James Naismith invents basketball at Springfield, December 1891

Background. Naismith moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1890 to study at the YMCA International Training School. He was hired as a full-time faculty member in 1891. The institution, known as the International Young Men's Christian Association Training School, became the setting for the invention of basketball, which Naismith designed while teaching there.

Invention of Basketball. In December 1891, Naismith sought to keep his gym class active on a rainy day. He designed a new game involving a ball and a basket, writing the original rules in 1891. The first game of "Basket Ball" was played in December 1891, marking the origin of the sport at the college.

Early Games and Naming. Frank Mahan, a player from the original first game, asked Naismith what to call the new game in early 1892. Naismith suggested "basketball" due to the basket and ball. The first official game was played in Albany, New York, on January 20, 1892, with nine players.

Public Games and Naming. Naismith invited Amos Alonzo Stagg to play in the first public basketball game on March 12, 1892. By 1892, the game's popularity led to calls to name it "Naismith Ball," but Naismith refused, preferring the name "basketball" suggested by Frank Mahan.