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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Red Bull Half Court) |
Red Bull Half Court is heading to the Philippines for its 2026 World Finals, taking the world’s fastest 3-on-3 tournament to one of the most basketball-loving cities on the planet. On December 5, national champions from across the globe will compete to be crowned Red Bull Half Court champions in a celebration of basketball, art and street culture.
In Manila, basketball is more than a sport: it is part of everyday life across neighborhoods and local courts. The 2026 World Finals will tap into that energy across two distinct sides of the city: the historic Fort Santiago in Intramuros and the modern heart of Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Red Bull Half Court Global Sports Director Paul Gudde said, “Manila is built for this format. It’s a city where basketball isn’t just watched, it’s lived. Bringing the World Finals here is about connecting the global 3-on-3 community with a place that truly understands what playground basketball is all about.” The group stage set within the iconically walled Fort Santiago in Intramuros, one of Manila’s most recognizable historical landmarks, will see teams battling for a place in the following day’s Finals which will take place in Taguig City's most recognizable lifestyle district where the remaining teams will compete to be crowned Red Bull Half Court champions in one of Manila’s most dynamic urban districts. Familiar faces from the global basketball scene will also be in Manila to witness the monumental sporting spectacle as streetball icon Grayson “The Professor” Boucher and renowned shooting coach Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews will join the event alongside Polish Red Bull athlete and world-class dunker Piotr “Grabo” Grabowski and Filipino dunking star David “Air David” Carlos, a FIBA 3×3 World Tour Dunk Contest winner and one of the Philippines’ leading dunkers. As part of this year’s World Finals, Red Bull Half Court is inviting local designers, street art enthusiasts, and basketball fans to design the basketball court of their dreams and see it brought to life through Red Bull Half Court Design My Court. Submission of entries opened last September 28 and runs until October 21. More details on the art competition are available on Red Bull Philippines' official social media accounts.
Boucher said, “The Philippines is one of my favorite countries to visit because the fans love basketball/streetball culture. I can’t wait to come over for the Red Bull Half Court World Finals to do some park takeovers and see the best 3-on-3 streetball teams from around the globe. I know the Manila crowd is going to be a vibe and the World Finals out there is gonna be a movie.” On the other hand, Matthews, who is also the Red Bull Half Court Global Ambassador, said, “I have been to Manila multiple times and am always impressed by the level of passion for basketball that the athletes have. In particular, there’s a huge appreciation for the art of shooting in Manila. Coming back for Red Bull Half Court is going to be special, you’ve got national champions from around the world coming to compete and represent their countries. I know we’re going to see some great athletes competing at the highest level.” The sixth Red Bull Half Court season has seen players compete across Egypt, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa, Sweden, and Ukraine with national champions from 13 countries set to compete on the global stage in Manila. Several teams have already secured their spot at the World Finals. India’s men’s champions, Team 911, booked their ticket following victory in Chandigarh while Team Sinatra will represent North Macedonia after taking the national title in Skopje. On home soil, JSKILLS claimed the Philippines men’s title while Pilipinas Aguilas secured the women’s crown. Egypt will be represented by Team Hustlers and Bad Luck, with more national champions set to join the line-up as qualifiers continue.
Red Bull Half Court brings the fastest version of 3-on-3 basketball to players worldwide. Games are capped at 10 minutes, with the first team to 21 points taking the win. During pool play, the team accumulating the most scoring points receives the “own the court bonus” to aid in advancing to the next stage, ensuring a fast-paced version of 3-on-3 basketball. A further twist comes from two special three-point scoring circles behind the arc, adding an extra risk-reward element to the game. Since its launch in 2021, Red Bull Half Court has taken its World Finals to iconic locations in Rome, Cairo, Belgrade, New York City, and Dubai. In 2026, the tournament’s next chapter will be written in Manila.
