When Does Team USA Play Basketball? Next Game & Schedule 2025

By Sarah Miller · February 18, 2034

Team USA plays basketball during major international competitions such as the Olympics, FIBA Basketball World Cup, and qualifying tournaments, with their next official game scheduled for July 2025 during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

When Does Team USA Play Basketball?

The U.S. Men's National Basketball Team, commonly known as Team USA, competes in high-profile international events every two to four years. Their schedule is centered around three main competitions: the Summer Olympics, the FIBA Basketball World Cup, and regional or global qualifying rounds. Games are typically concentrated in July through September when NBA players are available after the league season ends.

Key Competitions and Frequency

Olympic Games: Held every four years (e.g., 2024 Paris Olympics)
FIBA Basketball World Cup: Occurs every four years, usually two years after the Olympics
FIBA AmeriCup: Regional competition held every four years (not always featuring top-tier NBA players)
Qualifying Tournaments: Held over multiple windows from late one year to mid-next year

Upcoming Team USA Basketball Schedule

The next major event for Team USA is the 2025 FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, which will determine seeding and qualification for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. These games are expected to take place across multiple "FIBA windows" in November 2025 and February 2026.

Event	Dates	Location	Status	Expected Team USA Games
FIBA World Cup Qualifiers - First Round	November 20–25, 2025	Various Americas Locations	Scheduled	2 games
FIBA World Cup Qualifiers - Second Round	February 17–25, 2026	North America	Scheduled	2 games
2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup	August 15 – September 3, 2027	Qatar	TBD	5–8 games (if qualified)
2028 Summer Olympics	July 20 – August 5, 2028	Los Angeles, USA	TBD	5–6 games (if qualified)

Table data source:FIBA Official Calendar, USA Basketball

The table shows that Team USA’s next competitive appearances will be in late 2025 and early 2026 during FIBA World Cup qualifying windows. While exact opponents and venues are not yet finalized, these games are critical for advancing to the 2027 World Cup. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will likely feature a strong Team USA roster, especially given the home-court advantage.

How to Watch Team USA Basketball Games

Team USA games are broadcast globally through official partners including ESPN (U.S.), NBA TV, and international networks like Eurosport and Sky Sports. Streaming options include:

ESPN+ – Live coverage of qualifiers and exhibition games
NBA League Pass – International access to select Team USA matches
Peacock / NBC Sports – Olympic broadcasts (2028, 2024 replays)
Official FIBA YouTube Channel – Free live streams for some qualifying games

For real-time updates and broadcast details, fans should follow USA Basketball’s official website.

Team USA Roster and Player Selection

Rosters are selected by USA Basketball’s senior men’s national team committee, typically announced 4–6 weeks before major tournaments. Key factors in selection include:

NBA performance and availability during summer months
Past international experience
Positional balance and team chemistry
Injury status and team needs

Top contenders for the 2025–2028 rosters include Jayson Tatum, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and rising stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Suggs.

Frequently Asked Questions About When Team USA Plays Basketball

When is the next Team USA basketball game?

The next official Team USA basketball game is expected in November 2025 during the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers. Exact dates and opponents will be confirmed closer to the event window.

Does Team USA play every year?

No, Team USA does not play every year. They compete primarily during international windows every two to four years, such as the Olympics (every 4 years) and FIBA World Cup (every 4 years). Qualifying games may occur annually in certain cycles.

Will Team USA play in the 2024 Olympics?

Yes, Team USA competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, winning the gold medal. Their games took place from July 27 to August 10, 2024.

How often does Team USA play exhibition games?

Team USA typically plays 2–4 exhibition (friendly) games before each major tournament, usually in July. These games help finalize the roster and build team chemistry ahead of the Olympics or World Cup.