The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and rap legend, blockbuster film producer and actor, and co-founder of the BIG3 basketball league, Ice Cube, are thrilled to announce a pioneering partnership culminating in the creation of the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award.

This unique collaboration is set to honor Ice Cube’s extraordinary contributions to the world of basketball, his unparalleled passion for the game, and his unwavering commitment to encouraging crucial dialogues surrounding inclusivity, equal opportunity, and racial and social justice while contributing to initiatives focused on education and community development.

 

 

“The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Award named in my honor is truly remarkable, and words alone can’t express my gratitude for this recognition from such a prestigious organization,” said Ice Cube, a lifelong Lakers fan who grew up playing basketball at the Inglewood YMCA. “Having an award bearing my name only intensifies my commitment to advancing inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports, alongside my unwavering dedication to community activism.”

The Naismith Hall of Fame will permanently house and amplify the Ice Cube Impact Award in its museum and honor subsequent award winners each year through a dedicated exhibit and in-depth storytelling about honorees who use basketball as a platform for good works in their own communities.

“Ice Cube’s unquestionable passion for the game and his desire to see it utilized as a catalyst for positive impact on communities are unwavering,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “His sphere of influence in both the entertainment industry and in the professional sports arena brings remarkable authenticity and value to this award. We are delighted to join hands with Ice Cube as he leverages his love of the game to inspire others. The Ice Cube Impact Award will stand as a testament to the power of basketball and the profound impact it can have on communities worldwide.”

Ice Cube’s remarkable journey through the world of basketball has had a profoundly transforming effect. As the visionary founder of the BIG3, he created a professional league built on the game’s proven bests–Hall of Famers, World Champions, and All-Stars. The BIG3 has launched and revitalized careers and opened doors for all players and coaches who wish to continue to positively contribute to the game in a format that captures the hearts and imagination of fans nationwide. His unique and innovative approach to the game, which incorporates elements of streetball and professional basketball, also showcases the immense power of sports in uniting communities, as exemplified by the Young3 program focusing on youth in underserved areas.

The Ice Cube Impact Award will be presented to Ice Cube at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 15, 2024) in Springfield, Massachusetts.

About Ice Cube
Ice Cube, a legendary figure in the world of music and entertainment, has proven time and time again that his talents and passions extend far beyond the realm of music and movies. While he initially gained fame as a member of the groundbreaking rap group N.W.A., Ice Cube has since carved out a multifaceted career that spans acting, directing, producing, and even sports ownership. Following N.W.A., Ice Cube pursued a successful solo music career and later established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry through his acting roles and contributions to filmmaking, starring in numerous films such as “Boyz n the Hood,” “Friday,” and “Barbershop.” In 2017, he co-founded the BIG3, which aimed to bring an exciting 3-on-3 basketball league to fans, featuring former NBA stars and other professional players. Among Ice Cube’s many awards and honors, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of N.W.A. in 2016 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017. 

About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level—men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches, and contributors—both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 400 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits, and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo “Court of Dreams.” Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad.