The professional basketball league in the United States is known as the National Basketball Association (NBA). Founded in 1946, the NBA has grown to become one of the most popular and lucrative professional sports leagues in the world. It features 30 teams that compete in an 82-game regular season followed by playoff tournaments. The league includes some of the most iconic basketball players in history and attracts a massive global audience, making it a critical part of the sports culture in the U.S. and beyond.