Australia is Set to Defend Their Title at the VIBF 3×3 World Cup in Bangkok 

The countdown is on!  

Australia’s Pearls and Boomerangs will take to the court in Bangkok, Thailand, looking to defend their world titles at the 2026 Virtus International Basketball Federation (VIBF) 3 x 3 World Cup 1-5 November 2026.

Taking place from 1–5 November, the competition will see 20 Australian athletes represent the green and gold, with 10 athletes selected for each of the women’s and men’s national teams by Basketball Australia. 

For more than three decades, Sport Inclusion Australia has worked alongside Basketball Australia to create opportunities for players with an intellectual impairment to play the sport they love and represent their country. Since 1992, the Pearls and Boomerangs have built on that foundation, establishing a proud history of international success. 

Australia dominated the inaugural VIBF 3×3 Championships in Kazakhstan in 2025, claiming both the men’s and women’s world titles. The Pearls delivered an all-Australian women’s final, with Australia Green defeating Australia Gold 21–7, while the Boomerangs’ Australia Green squad defeated France to secure gold. 

In 2026, 10 athletes will represent the Pearls, combining experienced international representatives with emerging talent. Among them is returning world champion Jessica McCulloch, who was named the women’s 3×3 MVP at the 2025 Championships.  

Bringing many years of experience to this group are Brittany Anderson, who has played 45 games for Australia, and Evie Patterson who has completed 6 international tours. The Pearls also welcome rookies Mikayla Metcraft and Ruby Thomson, making their international debut. 

The Australian Boomerangs will see 10 athletes competing including returning world champion Jack Innella, the 2025 men’s 3×3 MVP, and All-Star Five selection Dylan Cheyne. 

The Boomerangs also welcome Pat Getson and TJ Leifi, who are preparing to make their national team debuts, while Frazer Dawber and Brayden Cowell return to the team for their first 3×3 World Cup. 

The Georg-Dent brothers return to the Boomerangs, while brother and sister Jamie-lee and Pat Getson will also represent Australia together in Bangkok. 

With both teams looking to defend their titles, the stage is set for an exciting five days of international basketball in Bangkok, Thailand.  

To keep up with all the action, watch the livestream: https://youtube.com/live/JI96uVtlR9U?feature=share

Australian Pearls – Women’s Team

• Brittany Anderson (NSW) 
• Alicia Bamblett (VIC) 
• Jasmin Funnell (ACT) 
• Jessica McCulloch (VIC) 
• Mackenzie Wills (NSW) 
• Evangeline Patterson (VIC) 
• Mikayla Metcraft (ACT) 
• Jaime-lee Getson (VIC) 
• Temeka Swanston (ACT) 
• Ruby Thomson (NSW) 

Australian Boomerangs – Men’s Team

• Brayden Cowell (TAS)  
• Frazer Dawber (VIC) 
• Harry Mallard (SA) 
• Pat Getson (VIC) 
• TJ Leifi (VIC) 
• Dylan Cheyne (VIC) 
• Jake De La Motte (VIC) 
• Keenan Georg-Dent (SA) 
• Zac Georg-Dent (SA) 
• Jack Innella (VIC) 

Follow the Australian teams and their journey to Bangkok:

• Australian Pearls – Instagram
• Australian Pearls – Facebook
• Australian Boomerangs – Instagram
• Australian Boomerangs – Facebook
• Basketball Australia Website