The NBA, or National Basketball Association, is a professional basketball league in North America comprised of 30 teams, primarily located in the United States and one in Canada. Founded in New York City on June 6, 1946, originally as the Basketball Association of America (BAA), it merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 to become the NBA.
The league is widely regarded as the premier men’s professional basketball league in the world. It features two conferences, the Eastern and Western Conferences, each divided into three divisions. The NBA regular season typically runs from October to April, followed by the playoffs, which culminate in the NBA Finals in June, where the conference champions compete for the league championship.
The NBA is known for its high level of competition, athleticism, and skill, with many of the greatest basketball players in history having played in the league. It also has a significant cultural and global impact, influencing sports, entertainment, and fashion, and enjoying a broad international fan base.