When Does Team USA Basketball Start? 2024 Olympic Schedule

By Sarah Miller · November 30, 2047

Team USA basketball begins its official competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 27, 2024, with their first game against Serbia at 11:15 AM local time in Lille, France. This marks the start of the men's basketball tournament, where Team USA will aim for a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal.

When Does Team USA Basketball Start? Key Dates and Schedule

The United States men's national basketball team will kick off their Olympic campaign on July 27, 2024. The opening game against Serbia is part of the group stage of the Paris Olympics, held at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille. Fans across the globe can tune in live, with broadcast coverage available through NBC and streaming platforms like Peacock.

Olympic Group Stage Overview

First game: USA vs. Serbia – July 27, 2024
Venue: Pierre Mauroy Stadium, Lille, France
Tip-off: 11:15 AM CEST (5:15 AM ET)
Group: Group C (USA, Serbia, South Sudan, Puerto Rico)
Next games: July 29 vs. South Sudan, July 31 vs. Puerto Rico

Team USA Roster and Player Highlights

The 2024 Team USA roster features NBA All-Stars and championship-caliber players selected to defend the nation’s dominance in international basketball. Head coach Steve Kerr leads a balanced squad combining veteran leadership and elite athleticism.

Key Players to Watch

LeBron James – Returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2012
Stephen Curry – Making his Olympic debut at age 36
Kevin Durant – Three-time Olympic gold medalist aiming for a historic fourth
Anthony Davis – Defensive anchor and rim protector
Ja Morant – Explosive guard adding speed and transition play

Player	Position	NBA Team (2023–24)	Previous Olympics	Notable Achievements
Kevin Durant	Forward	Phoenix Suns	2012, 2016, 2020	3x Olympic Gold, FIBA World Cup MVP
Stephen Curry	Guard	Golden State Warriors	None	4x NBA Champion, 2x MVP
LeBron James	Forward	Los Angeles Lakers	2008, 2012	4x NBA Champion, 19x All-Star
Anthony Davis	Center	Los Angeles Lakers	2012	NBA Champion, 10x All-Star
Joel Embiid	Center	Philadelphia 76ers	None	2023 MVP, 7x All-Star

Table data source:1, 2

The roster blends experience and fresh talent, with Durant as the most decorated Olympian in U.S. men's basketball history. Curry’s inclusion brings elite shooting, while Embiid adds dominant interior presence despite being a first-time Olympian.

How Team USA Prepares for the Olympics

Prior to the official start of Olympic competition, Team USA participates in a series of exhibition games to build chemistry and test strategies. In July 2024, the team played five pre-Olympic friendlies against teams including Canada, Australia, and Nigeria.

Exhibition Schedule (July 2024)

July 12: USA vs. Canada – Las Vegas, NV
July 15: USA vs. Australia – Las Vegas, NV
July 18: USA vs. Nigeria – Abu Dhabi, UAE
July 20: USA vs. South Sudan – Abu Dhabi, UAE
July 24: USA vs. Germany – London, UK

These games allowed Coach Kerr to evaluate lineups and defensive schemes under competitive conditions before entering Olympic play.

Broadcast and How to Watch Team USA Live

All Team USA games during the 2024 Olympics will be televised in the United States by NBC and its affiliated networks (USA Network, CNBC). Streaming options include Peacock and the NBC Sports app, requiring authentication through a cable provider or Peacock subscription.

Live Stream: Peacock, NBCOlympics.com
International Viewers: Eurosport, DAZN, Seven Network (Australia)
Time Zone Note: Games in France are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time

Frequently Asked Questions About Team USA Basketball

When does Team USA basketball play their first Olympic game?

Team USA plays their first Olympic game on July 27, 2024, against Serbia at 11:15 AM CEST (5:15 AM ET) in Lille, France.

Where can I watch Team USA basketball live?

In the U.S., Team USA games are broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC, and streamed live on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com. International viewers can access coverage via partners like Eurosport and DAZN.

Who is coaching Team USA in the 2024 Olympics?

Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, serves as head coach of Team USA for the 2024 Olympics, assisted by Mark Few and Tyronn Lue.

Has Team USA won the last few Olympic basketball tournaments?

Yes, Team USA has won the last four Olympic gold medals in men's basketball (2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2016 Rio, 2020 Tokyo), aiming for a fifth consecutive title in Paris 2024.

Why is Stephen Curry playing in the Olympics for the first time?

Despite his NBA success, Stephen Curry previously declined Olympic participation due to injury recovery and family considerations. He joined the 2024 team to fulfill a personal goal and add elite three-point shooting to the roster.