An under-23 level nations league has been launched by FIBA ©FIBA

A new 3x3 Nations League for under-23 teams has been launched by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

The event will be part of the world governing body's FIBA 3x3 Fast Track programme and fits the programme's goal to help countries develop specialised players in the format of the game and identify future Olympic medalists. 

Six founding members of the Fast Track programme are Czech Republic, Hungary, Japan, The Netherlands, Sri Lanka and Uganda.

All except for Japan - which is not involved at under-23 level - are sending a men's and a women's team to five one-day events in 2017.

The first stop took place yesterday in Podebrady in the Czech Republic.

Slovenia beat Czech Republic 22-16 in the final of the men's competition while The Netherlands beat Hungary 15-13 in the women's event.

A second leg is due to be held tomorrow in Szolnok, Hungary.

It is hoped by FIBA that 3x3 will feature on the Olympic programme at Tokyo 2020 ©Getty Images
It is hoped by FIBA that 3x3 will feature on the Olympic programme at Tokyo 2020 ©Getty Images

Reigning world champion Sara Krumpholcova of Czech Republic and Summer Youth Olympic Games silver medalist Charlotte Van Kleef of The Netherlands are among those participating.

The event is being live-streamed on FIBA 3x3's official YouTube channel.

The International Olympic Committee Executive Board is due to debate on Friday (June 9) new disciplines and events seeking to be added to the programme for Tokyo 2020, with 3x3 basketball is a leading contender.

Teams will earn tour standing points after each one of the five stops on the Nations League.

There will be no final, with the best ranked teams after the five legs declared the winner.