Basketball Olympics Start Date 2024: Full Schedule & Key Info

By Sarah Miller · May 28, 2050

The basketball events at the 2024 Paris Olympics will begin on July 27, 2024, two days before the Opening Ceremony, with group stage matches starting at venues in Paris and Lille.

When Does the Basketball Olympics Start?

The Olympic basketball tournament for both men and women kicks off on July 27, 2024. This early start allows teams to play preliminary games ahead of the official Opening Ceremony on July 29. Games will be held at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille and Bercy Arena in Paris.

Olympic Basketball Tournament Schedule Overview

The 2024 Olympic basketball competition features a structured format spanning nearly two weeks. Here's what fans need to know:

Start Date: July 27, 2024 (preliminary rounds)
Opening Ceremony: July 29, 2024
Semifinals: August 8–9, 2024
Medal Games: August 10–11, 2024
Venues: Bercy Arena (Paris), Pierre Mauroy Stadium (Lille)
Teams: 12 men's and 12 women's national teams

Tournament Format Breakdown

Both men’s and women’s tournaments follow the same structure:

Group Stage: 12 teams divided into 3 groups; top two from each group and two best third-place teams advance.
Quarterfinals: Single-elimination round after group play.
Semifinals & Medal Games: Winners advance to gold medal match; losers play for bronze.

Detailed Game Schedule and Key Dates

Fans can expect intense matchups from day one. The first games on July 27 include Group A men’s and women’s fixtures, setting the tone for a competitive tournament.

Date	Event	Men's/Women's	Location
July 27, 2024	Preliminary Round Day 1	Both	Lille & Paris
July 28–August 3	Group Stage Continues	Both	Lille & Paris
August 4–6	Quarterfinals	Both	Bercy Arena, Paris
August 8–9	Semifinals	Both	Bercy Arena, Paris
August 10	Women's Gold Medal Game	Women	Bercy Arena, Paris
August 11	Men's Gold Medal Game	Men	Bercy Arena, Paris

Table data source:1, 2

The schedule shows that the most critical knockout stages are concentrated in the final week, maximizing fan engagement. Both tournaments run parallel, but medal games are held on separate days to avoid broadcast overlap. The use of two venues helps manage logistics and increases accessibility for international spectators.

Top Teams and Player Watchlist

USA remains the favorite in both categories, with Team USA men seeking their fifth consecutive gold and the women aiming for their eighth straight Olympic title.

Men’s Contenders: USA, France, Canada, Serbia, Australia
Women’s Contenders: USA, France, Australia, China, Nigeria
Star Players: LeBron James, Stephen Curry (USA); Victor Wembanyama (France); Breanna Stewart (USA); A'ja Wilson (USA)

How to Watch Olympic Basketball

Broadcast rights vary by region:

USA: NBC and Peacock streaming
UK: BBC and Eurosport
Australia: Seven Network and Kayo Sports
Global: Olympic Channel via olympics.com

All games will be available live and on-demand through official broadcasters. Time zone differences mean early morning or late-night viewing for some regions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Basketball Olympics

What time does the basketball Olympics start on July 27?

The first basketball game begins at 9:00 AM CEST (3:00 AM ET) on July 27, 2024, featuring women's group stage matches at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille.

Where will the Olympic basketball games be played?

Basketball events will be held at two venues: Bercy Arena in Paris and Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, approximately 200 km north of Paris.

How many teams compete in the Olympic basketball tournament?

Twelve national teams qualify for both the men’s and women’s tournaments, determined through FIBA World Cup results, qualifying tournaments, and host nation status.

Will NBA players participate in the 2024 Olympics?

Yes, NBA players are eligible and expected to participate. Top stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid have expressed interest in joining Team USA.

How long does the Olympic basketball tournament last?

The tournament runs for 15 days—from July 27 to August 11, 2024—culminating in the men's gold medal game.

Is the 3x3 basketball schedule different?

Yes, 3x3 basketball starts earlier on July 25 and concludes on August 5 at La Concorde Urban Park in Paris, separate from the traditional five-a-side event.