Paris, the city of love, is famous for its iconic landmarks, delicious cuisine, and rich history. However, when it comes to sports, Paris is mostly associated with soccer.
But what about basketball? Does Paris have a basketball team? Let’s find out.
History of Basketball in Paris
Basketball is not a new sport in Paris. The first basketball game was played in France in 1893, and the first official French championship was held in 1921. In Paris, the sport gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s when American soldiers introduced it to the French during World War II.
The Parisian Basketball Scene Today
Today, Paris has several basketball clubs and teams that cater to different levels of play. These include amateur clubs for recreational players such as Lutèce Falco and Club Olympique Parisien (COP), as well as professional teams like Levallois Metropolitans and Nanterre 92.
Levallois Metropolitans
Levallois Metropolitans is a professional basketball team based in Levallois-Perret, a suburb of Paris. The club was founded in 2010 and currently plays in the French top-level league LNB Pro A.
They have a modern arena called Palais des Sports Marcel Cerdan that can accommodate up to 3,000 spectators. Levallois Metropolitans’ current roster includes players from France, the United States, Serbia, and Spain.
Nanterre 92
Nanterre 92 is another professional basketball club based just outside of Paris in Nanterre. The club was founded in 1987 but gained prominence after moving up to the top-level league LNB Pro A in 2011.
They won their first French championship in 2013 and also reached the EuroCup Finals in 2015. Nanterre 92 plays their home games at Palais des Sports Maurice Thorez, which has a capacity of 4,000 spectators.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paris may be more well-known for its soccer team, but basketball has a rich history and present in the city. While Paris doesn’t have a team that plays in the city limits, there are several professional teams just outside of Paris that represent the city in top-level leagues.
Basketball enthusiasts can also find amateur clubs and recreational leagues to play in. So if you’re a basketball fan living or visiting Paris, don’t worry – you won’t have to miss out on watching or playing this exciting sport.