As the world comes together to celebrate the first-ever World Basketball Day, the National Basketball Association (NBA) stands at the forefront, uniting with international partners to honor the sport that transcends borders and cultures.
December 21st
Established by the United Nations on August 23rd during the FIBA World Cup, World Basketball Day will now be observed annually on Dec. 21st, paying homage to the day in 1891 when Dr. James Naismith introduced the game of basketball at the Springfield YMCA. With nearly 600 million people participating annually, basketball has become the second most popular sport globally and claims the top spot as the number one team sport in the United States.
The NBA, in collaboration with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), USA Basketball, and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), is celebrating this special occasion through a series of impactful events and programs that highlight basketball’s profound societal contributions.
Adam Silver
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “More than 130 years after Dr. James Naismith invented the game at the Springfield YMCA, World Basketball Day is a reminder of basketball’s ability to transcend borders, cultures, and languages and unite people around the world.”
US celebrations
United Nations’ World Basketball Day Panel: The Philippines will host a panel discussion at the United Nations, featuring notable figures such as Professor David Hollander, founder of World Basketball Day; a representative from the Philippine Embassy; John Doleva, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame President; and Julius Erving, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer.
United Nations’ World Basketball Day Diplomats Pick-Up Games: In New York City, 30 diplomats from 20 different countries will engage in friendly pick-up games at the Vanderbilt YMCA on Dec. 21, fostering international camaraderie through the universal language of basketball.
Jr. NBA Clinic: At the Harlem PAL Center in New York City, the Jr. NBA will host a clinic, bringing together 80 youth participants, ages 6-14, to learn the fundamentals of the game and promote the values of teamwork and sportsmanship.
International celebrations
NBA Cares Packing Project: As part of the Republika ng NBA Month, the NBA conducted a Cares packing project in Mandaluyong City, assembling care packages for high school students from select public schools around the NBA Community Court. These care packages, including a “Republika ng NBA” t-shirt, socks, slippers, Gatorade bottle, and vivo-branded backpack and water bottle, were distributed ahead of World Basketball Day.
NBA Basketball School Virtual Conversation: The NBA Basketball School held a virtual conversation on Dec. 15, featuring former WNBA player Mery Andrade and former NBA player Zaza Pachulia. The discussion revolved around how basketball has positively impacted their lives, their excitement about the inaugural World Basketball Day, and their engagement with attendees’ questions.
NBA Egypt Hoops: In Egypt, specifically at the Al Sadat School Gharbia, NBA Egypt is contributing to public schools by providing basic infrastructure for students to practice and experience basketball. This includes installing two basketball hoops, providing three basketballs, and conducting basic refurbishments in some of the courts where national school competitions take place.
The NBA’s commitment to celebrating World Basketball Day underscores the sport’s ability to inspire, connect, and make a positive impact on communities worldwide. As basketball enthusiasts join in the festivities, the inaugural World Basketball Day promises to be a landmark celebration for years to come, uniting the global community through the shared love of the game.
