Basketball is experiencing one of its most important moments with the celebration of the second World Basketball Day, established to commemorate the growing popularity of the sport and its impact on global communities. According to recent data, more than 610 million people between the ages of six and 54 play at least twice a month around the world.
China leads these figures with more than 200 million players, consolidating its position as one of the three largest markets alongside the United States and India. In addition, following the success of the FIBA 2023 World Cup, Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines, co-hosts of the event, are also among the top 10 markets with the highest participation. In the Philippines, nearly one-third of the population plays regularly.
THE WORLD’S SECOND MOST POPULAR SPORT
These impressive numbers were endorsed by the Global Sports Barometer 2023, a study that analyzed 32 global markets, covering 65% of the world’s population. Complementing these figures, a Nielsen Sports report revealed that basketball has 3.3 billion fans in the 16-69 age range, cementing its place as the second most popular sport on the planet, behind only soccer.
“We are delighted to celebrate the growing impact of our sport. This day is for everyone: players, fans and communities who make basketball a positive force in the world,” stresses Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Secretary General.
A DAY RECOGNIZED BY THE UN
World Basketball Day, established on December 21, is a date steeped in history. It was in 1891 that Dr. James Naismith invented the sport in Springfield, Massachusetts. In 2023, basketball became the first collective sport with an official day following a United Nations General Assembly resolution, a milestone pushed by the Philippines after the FIBA World Cup.
A LEGACY THAT TRANSCENDS BORDERS
The influence of the FIBA World Cup 2023 has left an indelible mark. Dubbed the most watched tournament in history, the tournament not only highlighted the talent of the players, but also strengthened fans’ connection to the sport. This legacy continues to inspire new generations to join basketball, both at the grassroots level and in elite competitions.
With this celebration, FIBA invites all basketball lovers to participate every December 21, highlighting how the sport unites people from different cultures and backgrounds under the same passion, that of the orange ball.
