United Pro Invitational Tournament
United Pro Invitational (UPI) is an invitation, round-robin tournament played each summer in the United States, with the stakes being a free trip to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (United Cup of Champions). The number of teams playing in the tournament has varied since its establishment, but in recent years has settled into a 6-team field.
The event was founded in 2025 by Trinity United, LLC founder Jermaine Barnes, and as of 2025, the tournament is covered by usbasket.com and presented by Sports Illustrated Tickets.
Format
Teams in UPI are arranged by the general manager, sometimes based on which college basketball program the players competed for. The tournament has had as many as 6 teams, in 2025, and as few as 4 teams. Players who were not invited have an opportunity to join through the United Pro Combine. This combine allows rookie players to showcase their talent in front of each team and FIBA team owners. The top players will receive an invitation to play in the weeklong tournament.
The MVP of the United Pro Invitational will receive a free trip to the Dominican Republic to compete in the United Cup of Champions covered by LatinBasket.com
Rules
UPI uses a modified version of FIBA men's basketball rules with a twist. As of the 2025 edition, the most significant exceptions were:
- Games are played in 55-minute straight instead of 20-minute halves (or the 10-minute quarters of the NCAA game).
- Players foul out upon their 6th personal foul (instead of 5th).
- Bonus free throws follow FIBA rules, with two free throws on the 5th and subsequent non-shooting fouls by the defense in a quarter. An exception to this rule was added starting with the 2025 tournament. All AND 1 plays are one free-throw bonus.
- FIBA rules on basket interference are followed, except on free throws. Once the ball hits the rim on a field goal attempt, any player on either team can play the ball, regardless of the direction in which it is moving or its position relative to the basket. The only exception is that no player on either team may touch a shot that was in the air at the time the game clock expired for any quarter, even if the ball has touched the rim, as long as it has a chance to enter the basket.