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Press ReleaseApril 16, 2025
Detroit Amplifiers Unveil Official Logo and Pre-Draft Roster Ahead of BIG3 Debut
Pargo, Jackson, and Johnson to Lead Detroit’s First-Ever BIG3 Franchise in 2025
DETROIT, MI —The Detroit Amplifiers have officially introduced their team logo and pre-draft roster as they prepare for their inaugural season in the BIG3’s new city-based model. Set to make their home debut this summer at Little Caesars Arena on July 20, the Amplifiers are ready to bring Detroit’s signature grit and energy to the national 3-on-3 stage.
The newly unveiled team branding draws from the city’s deep connection to power, rhythm, and culture—symbolizing Detroit’s impact across music, industry, and sport.
“This is Detroit basketball, amplified,” said George Gervin, NBA Hall of Famer and Head Coach of the Detroit Amplifiers. “Our logo reflects who we are—bold, tough, and built to compete. I’ve played and coached a lot of basketball, but leading this team, in this city? That’s something different. Detroit is ready to make some noise.”
The team’s three-man core roster features a powerful trio of veteran leadership and championship experience.
- Jeremy Pargo (Captain): A dynamic guard with an elite scoring touch, Pargo has played in the NBA with teams like the Cavaliers and 76ers, and enjoyed a standout international career in Israel and Russia. He shattered the BIG3 single-season 4-point record in 2024. Known for his leadership and clutch shot-making, he brings control and swagger to the Amplifiers’ backcourt.
- Darnell Jackson (Co-Captain): A physical force in the paint, Jackson is a former NCAA champion with Kansas and logged several seasons in the NBA before carving out a successful pro career overseas. His rebounding, toughness, and vocal presence make him a vital piece of the team’s identity.
- Joe Johnson (Co-Captain): A seven-time NBA All-Star and one of the most respected scorers of his generation, Johnson brings a steady hand, championship poise, and unmatched experience to the Amplifiers. He’s a dominant player in the BIG3 and a 3-time MVP.
“These three guys—they all bring something different to the table,” added Gervin. “Pargo’s got that tempo and edge. Darnell brings the muscle. And Joe? That man is smooth. It’s a strong foundation, and I’m excited to see how we grow from here.”
“We are here to adopt and amplify the Detroit Spirit,” said Jeremy Pargo. “Being from the Midwest myself, I know what that spirit entails. The toughness. The grit. The ability to be relentless and play hard at every turn. That’s what we’re looking to bring to Detroit and the supporters of what we’re doing to amplify this team and this league. With Darnell, Joe, draft picks, and me, this should be a fun season of winning!”
The remainder of the roster will be determined at the BIG3 Draft on May 15, streaming live from Las Vegas at 7 PM ET. Final roster selections will round out what is already shaping up to be one of the most formidable teams in the league.
This announcement is part of BIG3’s new city-based model, which includes eight all-new franchises making their debuts in 2025. Each team will represent a specific home market for the first time in league history, bringing the action directly to fans.
League co-founder Ice Cube called the 2025 season the most exciting in BIG3 history, noting that each team will now compete for wins and city pride. He emphasized that fans could expect higher competition, more intense rivalries, and a deeper connection between the teams and the communities they represent.
Tickets for the Detroit Amplifiers' July 20 home game are going on sale in the coming weeks and other BIG3 matchups are available now at BIG3.com/tickets.
Follow @DetroitAmps and @theBIG3 on Instagram and X for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and team news leading into the season.
About
BIG3
On January 11, 2017, the BIG3 was born. The first-ever professional FIREBALL3 league is the brainchild of producer, actor, and music legend Ice Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz, who shared a vision of a player-centric league focused on entertainment and innovation. The BIG3 is a league with no garbage minutes, where trash talk is allowed, defense is emphasized, fast-paced action, and where every point –whether it’s a 4-point or 3-point shot – counts. Any given BIG3 team has hall of famers, icons and trailblazers, and the next best 3-on-3 player.
The league has led the sports industry in diversity and opportunity, becoming the first professional sports league to implement a mental health policy, favor CBD as a pain management alternative to opioids, enlist female coaches of men, and appoint a black Commissioner in Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler, who is also professional sports first former player serving as Commissioner. The inaugural CEO was the legendary, incomparable Raider executive Amy Trask. This January 2024, BIG3 co-founder Ice Cube was honored at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, where he received the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award, acknowledging individuals making substantial contributions to their community, the first non-player to be recognized. Founders Ice Cube and Jeffrey Kwatinetz are missioned to better society as BIG3 pursues business success while also helping to break down stereotypes, promote diversity in sports, create opportunities for black, brown, and female athletes beyond the court, and support the black, youth and basketball communities overall.
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