Saskatoon will be home to a post-Olympics “hangover!”

Discover Saskatoon announced the return of F-I-B-A three-on-three basketball to the city this summer, but it will be women this time instead of men! The F-I-B-A three-on-three Women’s Series will be held August 17-18 at Victoria Park, featuring 12 teams and will be the first post-Olympics event for the women’s international circuit. Included in the 12 teams will be Team Canada who are currently hopeful of qualifying for the Paris games, running July 26-August 11. Team members are Paige Crozon of Humboldt, Kacie Bosch of Lethbridge and the Plouffe sisters of Edmonton – Michelle and Katherine. The F-I-B-A three-on-three Women’s Series will be the anchor event for the inaugural Y-X-E Urban Games, running at the same time. Co-chair Michael Linklater (pictured below) says there’ll be 5-10 “off sports” involved in the Y-X-E Urban Games. Following is the news release from Discover Saskatoon…..

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SASKATOON SET TO HOST GROUNDBREAKING FIBA 3X3 EVENT ALONGSIDE THE INAUGURAL YXE
URBAN GAMES
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan [February 28th] — Saskatoon is gearing up to host the FIBA 3×3
Women’s Series August 17 and 18, 2024, marking a historic moment for sports enthusiasts and the
community. This monumental occasion will coincide with the launch of the YXE Urban Games, a
new annual event that promises to transform the arts, culture, and sports landscape of Saskatoon.
FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, the global governing body of basketball renowned
for organizing world-class events, have chosen Saskatoon as one of the stops in the 2024 Women’s
Series. Saskatoon was an exceptional host of the FIBA World Tour in 2017, 2018, and 2019, now
Saskatoon can demonstrate their hosting excellence yet again. Riding the wave of the growing
popularity of 3×3 basketball, amplified by the recent Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the upcoming
Paris 2024 Olympic Games, this event serves as a strategic opportunity to merge sports, arts,
culture, and community in Saskatoon. Anchored by the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series, the YXE Urban
Games will position Saskatoon and Saskatchewan as dynamic, culturally diverse, and globally
recognized destination. Saskatoon will be the first stop following the Paris Olympic Games.
Led by Discover Saskatoon in collaboration with a cross-functional local organizing committee
(LOC), the YXE Urban Games will be centered in Victoria Park. The festival-style atmosphere will
feature a ticketed venue with the FIBA 3×3 main court, urban sport, art, and culture
demonstrations. The Pawâtêtân Basketball Court, Saskatoon’s newly constructed gem, will host 3×3
action, while various sport-specific venues across the city will see diverse competitions.
The event will attract athletes from professional levels to grassroots, creating a dynamic space for
competition.
“We’re thrilled that FIBA 3×3 basketball will return to Saskatoon this summer after hosting the FIBA
3×3 World Tour Masters for several years. This will be the first time Saskatoon will be hosting a
FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series stop and will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for
Saskatchewan’s own Paige Crozon, the sixth-ranked player in the world, to have the opportunity to
play in front of family and friends on home soil. Congratulations to the organizing committee for
making this event come to life and growing the game of 3×3 basketball by showcasing the best
women’s teams internationally in Saskatoon this summer.” – Ron Yeung, Head of Domestic & 3×3
Development, Canada Basketball
“As CEO of Discover Saskatoon, I’m excited for the legacy the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series will create
for our city. This event is a testament to the power of collaboration between Discover Saskatoon,
Saskatoon Destination Marketing Hotels, our Advisory Committees, and local leaders. Their
unwavering commitment is pivotal in bringing such a global spectacle to Saskatoon. It highlights the strength of our visitor economy and the vital role of Destination Marketing and Management
Organizations in weaving the fabric of our community’s aspirations. The YXE Urban Games signify a
legacy of unity, showcasing our commitment to excellence and the enduring impact of hosting
world-class events. Together, we’re not just hosting a tournament; we’re shaping the future of
Saskatoon.” – Steph Clovechok, CEO of Discover Saskatoon
Discover Saskatoon is committed to upholding the Spirit and Intent of the Treaty, aligning with Calls
to Action #89 and #92 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Their partnerships emphasize
the celebration, integration, and leadership of Indigenous people and their contributions,
particularly in sports and community initiatives, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation
of Indigenous culture and history among participants and spectators.