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The BIG3, the three-on-three basketball league co-founded by American rapper and actor Ice Cube, has made history by selling the rights to its first-ever team.

Multiple investors led by DCB Sports secured the Los Angeles-based BIG3 team for a whopping $10 million.

“My partners and I are thrilled to be joining Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz in professional 3-on-3 basketball,” said Managing Partner of DCB Sports, Gary LaDrido.

“We believe that the BIG3 can shape the future of basketball; the gameplay is dynamic and nuanced and the product on the court appeals to a global audience. I can’t wait to continue to grow this game with this group for years to come.”

The groundbreaking deal marks a significant shift for the league, transitioning from a touring model to a city-centric approach.

Since its formation in 2017, the BIG3 has operated with centrally owned and operated teams.

However, this season will be the last under the existing model.

Starting in 2025, all BIG3 teams will represent home markets.

The Los Angeles team, backed by DCB Sports, will debut in 2025, showcasing professional 3-on-3 basketball in the heart of LA.

Over its seven-year history, the BIG3 has cultivated a diverse and engaged fanbase, attracting historically underserved audiences.

“This is a historic day for the BIG3,” said BIG3 CEO and co-founder, Ice Cube.

“We could not be happier to entrust part of our league to Gary and this seasoned group of sports investors ahead of our most important season yet. We have all-star basketball talent, millions of loyal fans around the world, and we are one of the most viewed sports programs of the summer on CBS,” Ice Cube added.

“Basing our teams in home cities allows BIG3 to engage local communities and fanbases and bringing in ownership groups each with their own sports expertise, business, and capabilities beginning in 2025 will allow BIG3 to grow exponentially. I know that DCB Sports will do right by the people of Los Angeles and together, we’ll continue to change the game.”

The post BIG3 Basketball Sells First-Ever Team Rights for $10 Million appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.

FORT WORTH – Three men are facing time in federal prison after pleading guilty to stealing a U.S. Postal Service arrow key, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton announced.

Jlynn Laneil Dunn (21), Daylin Darden (24), and D Colby Vashion Lewis (23) were charged via a criminal complaint in February.

They were subsequently indicted the following month.

On May 8, each pleaded guilty to the robbery of mail matter, money, or other property of the United States.

According to plea documents, the defendants confessed to robbing a letter carrier at gunpoint on October 2, 2023.

The victim, identified as T.W., reported to authorities that the assailants demanded a U.S. Postal Service master key used by letter carriers to access mail deposited in blue collection boxes.

Unauthorized possession of these keys allows criminals to gain access to mailboxes, enabling the theft of mail, checks, credit cards, bank account information, and other sensitive materials.

The defendants were captured on surveillance footage committing the robbery and escape.

During a search of an address linked to one of the defendants, law enforcement discovered firearms, narcotics, mail, checks, and a DVR system.

Footage from the DVR showed all three individuals gathering at the residence before the robbery on October 2.

Additionally, the video footage also showed Darden leaving the residence with a gun matching the one used during the robbery.

The DVR also captured their return to the residence following the robbery, with Dunn holding an item attached to a long gold chain—similar to the chains used to carry USPS arrow keys.

Authorities investigated Dunn’s Instagram account and found a direct message sent by him approximately 10 to 12 minutes before the robbery.

The message stated, “I’m tryna go get us a key rn so I can get these real scam Money.”

The defendants face potential sentences of up to 10 years in federal prison.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 3.

The post Three Men Facing Federal Prison after Robbing Mail Carrier appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.

DENVER – The Dallas Stars are headed back to the NHL Western Conference Finals after defeating the Colorado Avalanche 2- 1.

In the thrilling conclusion to a fiercely contested series, the Stars emerged victorious, defeating the Avalanche in a nail-biting double-overtime showdown.

The game-winning goal, a moment that will live on in Stars history, was delivered by none other than former Avalanche standout, Matt Duchene.

Duchene sent the stars to the finals by skating behind Colorado goalie Alexandar Georgiev, securing a loose puck, and shooting it over Georgiev’s head for the go-ahead score.  

The move ended the game and dashed the hopes of the Avalanche, ending their 2023-24 season.

Duchene could be seen streaking down the ice on one knee, right fist in the air as he and the Stars celebrated the OT thriller.

“Just elation,” said Duchene to reporters after the game.

“I was so tired, I started skating and then I got tired. I don’t even know what I did after that, to be honest with you. I was pretty pumped up.”

The Stars’ journey to the finals has been nothing short of cinematic, first defeating the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Las Vegas Golden Knights in seven games, now the Avalanche.

“The dream’s still alive,” said Stars forward Joe Pavelski.

Goalie Jake Oettinger had a remarkable night with 29 saves with one of his biggest, a close-range shot from Artturi Lehkonen down low midway through the second OT.

Dallas will Stars face the winner of the Vancouver-Edmonton series as fans are already securing their seats, eager to witness the next chapter in what could be a historic playoff run.

This victory marks the Stars’ third trip to the Western Conference Finals in five seasons.

Dallas hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since Mike Madono helped lead the Stars to win it all in 1999.

The post Stars Beat Avalanche in OT Thriller to Reach Conference Finals appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.