When Does USA Basketball Play Next? Schedule & Updates

By Sarah Miller · February 12, 2028

The next official game for the USA Basketball men's national team is scheduled for July 2025, during the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Pre-Qualifying Tournament. This will mark their first competitive appearance since winning the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021). Friendly exhibition games are expected in June 2025 as part of their preparation.

Upcoming USA Basketball Schedule Overview

The United States men's basketball team is preparing for a busy international calendar leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Their next official competition will be in 2025, following a series of exhibition matches.

Confirmed and Expected Events

FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Pre-Qualifiers: July 2025 (exact dates TBA)
Exhibition Games: June 2025 (opponents and locations pending)
FIBA AmeriCup 2025: Likely August–September 2025
2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: Multiple windows across 2025–2026

Historical Context and Recent Performances

USA Basketball has dominated international basketball for decades, but recent years have seen increased competition from nations like France, Spain, and Australia. After a disappointing 7th place finish at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Team USA rebounded by winning gold at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Key Past Tournaments

2021: Gold Medal – Tokyo Olympics
2019: 7th Place – FIBA World Cup (worst finish in history)
2016: Gold Medal – Rio Olympics
2014: Gold Medal – FIBA World Cup

Player Roster Expectations for 2025

While the official roster won't be announced until closer to the events, several NBA stars are expected to return or join the national team.

Potential Core Players

Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns)
LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) – possible final international appearance
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) – if cleared for eligibility
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Tournament	Year	USA Result	Host Nation(s)	Top Scorer (USA)
Olympic Games	2021	Gold	Japan	Kevin Durant (27.6 ppg)
FIBA World Cup	2019	7th	China	Kemba Walker (20.5 ppg)
Olympic Games	2016	Gold	Brazil	DeMarcus Cousins (13.8 ppg)
FIBA World Cup	2014	Gold	Spain	James Harden (14.2 ppg)
Olympic Games	2012	Gold	United Kingdom	Kevin Durant (19.5 ppg)

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that Team USA remains dominant in Olympic competitions, consistently winning gold. However, their performance in FIBA World Cups has fluctuated, with the 2019 result signaling a need for stronger NBA player participation. Scoring leadership often falls to elite shooters like Durant and Curry.

How to Watch USA Basketball Games

Domestic broadcasts in the U.S. are typically handled by NBC, USA Network, and Peacock, especially during major tournaments. For international viewers, FIBA+ offers global streaming rights.

Broadcast Partners

United States: NBC, USA Network, Peacock, ESPN
International: FIBA+, Eurosport, DAZN (region-dependent)
Streaming: NBC Sports App, FIBA YouTube (for select games)

Frequently Asked Questions About USA Basketball

When does USA Basketball play next?

The next official games for the USA men's national team are set for July 2025 during the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 Pre-Qualifying Tournament. Exhibition matches are expected in June 2025.

Where can I watch USA Basketball games live?

Live games are broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and streamed via Peacock in the U.S. Internationally, FIBA+ and regional sports networks carry the games depending on location.

Will LeBron James play for Team USA in 2025?

It’s uncertain, but possible. LeBron James has expressed interest in one final Olympic run in 2028 in Los Angeles. If he participates in 2025 events, it would likely be limited to key exhibitions or qualifiers.

Who is coaching the USA Basketball team in 2025?

Steve Kerr is currently the head coach, having taken over after Gregg Popovich. He led the team during the 2023 FIBA World Cup and will continue through the 2028 Olympics unless changes occur.

How does USA Basketball select its roster?

The selection is managed by the USA Basketball Men’s National Team Committee, which includes NBA executives and coaches. Players are invited based on performance, availability, and fit within the team’s strategic goals.