19 December 2025 - Basketball was invented in 1891… using a soccer ball. The first games were very slow. Each time someone scored, someone had to climb a ladder to retrieve the ball because the baskets had no holes. Now, almost half of the world’s population is interested in basketball - a whopping 3.3 billion people.
Beyond entertainment, basketball serves as a tool for empowerment, offering opportunities for youth development, teamwork, and inclusion. It also plays an important role in community building, social development, and education. However, not everyone has access to courts, equipment, or programmes, particularly in marginalized communities. Expanding access and fostering opportunities can help ensure that basketball continues to unite people across cultures and generations.
In recognition of its importance and popularity, World Basketball Day was established by the United Nations in 2023 and is now annually celebrated on the 21st of December - the day the first basketball game was played.
World Basketball Day is a reminder of how far the sport has come and how much potential it still holds to inspire, connect, and uplift communities around the world.
For more information: World Basketball Day