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Providing an **exact global ranking of basketball participants by country** is challenging due to varying definitions of "participation" (registered players, casual players, school/club members) and inconsistent reporting. However, based on data from **FIBA (International Basketball Federation)**, national federations, and sports surveys, here’s an estimated breakdown of countries with the highest basketball participation:

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### **Top 20 Countries by Estimated Basketball Participants**

*(Includes registered players, casual players, and youth programs)*

1. **United States**

- **~25–30 million+** (NBA, NCAA, school leagues, and widespread casual play).

2. **China**

- **~300–500 million** (massive grassroots participation, though many are casual players; 3x3 basketball is hugely popular).

3. **Philippines**

- **~25–30 million** (national obsession; barangay leagues and the PBA).

4. **Spain**

- **~400,000–500,000** (ACB League dominance, strong youth programs).

5. **France**

- **~350,000–450,000** (EuroLeague success, NBA player pipeline).

6. **Argentina**

- **~300,000–400,000** (historic success, Liga Nacional).

7. **Lithuania**

- **~200,000–250,000** (highest per capita participation in Europe).

8. **Serbia**

- **~150,000–200,000** (ABA League, strong youth development).

9. **Australia**

- **~150,000–200,000** (NBL, growing school programs).

10. **Italy**

- **~150,000–180,000** (Legabasket Serie A).

11. **Turkey**

- **~120,000–150,000** (EuroLeague presence, school clubs).

12. **Brazil**

- **~100,000–150,000** (NBB League, street basketball culture).

13. **Greece**

- **~100,000–120,000** (historic EuroLeague power).

14. **Germany**

- **~90,000–120,000** (easyCredit BBL, youth focus).

15. **Russia**

- **~80,000–100,000** (VTB United League, limited data due to sanctions).

16. **Canada**

- **~75,000–100,000** (NBA influence, NCAA pipelines).

17. **Japan**

- **~70,000–90,000** (B.League growth, Olympic boost).

18. **Puerto Rico**

- **~60,000–80,000** (BSN League, cultural significance).

19. **Mexico**

- **~50,000–70,000** (LNBP, school programs).

20. **Nigeria**

- **~40,000–60,000** (NBA Academy Africa, grassroots growth).

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### **Regional Highlights**

#### **Asia**

- **India**: ~50,000–100,000 (growing through school leagues).

- **Iran**: ~30,000–50,000 (dominant in West Asia).

- **South Korea**: ~20,000–30,000 (KBL League).

#### **Africa**

- **Angola**: ~30,000–50,000 (historic FIBA Africa dominance).

- **Senegal**: ~20,000–30,000 (NBA Academy investments).

- **Egypt**: ~15,000–25,000.

#### **Americas**

- **Dominican Republic**: ~30,000–40,000 (NBA player pipeline).

- **Venezuela**: ~25,000–35,000.

#### **Europe**

- **Latvia**: ~50,000–70,000 (high per capita play).

- **Croatia**: ~40,000–60,000.

#### **Oceania**

- **New Zealand**: ~15,000–25,000 (Tall Blacks influence).

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### **Key Notes**

1. **Casual vs. Registered Players**:

- The U.S., China, and the Philippines have massive casual participation (streetball, schoolyards).

- European countries prioritize registered club players (FIBA data).

2. **Cultural Impact**:

- The **Philippines** has one of the highest participation rates per capita globally.

- **Lithuania** treats basketball as a "second religion."

3. **Data Challenges**:

- China’s numbers include hundreds of millions of casual players.

- Many African/Asian nations lack formal tracking systems.

4. **Growth Drivers**:

- **NBA Global Academies**: Boosting talent in Africa, Australia, and India.

- **3x3 Basketball**: Popular in urban areas (e.g., China, Philippines).

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### **Sources for Verification**

- **FIBA Reports**: (https://www.fiba.basketball)

- **National Federations**: e.g., USA Basketball, Basketball Australia.

- **Sports Analytics**: Nielsen, Statista.

Let me know if you’d like details on a specific country! 🏀