Basketball is one of the world’s most popular sports. From the NBA to NCAA to countless leagues around the globe, millions of people play and watch the game every day.
If you’re new to the sport, you might be wondering: Just how long is a basketball game, anyway? The answer isn’t always straightforward. Game length depends on the league, the level of play, and even unexpected events during the game.
This article breaks down the typical length of a basketball game in different leagues, including the NBA, NCAA (college basketball), and FIBA (international basketball). We’ll also look at factors that can affect the total time, such as timeouts, overtime periods, and other common stoppages during play.