What began in the summer of 2020 as a simple way to bring friends together has grown into something much bigger.

In a time marked by isolation, The Bubble started as a small 3-on-3 basketball tournament among high school friends: a reason to reconnect, compete, and spend a day outside together. Year after year, that idea has evolved into an annual tradition that now brings together over 40 players from across the country.

At its core, The Bubble is about more than basketball.

What makes the tournament unique is its draft-style format. Players enter individually and are selected by captains, creating new teams each year. The result is a competitive but highly social environment: one that fosters new friendships, unexpected team dynamics, and a sense of community that extends far beyond the court.

Over time, The Bubble has developed its own traditions and identity. It’s a day defined as much by what happens off the court as on it—from post-game pool jumps (often fully clothed) to enduring the peak heat of summer together. For many, it has become the highlight of the season—a rare moment where competition, nostalgia, and connection all intersect.

As the tournament has grown, so has its purpose.

The Bubble has evolved into a platform for impact, partnering with organizations like the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation to support teens battling cancer. What was once just a game is now an opportunity to give back—channeling the energy, competition, and community of the day toward a meaningful cause.