South Africa’s top 3×3 basketball teams battle for a place at the Red Bull Half Court World Final in Manila
The road to Manila runs through Soweto this weekend as South Africa’s best streetball talent competes for the Red Bull Half Court South Africa National Final title.
After three qualifying events across Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, the country’s top men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball teams have earned their place in the National Final on Saturday, 22 August 2026. Two champions will leave Klipspruit Sports Centre with more than national bragging rights. They’ll secure South Africa’s place at the Red Bull Half Court World Final in Manila, Philippines, on 5 December 2026.
With fast-paced basketball, live entertainment and crowd competitions on the lineup, the Soweto showdown promises to be one of Johannesburg’s biggest street sports events of the season.
A full day of streetball in Soweto
The National Final brings together elite 3×3 basketball with music, fan activations and community entertainment.
Doors open at 12:00, with action continuing until 20:00. Spectators aged 18 and over can attend for free after RSVPing online.
The day’s entertainment includes:
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Live performance by Kamo Mphela
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Red Bull Run The Racks with renowned shooting coach Lethal Shooter
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A public dunk contest
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A shooting challenge
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A 1v1 side competition for players whose teams miss the knockout rounds
MBB Blue Soldiers defend their national title
The men’s competition features the return of defending champions MBB Blue Soldiers, who captured South Africa’s inaugural Red Bull Half Court title before representing the country at last year’s World Final in Dubai.
This time, nine challengers stand between them and another international appearance.
The women’s competition guarantees a new champion. With defending champions Hoop Hustlers absent, teams including Blue Flames, Buckets & Bruises, Ghiv Us, Size Nenye, and The Takeover will battle for the national crown and a coveted ticket to Manila.
What makes Red Bull Half Court different?
Unlike traditional basketball, Red Bull Half Court is built around relentless attacking play.
Teams compete three-on-three on a half court. Games last 10 minutes or until one team reaches 21 points.
The unique Own the Court rule keeps every possession alive. Even teams that don’t win every match can still advance by scoring enough points across the group stage.
That means every bucket matters until the final buzzer.
The teams competing in the National Final
Men’s teams
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Bucket Boys (Durban)
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Cape Town New Masters (Cape Town)
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Cape Town Thunder (Cape Town)
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Elite Pace Academy (Johannesburg)
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Fantastic 4 (Durban)
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LXG (Johannesburg)
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MBB Blue Soldiers (Johannesburg)
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Seal Team 6 (Johannesburg)
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Spartans (Johannesburg)
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Tala Hady (Johannesburg)
Women’s teams
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Blue Flames (Cape Town)
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Buckets & Bruises (Durban)
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Ghiv Us (Johannesburg)
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Size Nenye (Cape Town)
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The Takeover (Johannesburg)
Red Bull Half Court South Africa National Final event details
Saturday, 22 August 2026
12:00 – 20:00
Klipspruit Sports Centre
Free entry (18+ with RSVP)
The winning men’s and women’s teams will earn the honour of representing South Africa against national champions from around the world at the Red Bull Half Court World Final in Manila on 5 December 2026.
Read about Lethal Shooter’s appearance at the event here.
