Timeline: History of Basketball

Dec 1, 1891

Basketball was born

Dr. James B. Naismith a canadian sports figure,an instructor at the School for Christian Workers, and inventor, invented the game of basketball at the YMCA in Springfield, Mass. A janitor provided peach baskets instead of the requested boxes. Then basketball was spelled basket ball.

Period: Dec 1, 1891 to Jan 10, 2003

History of Basketball

Mar 11, 1892

1st public basketball game

Students and workers at the School for Christian Workers play the first public game of basket ball.

Mar 22, 1893

First Women`s Basketball Game

Smith College in Massachusetts becomes the first women's school to play basket ball. Men are not allowed to watch the games.

Nov 7, 1896

First professional Basketball Game

The first known professional basketball game is played in Trenton, New Jersey.

Oct 7, 1921

The spelling of basket ball becomes basketball.

Dec 29, 1934

First College Doubleheader

The first college basketball doubleheader is played at Madison Square Garden in front of over 16,000 fans.

Aug 1, 1936

Basketball becomes an official Olympic sport.

Basketball becomes an official Olympic sport. The United States defeats Canada 19-8 for the gold medal. The games were played in Berlin, Germany.

Feb 28, 1940

First Televised Game

The first televised basketball games were played between Pittsburgh and Fordham (57-37) and New York University and Georgetown (50-27) at Madison Square Garden.

Jun 6, 1946