Basketball History

Basketball is one of the most popular team sports in the world. Its history is a story of growth and evolution that begins with its inventor, James Naismith, and continues to this day. It has become a multi-billion dollar industry with a professional league and international presence. It has also produced many great teams. These range from dynasties that won multiple championships in a row to single-season juggernauts.

The origins of basketball can be traced back to 1891, when Naismith, a physical education instructor, was seeking an indoor game to keep his gym class active during the frigid Massachusetts winters. He came up with the idea of using a soccer-style ball and peach baskets, and wrote 13 rules for his new game. The game took off from there, spreading to YMCA centers across the country and then becoming an intercollegiate sport in 1907 — though it didn’t have its first national tournament until 1937.

A typical early game included a referee, two teams of nine players and closed-bottom baskets that were flipped to reveal the winner after each score. Early balls were laced leather and needed to be re-laced, re-inflated and bounce tested after each use.

The modern NBA has grown from 17 teams when it was founded in 1946 to its current 38. It has a women’s league and an international presence, as well as many high school and college tournaments.