The NBA and the global basketball community will mark the third annual World Basketball Day on Sunday, Dec. 21, engaging hundreds of millions of fans and youth across the United States and around the world through clinics, social media campaigns and in-arena activities.

The celebration brings together FIBA, USA Basketball, the NCAA, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the National Basketball Coaches Association and the National Federation of State High School Associations in a unified effort to spotlight basketball’s cultural reach and shared values.

World Basketball Day also coincides with the 175th anniversary of the YMCA, where Dr. James Naismith introduced basketball in 1891, a milestone that adds historical weight to this year’s global observance.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the occasion highlights both the origins and influence of the game. “World Basketball Day takes on a special meaning this year as we commemorate the 175th anniversary of the YMCA, where the sport was first invented 134 years ago,” Silver said, adding that the NBA is proud to celebrate basketball’s impact worldwide.

NBA and YMCA deepen youth and community commitment

In conjunction with World Basketball Day, the NBA and YMCA announced an extension of their long-standing partnership, launching year-long youth basketball and community-focused programming across the U.S.

The collaboration will support the YMCA and the six million youth it serves annually, while also including renovations at select YMCA facilities to expand access to safe spaces for sport and development.

YMCA of the USA President and CEO Suzanne McCormick said the partnership reflects a shared belief in sport as a catalyst for connection. “World Basketball Day offers a meaningful moment to honor our history as the birthplace of basketball and to highlight its ongoing impact,” McCormick said, noting the goal of ensuring youth sports benefits reach every community.

Boston Celtics star and NBA champion Jayson Tatum emphasized the personal significance of the day, saying, “World Basketball Day is a chance to celebrate the game and the impact it has on people everywhere,” while expressing hope that the joy and lessons he gained from basketball can be passed to the next generation.

Global celebrations across courts and continents

World Basketball Day will be celebrated across the U.S. by multiple NBA teams through arena events, local initiatives and digital programming, while former and current players lead youth clinics in cities including New York and Springfield, Mass.

Internationally, FIBA will announce the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2026, while NBA Africa coaches will conduct clinics across 13 African countries as part of a continent-wide commitment to coaching education and grassroots development.

FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said the day reflects basketball’s unifying power. “World Basketball Day is a time to celebrate how a shared passion for basketball continues to unite us all as one global community,” Zagklis said, highlighting the sport’s positive impact from grassroots courts to the elite level.

The NBA’s global and localized digital platforms will feature player sound bites and highlights from World Basketball Day activations worldwide, while Jr. NBA, Jr. WNBA and NBA Basketball School programs gain access to exclusive training and education content.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the celebration reinforces basketball’s ability to open doors. “World Basketball Day is a powerful reminder that this game has the unique ability to unite communities in every corner of the world,” Engelbert said, underscoring the league’s commitment to expanding opportunity for girls globally.

In the Philippines, NBA Stores will host World Basketball Day scavenger hunts and merchandise promotions, while localized NBA channels across Asia, Latin America and Canada spotlight creators, players and basketball communities.

Fans are encouraged to participate by tagging @nba, @nbacares and @jrnba using the hashtag #WorldBasketballDay, while Dec. 21 will also serve as a “3-for-1 Day” in NBA All-Star Voting via the NBA App and NBA.com.