The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North

America. It consists of 30 teams, 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada, and is one
of the four major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada. The
NBA is an active member of USA Basketball (USAB), which is recognized by the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the national governing body for basketball
in the United States.

The NBA was founded in New York City on June 6, 1946, as the Basketball Association
of America (BAA). The league adopted the name National Basketball Association in
1949 after merging with the rival National Basketball League (NBL). The NBA's regular
season runs from October to April, with each team playing 82 games. The playoffs,
which culminate in the NBA Finals, begin in April and can run into June.

The league is divided into two conferences, the Eastern Conference and the Western
Conference, with 15 teams in each. The winner of each conference faces off in the
NBA Finals to determine the league champion. The NBA has a salary cap, which limits
how much teams can spend on player salaries, and a luxury tax, which is a financial
penalty for teams that exceed the salary cap.

Some of the most well-known and successful teams in the NBA include the Boston
Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Bulls, and the Golden State Warriors.
These teams have won a combined 33 NBA championships, with the Lakers and
Celtics leading the way with 17 and 11 titles, respectively.

Many of the greatest players in NBA history have played for these teams, including
Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and LeBron James. These players are
known for their incredible skills, competitiveness, and leadership on and off the court.

In addition to the traditional team sports of basketball, the NBA has also embraced
other forms of entertainment. The league has introduced the NBA 2K League, a
professional esports league featuring teams of players who compete in the popular
NBA 2K video game. The league also has a global reach, with games and
merchandise available in over 200 countries and territories around the world.

The NBA has a long history of social and political activism, with many players using
their platform to speak out on important issues such as racial injustice and police
brutality. In recent years, the league has also taken steps to address mental health
and wellness among its players, with the creation of the NBA/NBPA (National
Basketball Players Association) Mental Health and Wellness Program.

Overall, the NBA is a global leader in the world of basketball and a driving force in
the world of sports and entertainment. Its combination of top-tier talent, high-level
competition, and a commitment to social issues make it a unique and influential
league.