A milestone history of the National Basketball Association, covering its formation, landmark franchises, championship dynasties, and defining players.
The BAA begins play, providing the direct organizational predecessor of the NBA.
The BAA and National Basketball League merge to form the National Basketball Association.
The NBA adopts the 24-second shot clock, transforming the pace of play.
Boston selects Bill Russell, who becomes central to the Celtics dynasty.
The rival American Basketball Association begins play and later contributes teams and innovations to the NBA.
Four ABA franchises join the NBA, expanding the league and bringing in the 3-point line later.
The NBA introduces the 3-point field goal line for the 1979-80 season.
The Celtics-Lakers Finals series symbolizes a new national television era for the league.
Chicago selects Michael Jordan, who becomes one of the league's defining stars.
Charlotte and Miami begin play as expansion franchises, followed soon by Minnesota and Orlando.
NBA stars represent the United States at the Barcelona Olympics and win gold.
The WNBA is founded as a sister league to the NBA and begins play in 1997.
The Spurs win the first championship of the Duncan-era franchise.
The league removes hand-checking restrictions and emphasizes perimeter freedom in the modern game.
James announces his move to the Miami Heat, reshaping the league's player-movement era.
The Warriors win the championship behind a pace-and-3-point oriented style.
Cleveland defeats Golden State after coming back from a 3-1 Finals deficit.
The Raptors defeat Golden State in the Finals.
The league resumes and completes its season at Walt Disney World after the COVID-19 suspension.
The first NBA In-Season Tournament culminates in a Las Vegas championship game.
The Celtics defeat Dallas and move ahead of the Lakers for the most NBA championships.