Wagering on Worldwide Basketball

There are numerous professional basketball leagues around the world. This game was originally created by Dr. James Naismith, who could never have dreamed of its eventual popularity. He originally created the game simply as a way to help his students stay fit and healthy during the snowy winter months. Back then he was a teacher at a school that would later be known as Springfield College.

The game has changed many times over the years, but its popularity has never slowed. Through time, it has become an ideal sport to watch, play, and of course, wager on. Here is a short list of a few of the more premiere leagues around the globe.

Euroleague

Euroleague (also known as Turkish Airlines Euroleague) is the top professional league in all of Europe and features teams from more than 15 different European countries. Their regular season is televised on TV in over 190 countries, and is watched by well over 200 million people throughout China. This league is occasionally televised in Canada and throughout the U.S. on outlets such as NBA TV and ESPN3.

NBL Australia

The National Basketball League in Australia was formed in 1979 and currently boasts eight teams from throughout Australia and New Zealand. A few of their players who have gone on to international success are Luc Longley and Andrew Bogut.

Greece A1

The A1 Ethniki Katigoria (Greek A1 league) is the highest rated professional basketball league in Greece. It is currently ranked as one of the top 3 national leagues in all of Europe. Their league features a total of 14 teams that play a season running from October to June. Each team participates in 26 games each season before they crown a champion, and the first Greek Championship was awarded for the 1927 season.

Korean Basketball League

The Korean Basketball League, or KBL, is South Korea’s premiere professional basketball organization. Their season runs from October to April, with their first season having occurred in 1997. The KBL is currently comprised of 10 teams that play 54 games each season. Foreign players in the league are primarily centers or forwards, and each team is allowed only two of these players.

Chinese Basketball Association

The CBA is the premiere professional basketball league in China. Much like the NBA and WNBA, China also has a women’s professional league aptly named the WCBA. Many players from the Chinese Basketball Association, including Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian, have gone on to have success in the NBA.

Wagering on International basketball is just as popular as it is for any other sport. Many online bookmakers offer wagering on these leagues and many more. You can place common basketball wagers on any of their games or exhibitions, as well as other types of wagers, which are sometimes particular to these individual leagues. A few of the interesting wagering options you will find are quarter lines, odd or even total, first team to 20 points, and much more.