FORMER TACO BELL CEO MARK KING JOINS BIG3 BASKETBALL AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

The BIG3, a global 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz, has welcomed Mark King, a seasoned leader in the sports and apparel sector, as its new Chairman of the Board. This move strengthens the league’s leadership as it gears up for its seventh season, which will start on Saturday, June 15 on CBS. “Ice Cube, BIG3 CEO and co-founder, praised King’s enthusiasm for sports, talent for success, and confidence in the BIG3 as a top-notch global league. “Mark gets what we are trying to achieve and shares our vision. He is not only a great person but also a brilliant executive, and his decision to join us as our chairman shows the world that the BIG3 is on the right track.”

King is known for his impressive leadership at TaylorMade, Adidas, and Taco Bell, where he demonstrated his strategic acumen and people skills. He started as a sales rep at TaylorMade and climbed up to president and CEO, leading the brand to triple-digit growth. He then became the president of adidas North America, where he doubled the brand’s market share in less than three years. He took over as Taco Bell CEO in 2019 and guided the brand through the pandemic challenges, leaving the company after a period of transformation. “I’m excited to join a league that values creativity and innovation,” said Mark King. “The BIG3 is offering something unique in sports – a holistic culture and entertainment experience. Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz have built a solid foundation for a global professional 3-on-3 league that has lasted for seven years while putting the players and the fans first. I can’t wait to make this season the best one yet.”

This news comes after some important off-season events. In January, Ice Cube received the first Ice Cube Impact Award at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, recognizing individuals who make a positive impact on their community through basketball. In December, the BIG3 launched its first BIG3 Street Tour in Los Angeles, partnering with Monster Energy, Doni Nahmias, and Shoe Surgeon.