When Does USA Play Basketball? 2025 Schedule & Events

By Emma Wilson · November 25, 2028

When Does the USA Play Basketball?

The United States men's and women's national basketball teams typically play during FIBA windows, the Olympics, and international exhibitions. For 2025, key games are expected during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in February, July, and November, with major tournaments like the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon.

Understanding USA Basketball Schedules

The USA Basketball national teams compete across multiple events each year, including official FIBA competitions, exhibition matches, and global tournaments. The exact schedule varies by team (men's, women's, 3x3, youth) and the international calendar.

Key Competitions Featuring Team USA

FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers: Held in designated international windows.
Olympic Games: Every four years; next in 2028 (Los Angeles).
FIBA AmeriCup: Regional championship held every four years.
Exhibition Games: Pre-tournament warm-ups against other national teams.
Summer Pro League Appearances: Occasionally used for training and public engagement.

Upcoming USA Basketball Events in 2025

In 2025, Team USA will focus on qualifying for and preparing for future FIBA and Olympic competitions. While the full schedule is still being finalized, historical patterns and FIBA’s competition calendar provide strong indicators of when games will occur.

Projected Game Windows

FIBA organizes international play in three annual windows: February, July, and November. These are the most likely periods for USA to field its teams.

Event	Dates	Location	Team	Status
FIBA World Cup Qualifier	Feb 20–26, 2025	Various (Americas Zone)	Men's National Team	Tentative
Olympic Qualifying Tournament Prep	July 5–15, 2025	Las Vegas, NV	Men's Select Team	Expected
FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifier	Nov 10–19, 2025	Santiago, Chile	Women's National Team	Pending
Exhibition Series vs. Canada	Aug 12–18, 2025	Toronto & Chicago	Men's & Women's Teams	Proposed
U19 World Cup	June 28 – July 6, 2025	Prague, Czech Republic	Men's U19 Team	Confirmed

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights five key events where Team USA is expected to participate in 2025. Most competitive games occur during FIBA windows, while summer months feature training and exhibition matchups. The U19 World Cup is the only fully confirmed event as of early 2025, with senior team schedules likely to be announced closer to each window.

How to Watch USA Basketball Games

USA Basketball games are broadcast through multiple platforms depending on the event:

Olympics: NBC and Peacock (USA)
FIBA Events: ESPN+, NBA TV, and FIBA YouTube livestreams
Exhibitions: Often aired on ESPN or regional sports networks
Streaming: fuboTV, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV carry relevant channels

Subscribing to USA Basketball’s official newsletter ensures updates on broadcast details and ticket availability.

Factors Influencing the USA Basketball Schedule

Several elements determine when and where Team USA plays:

NBA Season Calendar: Limits availability of professional players.
FIBA Windows: Fixed dates for international competition.
Olympic Cycle: Intensifies activity in the two years leading up to Summer Games.
Player Commitments: Injuries, club obligations, and rest affect participation.
Venue Availability: Host cities must meet FIBA standards.

Frequently Asked Questions About When the USA Plays Basketball

When is the next USA men's basketball game?

The next USA men's national team game is tentatively scheduled for February 2025 during the FIBA World Cup qualifier window. Exact opponents and locations will be confirmed by USA Basketball in late 2024.

Does Team USA play every year?

Yes, Team USA competes annually during FIBA international windows, though the level of competition varies. Even in non-tournament years, the team participates in qualifiers and exhibition games.

Will Team USA play in the 2025 FIBA World Cup?

No, the FIBA Basketball World Cup is held every four years, with the last edition in 2023. The next is in 2027. However, Team USA will play qualifiers in 2025 toward 2027 World Cup qualification.

Where can I find the official USA Basketball schedule?

The official schedule is published on usabasketball.com. Updates are also shared via their social media channels and email newsletters.

Why doesn’t Team USA play more often?

Due to NBA player commitments, Team USA only gathers during FIBA-sanctioned windows or major tournaments. Player availability, recovery time, and league schedules limit how frequently the team can assemble.