FOX SPORTS ANNOUNCES BIG3 BROADCAST TEAM FOR 2018 SEASON

Charissa Thompson, Mike Hill, and Kristina Pink Tapped as Studio Hosts for Live BIG3 Television Coverage

Veteran Sportscaster Brian Custer Rejoins BIG3 as New Lead Play-By-Play Announcer

Analyst Jim Jackson and Sideline Reporter Michael Rapaport Return for Second Season

LOS ANGELES - FOX Sports announced today its broadcast voices for the BIG3 3-on-3 basketball league's second season, tipping off Friday, June 22, 2018 live on FS1 at 7:30 pm ET.

Charissa Thompson, Mike Hill, and Kristina Pink will rotate as studio hosts for the BIG3 during the 10-week season, setting the stage for viewers between games every Friday night. Thompson has worked prominently on a variety of FOX Sports programs and currently helms the network's FOX NFL Kickoff pregame show. With over 20 years of broadcast experience, Hill has held numerous roles, including host of MLB WHIPAROUND and INSIDE THE BIG EAST as well as during studio programming for college football, college basketball, and MLB games on FOX and FS1. For the past six years, Pink has served as a FOX NFL sideline reporter in addition to her courtside reporter duties for the Los Angeles Clippers on FOX Sports' regional network, Prime Ticket.

As BIG3's new lead play-by-play announcer, veteran sportscaster Brian Custer covered a few games during the inaugural 2017 season and will now assume an expanded role for the 2018 season. During his broadcasting career, Custer has covered a range of sports including boxing, college football, and college basketball on FS1.

Joining Brian on the desk is veteran sportscaster, Jim Jackson, who returns as lead BIG3 game analyst. As a former pro and college all-star, Jackson brought expert first-hand knowledge to the games in 2017 and will continue with a fresh brand analysis this year. Jackson is also a regular studio contributor and game analyst for FOX Sports' college basketball broadcasts.

Michael Rapaport, a unique voice and veteran of TV and film, will again act as BIG3's sideline reporter, handling in-game updates and interviews with the players and coaches. He also worked the inaugural season with Jackson.

"We have added some new faces to our broadcast team who bring a range of experience and knowledge to the BIG3," said John Entz, President, FOX Sports Production & Executive Producer, FOX Sports. "Each person has a unique style and expertise which adds to the excitement and entertainment of the live game coverage."

FOX Sports will live stream one game per week exclusively on Facebook, leading up to three additional games which will air exclusively on FOX or FS1 (simulcast live in the FOX Sports app) during the regular season and playoffs. The BIG3's ten-week season opens in Houston, TX on June 22 at 7:30 pm ET and will make stops at Chicago, Oakland, Detroit, Miami, Toronto, Boston, Atlanta, Dallas, and will culminate with the Final Championship in Brooklyn. The 2018 season will be broadcasted live each Friday with four back-to-back games during the regular season and playoffs and two final games on the night of the Championship. The BIG3's full 2018 schedule can be found here.

--FOX SPORTS--

About FOX Sports

FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century FOX's wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1, FS2; FOX Sports Regional Networks, their affiliated regional web sites and national programming; FOX Soccer Plus; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, including FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app, which provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content, with instant scores, the latest stats and real-time alerts available to iOS and Android devices. Also included in the Group are FOX's interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.

About BIG3

BIG3 (BIG3.com) is where basketball superstars play. The premier half-court, 3-on-3 basketball league, BIG3 features many of the greatest, most popular and skilled NBA players of all time. Founded by producer, actor and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, the BIG3 combines highly competitive, physical, fast basketball and incredible fan experiences. Comprised of eight teams, the league played to huge arena crowds in ten different US cities throughout the 2017 inaugural season.