NBA Investigated By DOJ Over Alleged Anticompetitive Behavior Targeting Big3

The NBA’s squarely within the sights of america Division of Justice over accusations The Affiliation labored to torpedo Ice Cube‘s Big3 basketball league … allegations the NBA denies.

TMZ Sports activities has discovered the DOJ launched the inquiry months in the past, analyzing alleged anticompetitive habits on the a part of the NBA, geared toward squashing the Big3‘s development.

These allegations, we’re advised, vary from the NBA purportedly throwing its weight round to stop sponsors and others potential companions from doing enterprise with the rap legend’s league … to discouraging tv networks from carrying Big3 games.

Dice and enterprise accomplice Jeff Kwatinetz launched the 3-on-3 league, made up nearly totally of retired NBA gamers, in 2017.

Some present gamers have expressed a want to play in Dice’s league within the offseason, however we’re advised, because the Big3 sees it, the NBA has prevented guys from doing so, placing arbitrary guidelines in place to cease gamers from hooping in Ice’s league.

FYI, the NBA and Big3 seasons don’t overlap.

In fact, it is a common prevalence for NBA gamers, together with among the greatest stars on this planet like LeBron James, to hoop in non-NBA video games after the season ends … similar to L.A.’s famed Drew League.

Big3 officers, in keeping with sources conversant in the investigation, consider they have been unfairly focused by the NBA.

We have additionally been advised NBA house owners have been discouraged from investing within the Big3 whereas concurrently proudly owning a franchise.

Referees have not been immune, both, in keeping with a supply … who says they have been advised they can not officiate for the Big3, regardless of some working for different organizations outdoors of the NBA.

A supply conversant in the Dept. of Justice investigation tells us Dice and Kwatinetz met with DOJ legal professionals throughout the first half of the 12 months. We’re additionally advised investigators have begun reaching out to NBA house owners as a part of their investigation.

If the federal government finally finds the league dedicated antitrust violations, the NBA may face a major tremendous.

We reached out to the league for remark … and NBA spokesman Mike Bass, addressing the allegations of sponsorship and TV community interference, pressuring potential Big3 companions, and others, advised us, “Those claims are not true.”

Bass additionally added … “We have been supportive of the Big3 since its inception, but we declined to invest.”