'Might see me jump on the mic': Ice Cube reveals plans to expand Big3 basketball to Australia

American rap icon and Big3 Basketball co-chief executive Ice Cube is joining forces with the NBL to bring the basketball format to Aussie cities later this year.

The announcement by the actor, director and former member of legendary '80s rap group NWA coincided with an exclusive two-show Australian tour, playing to crowds in Melbourne and Sydney over the weekend.

"I started rapping as a hobby, I never knew it would get me to Australia," he told 9News.

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In a deal with the NBL, Cube plans to bring his multimillion-dollar three-on-three league to Australia in November.

The first-ever international Big3 Showcase will see top players converge in Australian cities, including Melbourne, in a bid to grow interest in the league Down Under.

Taking inspiration from street basketball, 3x3 basketball is played in a half-court setup with one backboard and three players on each side.

"It's fun to watch and that's what we've achieved with the Big3," Cube told 9News.

"[I'll be] the ambassador, shaking hands, kissing babies, you might see me jump on the mic and entertain the crowd, and perform, you know I can do a song or two at half time."

More details on the partnership are expected to be released later this year.

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