The Department of Justice has opened an investigation against the NBA for anticompetitive behavior for allegedly attempting to sabotage the growth of Ice Cube's BIG3 league, according to TMZ Sports.

Last month, the DOJ filed an inquiry following accusations that NBA allegedly used their brand recognition to prevent sponsors from collaborating with the BIG3.

The NBA also faces allegations of discouraging several TV networks from partnering with the BIG3 which would give the league much-needed exposure.

Although NBA referees work games with other companies, they are not allowed to  officiate any games for the BIG3, according to the report.

For months, Ice Cube has not been shy about criticizing the NBA’s treatment of the BIG3. In an interview with CBS Sports, he explained how believes the NBA is seeking the ruin his league with arbitrary rules.

“It's really about not hurting us behind the scenes with sponsors and networks. Calling us "competition" in their bylaws is not right, and we want that not to say competition,” Ice Cube said.

“It's funny because they're just kind of holding the BIG3 to this standard. They're not doing it to [The Basketball Tournament], or SlamBall, or any of the other stuff that's come up,” Ice Cube continued. They're just doing it to the BIG3. So it's just a little unfair... At a certain point, it's really like if they don't want to work with us I understand that, but doing some of the things they're doing to hurt us is not cool. “

Mike Bass, an NBA spokesman said that allegations of the league preventing sponsorship and television opportunities for the Big 3 are "not true."

“We have been supportive of the BIG3 since its inception, but we declined to invest,” Bass said.

On X (formerly Twitter), Ice Cube set the record straight about asking the NBA to invest in the BIG3.

“Correction: BIG3 never asked the NBA to invest, we just want them to stop pressuring individuals and [corporations] not to invest in the BIG3,' Ice Cube wrote. 'They must be stopped.”

Launched in 2017 by co-founders Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz, the three-on-three league, which features most retired NBA players and takes place over the summer during  the NBA offseason.

This past season, Boston Celtics star guard Jaylen Brown became the first active NBA player to participate in a BIG3 game when played in the league’s All-Star game.

"Having some fun for charity, giving back to the community, and supporting," Brown said after the game. "It's amazing being in this environment. Shout out to London, shout out to the O2 [Arena]. Excited to give back to charity, excited to be a part of this, and I appreciate you, Ice Cube."