Basketball may not quite have the same reach as football, rugby, or cricket, but there’s no denying that it’s one of the most popular sports in the world. Basketball differs from other contact sports in that it isn’t quite as physical, rather relying on sheer stamina as opposed to strength.
Here we will look at the reasons why basketball has become an international favourite over the last few decades.
How Easy It Is To Play
Like with many other popular sports, basketball is extremely easy to play. Where in golf a person would either need to buy their own gear or hire gear from the local course, which can be expensive, basketball is a game that only needs a ball and two hoops, along with a willingness to play fairly and to practice. It can be enjoyed as easily in the back yard as it can at the local basketball courts, and because basketballs are cheap and widely available, just about anyone with a few bucks can pick one up and play a few games with their friends.
Surprising Finishes
Basketball at a competitive level is an exciting, adrenaline-fuelled sport that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout. But what really sets the sport apart is the unpredictability of the last few moments of a game, especially when scores are extremely closely tied. It provides an atmosphere of excitement, nervousness, and exhilaration that not many other pastimes have been able to successfully replicate. These dramatic finishes are what draw new players and fans to the game, and the reason that so many of them eventually become lifelong fans.
Betting
The last point links closely to the point spread betting that has become so widespread among sports bettors, in that the unpredictability of basketball makes it perfect for an exciting bet, similar to poker or online bingo in NZ. During the busiest basketball seasons, millions of people around the world put down money on their favourite teams, games, and players. The pastime has become such a favourite among betting fans that there are now websites that offer live cover of sports as they happen, allowing bettors to change their wagers on the fly.
Gender Equality
While other sports have and are still dominated by men, basketball stands out as there have been official women’s basketball teams for well over 100 years. In fact, the first intercollegiate women’s basketball game was played in April of 1896, where California and Stanford played a nine-sided game. It was a victory for Stanford, and would lay the foundation of a sport that could be enjoyed by both men and women over the next century.
The Stars
Every sport has its share of famous players, but none are quite as well-known as some of the players that have played professional-level basketball. Names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Magic Johnson have all now become common, household names, with new generations of famous players entering the industry every year.
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