Born from a peach basket and a dream, basketball has grown into the world's most electrifying sport — played on cracked blacktop and sold-out arenas alike. Five players, one ball, and the courage to take the shot.
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Origin Story
1891
Year Invented
In December 1891, Dr. James Naismith invented basketball in Springfield, Massachusetts to keep his gym class active on a rainy day. He used a soccer ball and two peach baskets.
The League
1946
NBA Basketball Association
The NBA (National Basketball Association) was founded in New York City. Today it stands as the premier professional basketball league in the world, featuring 30 dominant franchises.
The Game Today
1B+
Global Fans
Basketball has evolved into a global phenomenon, drawing over one billion fans worldwide. It is the world's fastest growing, most culturally significant sport.
Global Stage
1936
Olympic Debut
Basketball became an official Olympic sport at the Berlin Games, launching the international dominance of the game. Professional NBA players debuted in 1992 with the legendary "Dream Team".
“The game is simple. The mastery is not.”
Basketball is more than a sport — a universal language played on every continent, uniting billions through the simple act of putting a ball through a hoop.