International Olympic Committee rejects proposal for 3-on-3 basketball

Well this is certainly a bummer. The International Olympic Committee announced recently that, despite FIBA’s support of the idea, 3-on-3 basketball will not be added to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Lame.

FIBA released a statement about the unfavorable ruling (via USA Today Sports):

"We are very disappointed to learn that, as a consequence, 3×3 would not be considered at this stage, based on reasons unrelated to the merits of the discipline. We strongly believe that 3×3 is an exciting and spectacular discipline which offers a unique cocktail of sports and urban culture and would perfectly fit within the Olympic Games and responds to the IOC’s clear wish to rejuvenate and modernize the summer program. We are very thankful to Rio 2016 for their continued support in our efforts for the inclusion of 3×3. At the same time, 3×3 remains a unique opportunity for the basketball family to further grow and develop around the world, from the streets to the world stage, and in countries that have traditionally been less successful with basketball nationally and internationally."

The IOC further demonstrated their wet-blanket nature by also denying FIBA’s request to expand the amount of basketball teams allowed in the Olympics from 12 to 16. Evidently, the IOC hates fun.

[Source: USA Today Sports]