The NBA is the world’s premier basketball league. It has a rich tradition of game-changing plays, storied rivalries and personal sagas. Its legacy of excellence also includes the development of a global network that unites diverse people through shared values and an extraordinary commonality — the love for the game of basketball.
The first official NBA game was played on June 6, 1946. The league was formed by the merger of two smaller competing leagues, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and the National Basketball League (NBL). The NBA has grown to become one of the most popular sports in the world, with more than 3.2 billion fans watching its games on television or at live events around the globe.
During the 2019 offseason, the NBA saw many big-name players move from one team to another. LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kawhi Leonard joined the Los Angeles Clippers and Kyrie Irving jumped to the Brooklyn Nets. The Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets all had to sacrifice some key pieces in order to add talent to their rosters, but it appears they will all be back in the playoffs next season.
NBA teams compete in a best-of-seven series to determine the league champion. The top-seeded team in each conference has home-court advantage through the first four rounds of the playoffs. In the case of a tie, home court is determined by regular-season record; head-to-head matchups are considered in the event of a split.
The league is famous for its dazzling array of superstars. Its early legends include the first dominating big men, such as George Mikan and Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics; ball-handling wizards Bob Cousy and Oscar Robertson; all-stars Jerry West and Hakeem Olajuwon; and more recent playmakers like John Stockton, Isiah Thomas and Steve Nash. The NBA’s international reach has also produced great players such as Manu Ginóbili, Pau Gasol and Tony Parker of Spain.
As the NBA grew, it expanded from its original 12 cities to include franchises in Milwaukee and St. Louis in the 1950s, Cleveland and Cincinnati in the 1960s, and Minneapolis, Detroit, and Philadelphia in the 1970s. The Celtics and Lakers dominated in the ’60s, and Michael Jordan helped the Chicago Bulls take over in the ’80s.
The league continues to grow in size and revenue. In addition to a growing television audience, it is expanding its global footprint with a presence in China and the Middle East. It is also launching a new initiative called “The Last Mile” to promote social equality and economic mobility. The NBA also supports the advancement of women in basketball and has been a leader in the fight against child abuse, with the league establishing strict sexual harassment policies for its players and coaches. It also provides resources and support for victims of domestic violence. Its corporate headquarters are in New York City. The NBA also has regional offices in Atlanta, London, and Tokyo.