When Does the US Basketball Team Play? Schedule & Events

By Sarah Miller · November 4, 2051

The U.S. men's basketball team plays during international competitions such as the Olympics, FIBA Basketball World Cup, and exhibition games typically held in July or August before major tournaments. For 2025, no official games are scheduled yet, but preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are expected to begin with training camps and friendlies in mid-2026.

When Does the U.S. Basketball Team Play? Overview

The U.S. men's national basketball team, commonly known as Team USA, competes primarily during summer months when NBA players are available. Major events occur every four years, including the Summer Olympics and FIBA Basketball World Cup. Exhibition games usually precede these tournaments, offering fans early matchups featuring NBA stars.

Key Competitions and Schedules

Team USA participates in several high-profile tournaments. Understanding their competition cycle helps fans anticipate game dates.

Olympic Games

The next appearance will be at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Men’s basketball is scheduled from July 27 to August 11, 2028.
Team USA typically begins training camp in July, with preliminary games starting late July.

FIBA Basketball World Cup

Last held in 2023; next edition in 2027.
Expected to take place between August and September 2027.
Qualifying windows occur throughout 2025–2026.

Exhibition and Preparation Games

Team USA often plays 4–6 exhibition games before major tournaments.
These usually happen in July, prior to the Olympics or World Cup.
Locations may include Las Vegas, New York, or international venues like Abu Dhabi.

Historical Performance and Upcoming Expectations

Team USA has dominated men’s international basketball, winning gold in four of the last five Olympics. With home-court advantage coming in 2028, expectations are high for a strong roster featuring current NBA superstars and emerging talent.

Tournament	Year	Location	Result	Head Coach	Notable Players
Olympics	2020 (2021)	Tokyo	Gold	Gregg Popovich	Kevin Durant, Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum
FIBA World Cup	2023	Philippines, Japan, Indonesia	Bronze	Steve Kerr	Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Brunson
Olympics	2016	Rio de Janeiro	Gold	Mike Krzyzewski	Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Kyrie Irving
FIBA World Cup	2019	China	7th Place	Gregg Popovich	Kemba Walker, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum
Olympics	2012	London	Gold	Mike Krzyzewski	LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table shows Team USA's fluctuating performance in recent years, with dominant Olympic success but inconsistent results in FIBA World Cups. The 2023 bronze medal highlighted development challenges, suggesting increased focus on continuity and player commitment ahead of LA 2028.

About Team USA Roster Selection

Rosters are curated by USA Basketball in collaboration with NBA coaches and executives. Key factors include:

NBA performance and availability during summer months
Previous international experience
Positional balance and team chemistry
Injury history and endurance

Players are invited rather than automatically selected. Commitment from top-tier stars like Stephen Curry or LeBron James can significantly impact team strength and fan engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions About When the U.S. Basketball Team Plays

When is the next U.S. men's basketball game?

As of October 2025, no official games are scheduled. The next major event is the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with preparation games expected in July 2028. Training camps may begin in mid-2026.

Does Team USA play every year?

No, Team USA does not play annually. Official games occur during Olympic years (every 4 years) and FIBA Basketball World Cup cycles (every 4 years, offset by two years). Qualifiers and exhibition games happen intermittently.

Where can I watch Team USA basketball games?

Games are broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock in the U.S. Internationally, FIBA and Olympic events are streamed via Olympic Channel and FIBA platforms. Check local listings for live coverage.

How often does Team USA play exhibition games?

Typically 4–6 exhibition games are played before each major tournament, usually in July. These serve as final preparations and team-building opportunities before the Olympics or World Cup.

Why didn’t Team USA win gold in the 2023 FIBA World Cup?

Team USA finished third in 2023 due to limited participation from top NBA players, lack of continuity, and strong performances from teams like Germany and Canada. Many elite players opted out, affecting depth and cohesion.

Will NBA players participate in the 2028 Olympics?

Yes, NBA players are expected to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. As hosts, the U.S. will field a full-strength team, likely featuring current superstars and rising talents aiming for gold on home soil.