When Is Basketball in the Olympics? 2024 Schedule & Details

By Sarah Miller · June 6, 2043

Basketball at the Olympics takes place during the Summer Games, with the next competition scheduled for July 27 to August 10, 2024, in Paris. Both men's and women's tournaments feature 12 teams each, following a group stage and knockout format.

When Is Basketball Played in the Olympics?

The Olympic basketball tournament occurs every four years as part of the Summer Olympic Games. For the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, basketball events will run from July 27 to August 10, 2024. Games will be held at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France, and Bercy Arena in Paris. The schedule includes preliminary rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal matches for both men’s and women’s competitions.

Olympic Basketball Schedule Highlights (Paris 2024)

Opening games: July 27, 2024
Group stage: July 27 – August 3
Quarterfinals: August 4–5
Semifinals: August 7–8
Gold medal games: August 10

History of Basketball in the Olympics

Basketball was first introduced as an official Olympic sport during the 1936 Berlin Summer Games. Initially dominated by the United States, the sport has evolved into a truly global competition. The inclusion of NBA players starting in 1992—dubbed the 'Dream Team' era—revolutionized international basketball and raised competitive standards worldwide.

Milestones in Olympic Basketball

1936: Basketball debuts in Berlin
1976: Women’s basketball added in Montreal
1992: USA sends NBA professionals (Barcelona)
2020: 3x3 basketball introduced in Tokyo

Format and Structure of Olympic Basketball

The current Olympic basketball format consists of two main phases: the group stage and the knockout rounds. Twelve national teams qualify through FIBA World Cup results, regional qualifiers, and wild card invitations.

Men’s and Women’s Tournament Format

Group Stage: 12 teams divided into 3 groups of 4; top two from each group plus two best third-place teams advance
Knockout Stage: Single-elimination from quarterfinals onward
Medal Matches: Winners of semifinals play for gold; losers compete for bronze

Year	Host City	Men's Gold	Women's Gold	Participating Teams (Men)	Participing Teams (Women)
1936	Berlin	USA	N/A	23	0
1976	Montreal	USA	USA	12	6
1992	Barcelona	USA	USA	12	8
2008	Beijing	USA	USA	12	12
2020	Tokyo	USA	USA	12	12
2024	Paris	TBD	TBD	12	12

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows consistent U.S. dominance in both men's and women's basketball since the sport's expansion. Participation has stabilized at 12 teams per gender since 2000, reflecting a balanced competitive structure. The introduction of 3x3 basketball in 2020 marks a shift toward urban and youth engagement.

Qualification Process for Olympic Basketball

National teams earn Olympic berths through a multi-stage qualification system managed by FIBA. Key pathways include:

FIBA Basketball World Cup performance
Continental championships (e.g., EuroBasket, FIBA AmeriCup)
Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQTs) for remaining spots

Each zone (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania) receives allocated slots based on global rankings and past performance.

Notable Players and Teams in Olympic History

The United States remains the most successful nation in Olympic basketball history, with 16 gold medals in men's play and 9 in women's as of 2020. Legendary players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lisa Leslie, and Diana Taurasi have defined eras of excellence.

All-Time Olympic Basketball Leaders (Through 2020)

Most Gold Medals – Men: USA (16)
Most Gold Medals – Women: USA (7)
Top Scorer – Men: Oscar Schmidt (Brazil), 488 points
Top Scorer – Women: Teresa Edwards (USA), over 400 points

Frequently Asked Questions About Olympic Basketball

When is basketball played in the 2024 Olympics?

Basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympics will be held from July 27 to August 10, 2024. The preliminary rounds begin on July 27, with the gold medal games scheduled for August 10.

How often is basketball in the Olympics?

Basketball is featured every four years as part of the Summer Olympic Games. It has been a regular event since 1936 for men and since 1976 for women.

Where will Olympic basketball be played in 2024?

The basketball events for Paris 2024 will take place at two venues: Bercy Arena in Paris and Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France.

How many teams compete in Olympic basketball?

Twelve national teams qualify for both the men’s and women’s Olympic basketball tournaments. They are selected through FIBA World Cup results and qualifying tournaments.

Is 3x3 basketball in the Olympics?

Yes, 3x3 basketball made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games and will return in Paris 2024. It features mixed-gender teams with four players per team and faster-paced gameplay.