Dwight Howard Joins BIG3’s Los Angeles Riot for Final Season, Eyes Global Growth Fresh off his Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction, eight-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard has signed with Ice Cube’s BIG3 league, marking his final chapter in professional basketball. The 39-year-old center will suit up for the Los Angeles Riot, reuniting with former Lakers teammate Nick Young, who now serves as head coach, and playing alongside co-captains Jordan Crawford and Elijah Stewart—a trio that previously won the 2023 BIG3 Championship.

A Hall of Fame Summer Howard’s 2025 will be a landmark year: he’ll headline the BIG3’s eighth season, tipping off June 14 in Chicago, before receiving his Hall of Fame honor on September 5 alongside Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and the 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team. His BIG3 debut offers fans a rare chance to see the three-time Defensive Player of the Year in a new light. “We all know Dwight Howard can do more on the court than he was able to show in the NBA,” said BIG3 CEO Ice Cube, emphasizing the league’s focus on showcasing players’ versatility.

Los Angeles Homecoming The Riot’s lone home game will take place August 9 at Inglewood’s Intuit Dome—the Clippers’ $2 billion arena—as part of the BIG3’s new city-based model. All eight teams now represent specific markets, with Los Angeles hosting four consecutive games in a single-day format televised on CBS. For Howard, it’s a return to the city where he won the 2020 NBA title with the Lakers. “I can’t wait to join the LA Riot and try to bring another championship to the city,” he said, while also aiming to “help the league go global”.

A Player-First League The BIG3’s financial structure sets it apart: 52% of league revenue goes directly to players, with performance-based payouts incentivizing competitiveness. This model has attracted legends like Allen Iverson, Gary Payton, and Lisa Leslie over its seven-year history. Howard’s signing underscores the league’s growing appeal to marquee veterans seeking both competitive play and equity.

Legacy Meets Innovation Howard’s role as a Player-Captain will test his leadership as he transitions from NBA enforcer to BIG3 strategist. The 3-on-3 format, played half-court with a 14-second shot clock, prioritizes speed and skill—a shift for the dominant rebounder and shot-blocker. Yet, Ice Cube sees Howard’s athleticism and charisma as a perfect fit: “He’s a perfect match for our shared desire to grow the game worldwide”.

As tickets go on sale April 11, anticipation builds for Howard’s BIG3 swan song—a finale blending Hollywood flair, hardwood legacy, and the promise of global basketball expansion.