In which year did basketball make its Olympic debut?

Basketball made its Olympic debut in 1936 during the Berlin Games. This marked a significant moment in sports history, as it was the first time that basketball was included as an official Olympic sport. The introduction of basketball to the Olympics was a reflection of the sport's growing popularity, which had been established just a few decades earlier in 1891.

The decision to include basketball was influenced by the sport's rapid development both in the United States and globally, showcasing the game on an international stage. This inaugural tournament featured teams from multiple countries, further solidifying basketball's status as a major sport worldwide.

The other years mentioned, such as 1948, 1952, and 1956, are years when basketball continued to be played in the Olympics, but none of them marked its first appearance.