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When and Where
Basketball began with its invention in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts. -
First Public Game
The first public basketball game was played in Springfield, Massachusetts, on March 11, 1892. -
YMCA helped spread the game.
The YMCA had a major role in spreading basketball throughout the United States, Canada, and the world. In 1893, Mel Rideout arranged the first European match in Paris, in Montmartre. -
First Collegiate Game
The first known U.S. college to field a basketball team against an outside opponent was Vanderbilt University, which played against the local YMCA in Nashville, Tennessee, on February 7, 1893. -
NBA Started
The first professional league was founded in 1898.
