Basketball in Nice

Invented in 1891 by James Naismith in the United States, basketball rapidly spread throughout Europe, culminating in France's first game on 27 December 1893 at the Salle de Trévise in Paris.

With over 700,000 members in 3,823 clubs, the French Basketball Federation has been working to develop the sport in all its forms since 1932. 5x5, the traditional Olympic discipline, is the foundation of the sport; today, the Federation has diversified its offerings with 3X3, a new Olympic discipline, and a range of non-competitive activities (Vivre Ensemble).

Our participation in the Olympic Torch Relay is an opportunity to promote our disciplines, as well as the players who contribute on a daily basis to their development and to the emergence of young talent, right up to the national teams.

Team Relay in Nice, June 18.

The French Basketball Federation's second Olympic Torch Relay will take place in Nice. The city has been chosen by the Federation to highlight our two Olympic disciplines: 5x5 and 3X3. Nice hosted the first French 3x3 Open, and its success helped to promote the new discipline. We will also be highlighting our offerings for both younger and older players.

The storyline will show the diversity of practices, and the sharing of the Flame between the torchbearers will illustrate the intergenerational link. This is exactly how the thousands of playgrounds that have been set up by local authorities all over France will be portrayed and brought to life, making basketball even more accessible.

For the first time in the history of the Games, each day of the Olympic Torch Relay and Paralympic Torch Relay, relay teams of 24 people, made up of champions, everyday athletes, volunteers, referees, coaches, etc. will be organized to spread the energy of sport and teamwork throughout the country.