<P> The history of basketball began with its invention in 1891 in Springfield , Massachusetts by Canadian physical education instructor James Naismith as a less injury - prone sport than football . The game became established fairly quickly and grew very popular as the 20th century progressed , first in America and then throughout the world . After basketball became established in American colleges , the professional game followed . The American National Basketball Association ( NBA ) , established in 1946 , grew to a multibillion - dollar enterprise by the end of the century , and basketball became an integral part of American culture . </P>
<P> The history of basketball began with its invention in 1891 in Springfield , Massachusetts by Canadian physical education instructor James Naismith as a less injury - prone sport than football . The game became established fairly quickly and grew very popular as the 20th century progressed , first in America and then throughout the world . After basketball became established in American colleges , the professional game followed . The American National Basketball Association ( NBA ) , established in 1946 , grew to a multibillion - dollar enterprise by the end of the century , and basketball became an integral part of American culture . </P>
where was the first game of basketball ever played
where was the first game of basketball ever played
America
America