Upcoming Basketball Events at the 2028 Olympic Games
Basketball events for the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles are set to commence on July 12, well ahead of the scheduled opening ceremony on July 14, as confirmed by organizers on Wednesday. This announcement was made by FIBA, the international governing body for basketball, which noted that the revised timeline allows for an efficient conduct of the tournament.
Schedule Details
Although specifics regarding whether both the men’s and women’s tournaments will kick off prior to the ceremony remain uncertain, a draft schedule indicating three matches on July 12 and three others on July 13 has been shared previously.
FIBA emphasized that this scheduling change is designed to facilitate the quarterfinals over a two-day span and to ensure that games would not begin before noon, ultimately enhancing the experience for athletes, audiences, and broadcasters alike. The championship matchups, including bronze and gold medal contests, are slated for July 28-30, with the last day of the event occurring on the latter date.
Other Sports and Early Starts
Additionally, it is noteworthy that basketball is not alone in its early start, as several other sports such as field hockey, rugby sevens, water polo, handball, cricket, and soccer are also scheduled to take place before the formal opening of the Games. Notably, the canoe slalom competition is expected to commence in Oklahoma City on the morning of July 14, just hours prior to the ceremony taking place over 1,200 miles away.
Legacy of Excellence
The United States will bring a legacy of excellence to the basketball competitions, defending titles from both the men’s and women’s sides. The women’s team has claimed gold in the last eight consecutive Olympics, while the men’s team has achieved five straight victories, underscoring America’s stronghold in Olympic basketball history.
