Played around the world, basketball is also one of the most followed disciplines. Like football, this sport has planetary stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Giánnis Antetokoúnmpo who make fans dream. Thus, the best basketball competitions always bring together millions of viewers, but also sports bettors.
La National Basketball Association
Commonly known as the NBA, the National Basketball Association is undoubtedly the most important competition in the world. After the major football championships, it brings together the vast majority of Sport betting in this discipline. The bookmakers also offer a wide choice of bets. Just like football matches, bettors can bet on the score at half time, at the end of the match, the number of points scored, etc. The NBA brings together thirty franchises from the United States and Canada which are divided into two conferences: East and West. The play-offs begin at the end of the regular season. The top two teams from each conference then compete for the league title. As a reminder, the NBA is one of the four main professional leagues in American sports along with baseball (MLB), ice hockey (NHL) and American football (NFL).
Olympic Games
Basketball officially became an Olympic discipline in 1936 in Germany. Previously, it has already been the subject of an exhibition in 1904 in the United States. In contrast, the first women’s competition did not appear until four decades later. Taking place every four years, this competition brings together the best nations from the five continents. In addition to the host country, seven teams obtain direct qualification via the basketball world cup. The remaining four places are allocated during the Olympic qualifying tournaments. The next edition will take place in Paris in 2024 from July 27 to August 10.
Euroleague basketball
An interclub competition founded in 1958, Euroleague Basketball is organized by Euroleague Basketball. At the end of the season, it designates the club that wins the title of European champion. Originally called the European Champions Cup, it has been renamed as such since 1991. Contrary to what its name suggests, it is a continental competition in a semi-closed format. Of the eighteen professional teams competing in it, thirteen have a long-term licence. Two places go to the Eurocup finalists, while the remaining three are awarded in the form of an invitation. The best teams qualify for the Final Four.
The Basketball World Cup
Created in 1950, the Basketball World Cup is played every four years. Before, it was called the World Basketball Championship and took place every two years. Today, it brings together thirty-two selections against twenty-four previously and sixteen in 2002. During the first round, the teams are divided into eight groups of four. The first two of each group are qualified for the second which has four new groups of four teams. The eight best selections play the quarter-finals, then the semi-finals and the final. The next edition will be held from August 25 to September 10.
