First-ever World Basketball Day takes place

By Sam Neter on December 21, 2023

Thursday December 21st marks the historic first-ever World Basketball Day after it became the first team sport to receive such a global recognition and prestigious honour.

Arising from the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and its plenary meeting that was held during August a resolution was adopted that established the inaugural World Basketball Day on December 21st – the day in 1891 that the first game of basketball famously took place in Springfield, Massachusetts.

🤩👀 For the first time EVER, it is @UN #worldbasketballday!

Here’s to all the hoopers and hoops fans all over the globe representing the game we love!

The #BritishBasketballLeague is proud to be a part of this worldwide family! 🥹🏀#UNBEATABLE pic.twitter.com/6TNfzrYh6y

— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) December 21, 2023

Basketball England have recognised the occasion, along with the British Basketball League, with the world governing body, FIBA, inviting all national federations to play their part.

The NBA has also fully backed the movement.

“The NBA family is thrilled to join the global basketball community in celebrating the first World Basketball Day,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

“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.”

Fans can follow along and get involved using the hashtag #WorldBasketballDay on social media.

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