NBA (National Basketball Association) is the world’s premier professional basketball league. It was founded in June 1946, when Boston Garden owner Walter Brown realized that major ice hockey arenas were empty most nights and could be used for basketball games. Brown created the Basketball Association of America, which merged with the National Basketball League in 1949 to become the NBA. The NBA has its headquarters in the Olympic Tower at 645 Fifth Avenue in New York City, and operates its international offices from Atlanta, Georgia.
The NBA consists of 30 teams in the United States and Canada, which are divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. The top eight teams in each conference qualify for the playoffs, and the winners of the finals earn the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
Throughout its history, the NBA has been home to a wide variety of dynasties, legendary rivalries and personal stories that have captured the imagination of fans. The league also has a long-standing commitment to social responsibility, through NBA Cares, which works to support education and youth development.
All teams begin the season with 15 players, and they can add up to five more each time they play. The regular season lasts 82 games. In February, the NBA pauses the regular season for the annual All-Star Game. The All-Star Game features the best players in each conference, selected by fan votes, with the top vote-getters serving as team captains. Coaches vote for the remaining starters and reserves. The game’s best player is awarded the All-Star Game MVP award.
The NBA is famous for its superstar players, who are known for their skill and athleticism. Current stars include Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. Many former players have become global celebrities, and some have used their fame to speak out about important issues.
In 1954, the NBA became the first professional sports league to integrate when African American players joined several teams. The Boston Celtics of the late 1950s and 1960’s won the most titles in the early part of the league’s history, with stars such as Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain leading the way. Other key figures included Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in the 1970s, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in the 1990s, and LeBron James in the 2010s.
The NBA has a number of rules that help ensure fair play and safety for its players. Its salary cap restricts the amount that a team may spend on salaries, which helps prevent richer teams from buying out all the best players. The league also has a draft system in which teams select eligible young players to join their squads. This ensures that all teams have a chance to get the best talent and keeps the league competitive. The NBA also has a series of other policies, such as its rigorous drug testing program. The NBA is a major global sports league with an expanding presence in China and India, and its international broadcasts are available in more than 200 countries around the world.