Cebu is set to become a hub for elite women’s basketball as it hosts the Cebu Hustle 3×3 Women’s International Invitational Tournament on June 20-21, 2026, at SM Seaside City Cebu.
The groundbreaking event marks the first international women’s 3×3 basketball tournament to be staged in Cebu, bringing together top local and international teams in a celebration of athletic excellence, competition, and women’s empowerment through sports.
A total of 12 teams are expected to compete in the two-day tournament, featuring six Philippine squads and six international teams. The event aims to showcase the growing popularity of 3×3 basketball while providing female athletes with a world-class platform to compete against some of the region’s best talents.
Among the featured teams are members of the Philippine women’s national 3×3 program, alongside established clubs and emerging teams from across Asia and beyond. According to tournament director Peachy Cheng-Medina, the tournament is designed not only to raise the profile of women’s basketball but also to inspire young athletes to pursue their passion for the sport.
“We thank Cebu for embracing our tournament. Ever since we started conceptualizing this event, we’ve had nothing but support from Cebu and it humbles us so much,” said Medina. “Cebu is a basketball-crazy city so it’s just the right time for us to present women’s 3×3 basketball here in Cebu.”
Pressure is on the two Cebuano teams in Move Liloan and UP Cebu to deliver the goods as they hope to make their compatriots proud in this event which has Uratex, Smart, and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas as presenters.
Kath Jumapao leads Move Liloan together with Kristel Pitogo, Lyssa Lubiano, and Sharlene Owatan, while UP Cebu parades an upstart crew of Althea Degamo, Maxim Magbanua, Jessha Banquil, and Lourien Navarro.
“We finally have an international level 3×3 competition coming to town and I’m very excited as a Cebuano fan to see how our top talents compete against I can say the best teams in the region,” said SBP Zone 8 director Popoy Navarro.
“This event is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of the talent, determination, and passion of our women athletes,” added Dr. Rhoel Dejano, Cebu Provincial Sports Commission chairman.
Gilas Pilipinas Women U23 3×3, made up of Louna Ozar, Amyah Espanol, Jam Meniano, and Victoria Pasilang, are also pressured to carry the flag together with top local teams Uratex Dream led by Kaye Pingol and Angel Surada; Pilipinas Aguilas of Beth Means and Camille Clarin; and TOL Patriots of Kent Pastrana and reinforcements Maddie Burke and Arly Zapata in this tilt which has SM Seaside City, Citadines Cebu City, Aboitiz Foods, Titan, Maxime, Pocari Sweat, SBP Zone 8, University of Cebu, and UC Medical Center as partners.
Japanese teams Maurice Lacroix and Shinjuku Givers 3×3 spearhead the foreign squads together with Thailand’s Shoot It Dragons and CT Tigers, Malaysia’s EST Jersey, and Singapore’s Jumpshot in this event which also has Nustar Resort Cebu, Molten, Seiko, IPO Philippines, Shakey’s, and Virgina Foods as sponsors.
(From L-R) Kath Jumapao, Cebu Provincial Sports Commission chairman Dr. Rhoel Dejano, tournament director Peachy Cheng-Medina, and SBP Zone 8 director Popoy Navarro
The competition will offer a prize pool of USD 6,000, with teams battling for championship honors in what promises to be a fast-paced and highly competitive showcase of the Olympic discipline.
Beyond the games, Cebu Hustle 3×3 is expected to boost sports tourism and strengthen Cebu’s reputation as a destination capable of hosting international sporting events. Fans can look forward to high-level action, exciting matchups, and a vibrant atmosphere as athletes from different countries converge in the Queen City of the South.
As the countdown begins, anticipation continues to build for a tournament that seeks to elevate women’s basketball and make history in Cebu’s sporting landscape.
Games begin at 12 p.m. this Saturday with pool play distributing the teams into four groups of three before the knockout games on Sunday.
