Georgia — Basketball

Georgia has built a respectable Basketball tradition in the Caucasus region, with 1 leagues and 16 teams competing domestically. The Georgian Cup serves as the country's premier club competition, and Georgian basketball gained global visibility through NBA centre Zaza Pachulia, who became a prominent ambassador for the sport in his homeland.

Basketball occupies an important place in Georgian sporting culture, with strong youth development programmes and competitive domestic leagues. The national team has competed in EuroBasket qualification campaigns and works to build on the country's basketball heritage.

The history of Basketball in Georgia has roots in the Soviet era, when basketball was introduced in the late 1920s and Georgian players competed within the Soviet basketball system. Georgian athletes contributed to Soviet national teams and club sides, gaining experience at the highest levels of European and international competition.

Following independence in 1991, the Georgian Basketball Federation was re-established as an independent body, joining FIBA and building a national competitive structure. The emergence of Zaza Pachulia as an NBA player brought unprecedented attention to Georgian basketball, inspiring a new generation of players and supporters.

The Georgian Basketball Federation is the governing body of Basketball in Georgia, reformed as an independent body in 1992 following Georgia's independence from the Soviet Union. The federation oversees domestic leagues, manages the national teams, and promotes basketball development across the country. As a member of FIBA Europe, the GBF represents Georgian basketball in international governance and competition.

The Georgian Basketball league system is headed by the Superliga, the country's top professional division. Clubs from across Georgia compete in a regular season and playoff format. The Georgian Basketball Cup provides additional knockout competition. Youth leagues and regional competitions form the development pathway for aspiring players.

Georgia's international Basketball achievements have been focused on EuroBasket qualification campaigns and regional competition. While Georgia has not yet qualified for the FIBA World Cup or Olympic basketball tournament, the country has produced notable individual talent, most prominently Zaza Pachulia, who won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2017. The national team continues to work toward improved results in European competition.