Invention of Basketball
James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor, invented the game of basketball in Springfield, Massachusetts, as a way to keep his students active indoors during the winter months.
1891
1893
First Women's Basketball Game
The first women's basketball game was played at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, marking the beginning of women's participation in the sport.
1936
Basketball in the Olympics
Basketball was included as an official Olympic sport for the first time at the Berlin Games, showcasing the sport on an international stage.
1946
Formation of the Basketball Association of America (BAA)
The BAA was established, which later merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1949.
1950
First FIBA World Championship
The inaugural FIBA World Championship for men was held in Argentina, marking the first world tournament for national basketball teams.
1967
Formation of the American Basketball Association (ABA)
The ABA was created as a rival to the NBA, introducing innovations like the three-point line and the slam dunk contest.
1976
ABA-NBA Merger
The ABA merged with the NBA, bringing in four ABA teams and integrating several ABA innovations into the NBA.
1984
Michael Jordan Joins the NBA
Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls, beginning a legendary career that would greatly influence the popularity and global reach of basketball.
1992
The Dream Team
The USA Basketball "Dream Team," featuring NBA stars, dominated the Barcelona Olympics, raising the profile of basketball worldwide.
1996
Formation of the WNBA
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) was established, providing a professional platform for female basketball players.
2001
NBA Expands Internationally
The NBA played its first regular-season games outside of North America, in Japan, highlighting the sport's growing global influence.
2008
The USA men's basketball team won gold at the Beijing Olympics, reclaiming their dominance in international basketball.
2016
Golden State Warriors' Record Season
The Golden State Warriors set an NBA record with 73 regular-season wins, surpassing the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls.
2020
NBA Bubble
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBA season was completed in a "bubble" environment at Walt Disney World, ensuring player safety while continuing the league.
2024
Continued Global Expansion
The NBA and FIBA continue to promote basketball worldwide, with new leagues and tournaments enhancing the sport's global presence.
