Basketball ranks as the third most-watched sport globally.

Created by Canadian-American John Naismith in the United States, the game quickly gained popularity across the country.

Over the years, the best players were primarily from the U.S., but it wasn't until the late 90s that other countries began to catch up. Today, professional basketball leagues exist worldwide.

For most people, the first time playing basketball isn’t part of an organized team, it’s just a casual game with friends at the local playground. All you need is a ball and a few people to get started. A simple pick-up game can be spontaneous: one-on-one, 21 or taps, and with enough people, you can form teams for a full 5-on-5.

The beauty of basketball is it's low cost—no special gear required, just sneakers, a ball, and a neighborhood hoop. This simplicity also makes it easy for players to practice on their own without needing much help.

Basketball is inherently personal. With only five players on the court, the spotlight is always on them. Unlike other sports that require helmets or heavy gear, basketball players’ personalities and emotions are always visible. It’s why athletes like LeBron James are recognized worldwide. Fans feel a direct connection with players because they see them not just as athletes, but as people. In fact, many fans end up rooting for individual players rather than just the teams they play for.

Basketball also has a unique mental aspect. Beyond the strategy, there’s the mental battle between players, especially when they are matched up one-on-one for an entire game. Rivalries, often fueled by personal trash talk, add an extra layer of intensity. Historic rivalries, like Magic vs. Larry or LeBron vs. Durant, have captivated fans for decades, making the NBA feel like a series of Clashes of Giants.

College basketball offers an entirely different vibe. The arenas are smaller, but the atmosphere is electric. March Madness captivates the nation, even inspiring office pools where people who don’t normally watch basketball get involved just for the fun of it. While star players like Zion Williamson occasionally dominate the scene, it’s the Cinderella stories that really capture the imagination.

Teams that defy expectations and make improbable runs, like George Mason in 2006 or Loyola-Chicago in 2018, leave fans rooting for the underdogs—no matter how fleeting the magic may be.

While playing basketball is inexpensive, the cost of basketball shoes can quickly add up. From Nike’s iconic Air Jordans to today’s endless array of player-specific sneakers, shoes have become an integral part of basketball culture. They’re designed for the court, but many fans wear them everywhere, showcasing their favorite players’ latest styles. Basketball is the only sport where such a strong connection exists between fans and an accessory like basketball shoes.

Thunderous dunks, ankle-breaking crossovers, and game-winning buzzer beaters—these are the unforgettable moments that define basketball. Whether we’ve witnessed them from the stands, on TV, or even lived them ourselves, these plays leave a lasting mark. Basketball creates personal connections with real-life giants, giving us a glimpse into their world. We celebrate their historic victories and share in their heartbreaking defeats.

From the kid playing on the playground for the first time to legends like Michael Jordan, basketball has a way of touching us all, leaving memories that stay with us for a lifetime.