The global basketball family is set to unite for a major celebration this weekend. On Sunday, December 21, the world will mark the third annual World Basketball Day, with the NBA, FIBA, and a host of other leading organizations leading a wave of activities designed to engage millions of fans and youth worldwide.
A Global Celebration with Deep Roots
Established by the United Nations in 2023, World Basketball Day is observed every December 21. This date commemorates the day in 1891 when Dr. James Naismith first introduced the game at a YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts. This year's event holds extra significance as it coincides with the 175th anniversary of the YMCA itself.
To honour this shared history, the NBA and YMCA of the USA are announcing a major extension of their partnership. They will collaborate on year-round youth basketball and community programs, supporting the six million young people the YMCA serves annually in the U.S. The collaboration will also include renovations of select YMCA facilities across the country.
African Coaches Take Centre Stage in Continental Push
A significant highlight for the African continent is the direct involvement of coaches from the Africa Coaches Programme. This initiative, part of NBA Africa and the Basketball Africa League's commitment to developing local talent, will see 19 coaches conduct specialized clinics across 13 African nations.
The countries set to benefit from this grassroots development push are: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Egypt, Eritrea, Gabon, Libya, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia. This move underscores a long-term investment in elevating the game's coaching standards and infrastructure at the grassroots level across Africa.
Worldwide Activations and Fan Engagement
The celebrations will be vast and varied. The NBA's global digital channels will feature players sharing what the day means to them, alongside highlights from events worldwide. Furthermore, the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA and NBA Basketball School programs are providing a special playbook with exclusive training content to tens of millions of youth and coaches.
Fans also get a unique opportunity to participate. On World Basketball Day, the NBA is implementing a "3-for-1 Day" for All-Star Voting. Fans with an NBA ID who submit a ballot via the NBA App or NBA.com will have their vote counted three times.
Key physical events include a Jr. NBA clinic in New York City led by former player Taj Gibson for 200 YMCA youth, and a clinic at the Naismith Hall of Fame in Springfield led by Michael Carter-Williams. The NBA, with New York Cares, is also donating 150 basketballs to students in NYC.
Elsewhere, FIBA will announce the inductees for its Hall of Fame Class of 2026, while the NBA will honour Dr. Naismith on its Canadian channels. Localized content featuring players and creators from Australia, Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines will also be showcased.
Leaders Hail Basketball's Unifying Power
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted the day's special meaning, linking the YMCA's anniversary with the sport's invention 134 years ago. He expressed pride in joining the global community to celebrate the game's worldwide impact.
Suzanne McCormick, President of YMCA of the USA, emphasized the shared belief in sport's power to build community. She noted the day offers a moment to honour the YMCA as basketball's birthplace and its ongoing positive influence on youth.
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum spoke of the game's positive influence on his life and his hope to pass on joy and skills to the next generation. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert pointed to basketball's unique ability to unite global communities and the league's dedication to expanding access for girls worldwide.
Basketball Africa League President Amadou Gallo Fall stated the day underscores basketball's power to unite and inspire. He reiterated the league's long-term investment in Africa's basketball future through grassroots and professional development.
