-
James Naismith invents basketball in Springfield, Massachusetts, using a soccer ball and two peach baskets. -
The first official basketball game is played at the YMCA in Springfield. -
The first women’s basketball game takes place at Smith College. -
The National Basketball League (NBL) is formed — the first professional basketball league. -
Basketball becomes an official Olympic sport at the Berlin Games. -
The Basketball Association of America (BAA) is founded — the beginning of modern professional basketball. -
The BAA merges with the NBL to create the NBA (National Basketball Association). -
Basketball spreads worldwide; stars like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominate.
-
Legends like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan make basketball a global phenomenon.
-
The U.S. “Dream Team” (with Jordan, Magic, Bird) dominates the Barcelona Olympics. -
Players like Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginóbili, and Pau Gasol lead a new wave of global talent. -
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and the Golden State Warriors redefine the modern game. -
Stars from around the world — like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, and Nikola Jokić — lead the NBA.
Technology, analytics, and social media transform how basketball is played and shared.