*The Department of Justice launched an investigation into the NBA after the league allegedly engaged in anticompetitive tactics to prevent the growth of Ice Cube’s Big3.
As AfroTech reports, Cube launched the Big3 league in 2017, which consisted of nearly all retired NBA players. A federal investigation was launched recently into the NBA after the organization allegedly targeted the BIG3 through antitrust violations, according to TMZ Sports.
Cube previously explained that his Big3 basketball league is not receiving the media attention it deserves due to his political views.
“Some of you may not have realized that I’m not part of the club,” said Ice Cube in a video statement in June. “And a lot of you listening to me right here and right now, you are not part of the club either. And what I realized with the club is, what makes them so mad is when you don’t want to be a part of they (expletive) club. That pisses them off.”
Cube continued, “What club am I talking about? I’m talking about the club of gatekeepers that we all got to deal with. You know who they are and they definitely know who they are.”
Ice Cube poses on the red carpet prior to the BIG3 Championship at State Farm Arena on August 21, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images for BIG3)
Here’s more from AfroTech about the DOJ’s investigation into NBA:
The allegations include reports that the NBA supposedly used its status to prevent sponsors and potential partners from doing business with the league started by Ice Cube and his business partner Jeff Kwatinetz. The NBA also reportedly attempted to deter television networks from broadcasting the new league’s games.
What’s more, current NBA players have reportedly expressed a desire to play in the 3-on-3 league. However, according to the Big3, the professional organization has put “arbitrary rules in place to stop players from hooping” with the league.
In addition to targeting players, it has also been reported that NBA owners have been discouraged from investing in the Big3 while they own an NBA franchise.
NBA spokesperson Mike Bass told TMZ the “claims are not true.”
“We have been supportive of the Big3 since its inception, but we declined to invest,” Bass said.
READ MORE: Ice Cube Explains Why He’s Not Respected by the Hollywood ‘Gatekeepers’ | Video
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