The NBA is finding itself in hot water as the United States Department of Justice investigates allegations that the league intentionally worked against Ice Cube’s Big3 basketball league. However, the NBA vehemently denies these accusations.

According to sources, the Department of Justice launched the inquiry several months ago to examine possible anticompetitive behavior by the NBA, which may have hindered the growth of the Big3.

The allegations against the NBA range from influencing sponsors and potential partners not to do business with Ice Cube’s league to discouraging television networks from broadcasting Big3 games.

In 2017, Ice Cube and his business partner Jeff Kwatinetz launched the Big3 as a 3-on-3 league primarily composed of retired NBA players.

Some current NBA players have expressed interest in playing in the Big3 league during the offseason. However, the Big3 claims that the NBA has imposed arbitrary rules to prevent players from participating.

It’s worth noting that the NBA and Big3 seasons do not overlap, and NBA players often participate in non-NBA games after the regular season ends, such as the Drew League in Los Angeles.

Sources familiar with the investigation state that Big3 officials believe they have been unfairly targeted by the NBA.

Furthermore, NBA owners have allegedly been discouraged from investing in the Big3 while owning a franchise.

Even referees have reportedly faced restrictions, as some have been told they cannot officiate for the Big3, despite working for other organizations outside the NBA.

Sources close to the Department of Justice investigation reveal that Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz have met with DOJ lawyers earlier this year, and investigators are now reaching out to NBA owners for further inquiries.

If the government finds the NBA guilty of antitrust violations, the league could face substantial fines.

We reached out to the NBA for a comment, and NBA spokesman Mike Bass responded, “Those claims are not true.” He also clarified that while the NBA has been supportive of the Big3, they chose not to invest in it.

Both the U.S. Department of Justice and the Big3 declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.