London 2012 Olympic Games: Basketball at the Basketball Arena

Prepare for multiple slam-dunks and downtowns as basketball makes an appearance at London 2012's new Basketball Arena during the Olympic Games.

Basketball at London 2012

Basketball first appeared in the Olympic Games in 1936, originally on an outside court. The sport now takes up residence at the brand new Basketball Arena constructed for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Male and female teams of five players compete at the arena in games of four 10-minute quarters to qualify for the finals, which will be played at The O2 (also known as the North Greenwich Arena during the Games).

Basketball at the Olympic Games

Basketball has been dominated by the United States, which is home to the world's most illustrious league, the American National Basketball Association (NBA). Russia has been the greatest threat to US basketball dominance over the years.

At the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the United States continued their impressive record, winning male and female gold medals. Spain's men won silver, while Australia secured the silver in the women's competition.