial assets are available for download at the Red Bull Content Pool on redbullcontentpool.com.
