The NBA is the world’s premier basketball league. With 30 teams in iconic cities across the United States and Canada, it is home to storied traditions and riveting rivalries. It is where legends are born and immortalized, and where future stars are groomed for greatness. From iconic legends to emerging franchises, the NBA is a cultural phenomenon that has become an integral part of the fabric of America’s culture.
Founded by James Naismith in 1946, the NBA has grown from its origins as a small professional basketball association to one of the most powerful sports leagues in the world, with a presence that extends well beyond the court. Today, the NBA is a global entertainment and media brand with a wide range of social impact initiatives that connect the game to the heart of the communities it serves.
It has a rich legacy of legendary players and riveting rivalries, and it is the only major sports league to feature a team from every continent. With a unique combination of talent, competitiveness, and drama, the NBA has built a global following, generating passionate fans and captivating narratives.
The regular season runs from late October through April, with each team playing 82 games. Based on their record, the top 8 teams in each conference qualify for the playoffs. The #1 seed starts with the #8 team in their conference, #2 plays #7, #3 plays #6, and #4 plays #5. Each series is a best-of-7. The first team to win four games advances to the next round, and so on until the NBA Finals, which are also best-of-7. The winner of the Finals is crowned champion for that year.
There are many facets to the game, from the rules themselves to the data macau strategies used by each team. For example, since the introduction of the rule that says “no contact” on defenseless players, NBA teams have shifted to seeking out physicality and leaning into defenders in order to draw fouls and get points. But a whole generation has been raised on these tactics, and while they might make for a more entertaining game, it’s not necessarily the most skillful or efficient way to play.
The NBA is a massively popular sport, and there are always new things to learn about it. The history of the game is fascinating, and there are plenty of interesting facts to discover. While most of the most famous players are American, a growing number are from other countries such as China, France, Serbia, and Australia. In fact, a player from any country can join the NBA if he or she qualifies to be drafted. The application process is open to anyone who has a high school diploma or equivalent and can prove that they have the skills needed to compete at a professional level. The NBA’s official website has detailed information on how to apply. Those who don’t qualify for the draft can still apply to attend tryouts.