The Thai Chamber of Commerce, together with the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Basketball Association of Thailand, announced their readiness to organize the grand 3x3 basketball event "3x3 UTCC Championship 2026," marking its largest edition in its fifth year. Under a new vision of leveraging sports as soft power to drive grassroots economic growth and create professional pathways for Thai 3x3 basketball players to the international level, the event is supported by chambers of commerce from five provinces nationwide. This underscores the role of the chamber network as a key mechanism for economic and social development at the regional level, alongside leading partners such as TCP Group, Government Savings Bank, the Government Lottery Office, Thai President Foods Public Company Limited, Singha Corporation Limited, and Molten (Thailand) Company Limited.
The tournament will take place from May to July 2026 across five provinces nationwide, providing youth from all regions access to FIBA-standard competition close to home. The top teams will convene for the Thai Championship final at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce on 25 July 2026. This event not only offers young players the opportunity to showcase their abilities but also helps Thailand accumulate FIBA 3x3 Ranking points, enhancing opportunities to participate in global competitions such as the Olympics and the World Cup.
From regional courts to the national team, this pathway has proven that Thai youth can achieve far beyond expectations.
Dr. Krisana Wajekailas, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board Member of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, revealed the new vision for the project: "After four years of laying the foundation for the 3x3 UTCC Championship, we are ready to elevate the program in its fifth year. This project is no longer just a basketball tournament but a comprehensive ecosystem for youth development—from talent scouting at the regional level, skill cultivation, to progression to the national team. We have also discovered several rising stars who now have the opportunity to advance to the national team, which is a success beyond our expectations."
"What distinguishes this project from other tournaments is the involvement of provincial chambers of commerce as Local Partners who understand the local context. Each competition venue is more than just basketball games; they are festivals that engage the community. Beyond sports, we integrate education, career development, and life skills through nationwide university entrance exam preparation programs," Dr. Krisana added.
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce creates 'Deep Dreams come True' where basketball courts become life classrooms.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanawat Polvichai, President of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, views the project beyond sports: "The 3x3 UTCC Championship delivers success to all youth participants in many dimensions. They learn strategy under pressure, teamwork, and leadership—skills highly sought after in the business world. Additionally, our university students gain real-world experience managing national-level events through their involvement in organizing the tournament, aligning with our philosophy of learning by doing. Importantly, the university has the opportunity to build networks among educational institutions, businesses, and communities nationwide, which forms a crucial foundation for sustainable development."
The president further explained the core concept of 'Deep Dreams come True': "Children who once entered the court nervously are given the belief that everyone has dreams, and those dreams can come true with the right opportunities and support. The competition fosters discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and resilience, helping youth develop comprehensively."
Operation: Building the National Team—Every point in the UTCC Championship is a step toward the Olympics.
Mr. Niphon Chavalitmontri, President of the Basketball Association of Thailand, shared exciting strategic insights: "The 3x3 UTCC Championship is a crucial part of Thailand’s five-year strategic plan to develop 3x3 basketball. We have designated 3x3 basketball as a target sport to propel Thailand onto the international stage. It suits the physique and agility of Thai athletes and has a more accessible development cost compared to traditional five-player basketball."
Mr. Niphon also revealed interesting figures regarding the FIBA 3x3 Ranking points: "The 3x3 UTCC Championship significantly contributes to increasing Thailand's FIBA 3x3 Ranking points, as it is officially recognized by FIBA. This means the results and points earned by all athletes are directly recorded in FIBA’s database. The real-time scoring system and internationally standardized competition are key factors that boost opportunities to join major global events, including the Olympic Games."
TCP’s Support for Youth Through Basketball Courts.
Mr. Charin Trakansakul, Marketing Manager for Sponsor electrolyte drinks at TCP Group, the main sponsor of the competition, explained the reasons for supporting the project: "TCP Group views youth potential development as the heart of building the nation’s foundation. Supporting the 3x3 UTCC Championship continuously for five years is not just a social activity but a serious investment in instilling fighting spirit, determination, teamwork, and self-mastery in Thai youth. These qualities are essential in the modern world and will be key drivers for Thailand’s future."
Mr. Charin added, "3x3 basketball teaches youth to find balance between offense and defense within limited time, to think as a team, and make decisions under pressure. These skills are applicable in real life, whether continuing education or working. This year, we will provide Sponsor drinks at all venues to support athletes and broadcast every match live online to engage basketball fans nationwide. The 3x3 UTCC Championship exemplifies creating shared value between the private sector and society, aligning with TCP Group’s commitment to sustainably developing youth and Thai society."
Five venues, five provinces, three categories—competition schedule to note.
This year’s competition is designed to be more intense and accessible than ever, taking place across five venues in five provinces nationwide from May to July 2026: Samut Prakan, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Krabi, and Rayong. The Thai Championship final, gathering the top teams from across the country, will be held grandly at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok on 25 July 2026. The competition will feature three categories:
- Male youth under 18 years (U18), a fierce competition with 24 teams.
- Female youth under 18 years (U18), showcasing the potential of 12 Thai female teams.
- Male youth under 16 years (U16), a stage to discover future stars with 24 teams.
For youth ready to prove their skills, this is your chance to step onto the national stage and accumulate FIBA points, making history in Thai 3x3 basketball. Registration is open now at www.utcc.ac.th/3x3basketball with a team fee of 1,500 baht for up to four players per team. Each team will receive specially designed tournament jerseys. Importantly, all participants will get certificates of participation, and every applicant must have a FIBA3x3 account to record real-time competition statistics, benefiting the building of an international competitive profile. Follow updates, special activities, and ongoing news at the Facebook page www.facebook.com/utcc3x3basketball and Line Official @utcc3x3basketball.