3x3 basketball can contribute to Korean Peninsula unification. KXO's grand plan was revealed.
'NH Nonghyup Bank 2025-2026 KXO 3x3 Hongcheon STOP' was held on the 20th at the Hongcheon County National Sports Center in Hongcheon County, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. The tournament was held over two days across four divisions: U15, U18, men's open division and KXO STOP.
The tournament, hosted by KXO (Chairman Park Geon-yeon), was held with the support of Hongcheon County (county governor Shin Young-jae) and the Hongcheon County Sports Council (chairman Shin Eun-seop). Beginning with KXO 3x3 Hongcheon STOP 1 in February, KXO held six domestic tournaments and three international tournaments this year, and completed its 2025 schedule with this Hongcheon STOP.
I met Park Geon-yeon, KXO chairman, who successfully held all tournaments in 2025. He looked back on this year's achievements, saying, "I am grateful that the tournaments improved compared with last year. There is more ahead to overcome, so I am more worried. Our goal this year was to attract a World Tour event, but it has been delayed. We are continuing efforts to attract it in '27. We aim to secure a World Tour event within two years."
KXO successfully held many tournaments this year. Among them, Light Quest held in Sinchon achieved both commercial success and results. Chairman Park Geon-yeon expressed satisfaction, saying, "Sinchon Light Quest received a good response. Seocho District Office proposed expanding next year's tournament. In Gyeongju, Mayor Joo Nak-young personally suggested making the tournament bigger. I am very pleased."
I also heard about plans for 2026. Chairman Park said, "Our goal is to operate two challenger events next year. It has been confirmed to be held in Hongcheon in the autumn. We are negotiating with the relevant local governments to host one more tournament in April or May. We have discussed it with FIBA," he said with expectation.
In particular, KXO is known to plan to host a FIBA challenger and invite northern 3x3 teams. Chairman Park explained, "FIBA is very proactive about inviting northern teams and is willing to provide substantial support. The North participated in a tournament in Mongolia several years ago. I understand their skills are considerable. If the invitation is successful, they could come to the South by land, which would be significant in many ways."
A KXO official added, "Because the North is also a FIBA member, in principle it is eligible to participate in the tournament. As the host country, we can send an official invitation letter to the North."
Of course, whether the North will actually accept KXO's invitation is uncertain. However, if the North comes, sports could foster a mood of reconciliation between the South and the North. It is reported that major South Korean companies have indicated they would actively sponsor if the invitation is realized.
KXO's ultimate goal is to launch Korea's first professional 3x3 basketball league. Chairman Park Geon-yeon painted a big picture, saying, "Next year we plan to establish 3-4 corporate teams. There was an intention to found corporate teams in Hongcheon. As soon as it is announced in Hongcheon, we plan to consecutively create 2-3 teams. The ultimate goal is to push for professionalization."
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