Basketball to start two days before LA28 opening ceremony

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics opening ceremony takes place on Jul 14

A man poses for a photograph in front of an installation depicting the Olympic Rings, on the day marking six months until the start of the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Aug 6, 2025. REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo

Basketball at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will begin two days before the opening ceremony takes place on Jul 14, the sport's governing body (FIBA) said on Wednesday.

"This adjustment allows the quarter-finals to be played over two days and will also ensure that no game will start earlier than 12:00 PM, enhancing the overall experience for players, teams, fans and broadcasters," FIBA said after a meeting of its Executive Committee.

According to a preliminary version of the competition schedule released by organisers of the 2028 Olympics last month, the basketball medal matches will be held on Jul 29 and 30.

The basketball competition will take place at the Inglewood Dome, with the United States looking to defend their men's and women's titles.

The 3x3 basketball competitions is scheduled to start after the opening ceremony.

A number of other sports like cricket, soccer, handball, field hockey and rugby sevens are also scheduled to begin before the opening ceremony.