Basketball in Panama

Introduction:

Basketball, like many sports, has found its way into the hearts of Panamanians. While

baseball is often considered the national sport, basketball has steadily grown in popularity,

becoming a symbol of local pride and community engagement. This three-part exploration

will highlight the origins of basketball in Panama, its development over the years, and the

current state of the sport, revealing the passion that drives Panamanians to embrace

basketball.

Chapter 1: The Birth of Basketball in Panama

Basketball was introduced to Panama in the early 20th century, likely due to the influence of

the United States, which had a significant presence in the country due to the construction of

the Panama Canal. The sport quickly spread through schools and military bases, where

young Panamanians were first exposed to it. By the 1930s, the game was being played

informally across the country, and the first organized basketball leagues began to emerge.