Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor. He created the game as a way to keep his students active indoors during the winter months. The first game was played with a soccer ball and two peach baskets as goals.
Over time, the game evolved, and the basic rules were established. In 1893, the first women’s basketball game was played at Smith College. The sport gained popularity in colleges and schools across the United States.
In 1936, basketball was included as an official Olympic sport during the Berlin Summer Olympics. The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded in 1946, becoming the premier professional basketball league.
The game continued to grow in popularity globally, leading to the formation of international competitions such as the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Olympics. Notable players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James have contributed to the sport’s global appeal.
Basketball has undergone various rule changes and innovations, including the introduction of the shot clock in 1954 to increase the pace of the game. Today, it’s played and watched by millions of people worldwide, making it one of the most popular sports globally.
