What Percentage of White People Play Basketball?
It’s no secret that basketball has been a part of American culture for over a century. Whether it’s NBA, college, or even streetball, many people enjoy this sport. But, what about the racial demographics of basketball? What percentage of white people play basketball?
In order to answer this question, we must first look at the history of the sport. Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1891, and it quickly became popular among different racial backgrounds. While basketball was initially a sport for white people, the growth of the NBA and the popularity of streetball has led to a more diverse pool of players.
In order to understand the racial demographics of basketball, we need to look at some data. According to the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) 2020-21 Racial and Gender Report Card, the percentage of white players in the league was 7.1%. This is significantly lower than the overall percentage of white people in the United States, which stands at around 60%.
Historical Demographics of Basketball
When we look at the history of basketball, it’s clear that the sport has become increasingly diverse over the years. In the early days of basketball, it was primarily a sport for white people. This was due in part to the fact that the sport was invented by a white man, and the early professional leagues were largely white.
However, things began to change in the 1950s and 1960s. With the emergence of the NBA, more and more African American players began to make their way into the league. This trend continued throughout the decades, and by the 1990s, the NBA was full of players from various racial backgrounds.
White Participation in Amateur Basketball
While the NBA has become increasingly diverse over the years, the same cannot be said for amateur basketball. According to the National Basketball Association Players Association (NBPA), the percentage of white players in the amateur level of basketball is significantly higher than the NBA.
In fact, a survey conducted by the NBPA found that roughly 40% of all amateur basketball players in the United States are white. This is nearly six times higher than the percentage of white players in the NBA.
White Participation in Streetball
Streetball is a variation of basketball that is often played on outdoor courts. It is known for its high-flying dunks, flashy moves, and entertaining atmosphere. While streetball is not officially part of the NBA, it has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Interestingly, streetball has a very different racial demographic than the NBA. According to a survey conducted by the Streetball Association, the percentage of white players in the streetball scene is much higher than the NBA. In fact, the survey found that the majority (60%) of streetball players are white.
White Participation in College Basketball
College basketball is another popular form of basketball in the United States. While it is not as popular as the NBA, it still has millions of fans and players. So, what percentage of white people play college basketball?
According to the NCAA’s 2020-21 Racial and Gender Report Card, the percentage of white players in college basketball was 39.2%. This is slightly lower than the percentage of white players in the amateur level of basketball, but much higher than the NBA.
White Participation in High School Basketball
High school basketball is another popular form of basketball in the United States. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the percentage of white players in high school basketball was 55.1% in the 2019-20 school year.
This number is significantly higher than the percentage of white players in the NBA, but slightly lower than the percentage of white players in the amateur and college levels of basketball.
Factors Affecting White Participation in Basketball
There are a number of factors that could be affecting the percentage of white people in basketball. One of the most significant is the cost of playing. Basketball is an expensive sport, and many white people may not have the resources to participate.
Another factor could be the lack of representation in the NBA. With only 7.1% of players in the NBA being white, many young white people may not see basketball as a viable option for them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the percentage of white people playing basketball varies depending on the level of play. In the NBA, the percentage of white players is 7.1%. At the amateur level, around 40% of players are white. At the college level, 39.2% of players are white. And at the high school level, 55.1% of players are white.
There are a number of factors that could be affecting the percentage of white people in basketball, such as the cost of playing and the lack of representation in the NBA.
Takeaways
- NBA: 7.1% of players are white
- Amateur: 40% of players are white
- College: 39.2% of players are white
- High School: 55.1% of players are white
Key Takeaways
The percentage of white people playing basketball varies depending on the level of play. In the NBA, the percentage of white players is 7.1%. At the amateur level, around 40% of players are white. At the college level, 39.2% of players are white. And at the high school level, 55.1% of players are white.
There are a number of factors that could be affecting the percentage of white people in basketball, such as the cost of playing and the lack of representation in the NBA.