Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith in Massachusetts as a less dangerous indoor winter sport than football. The game grew rapidly in popularity in the 20th century, first in the US and then worldwide. The NBA was established in 1946 and became a multibillion-dollar business, making basketball an important part of American culture. Basketball is played by two teams of five players each who score by shooting the ball through the hoop, while following rules around dribbling, passing, and fouls.