Basketball has been a part of the Summer Olympics since 1936, and over the years, with many nations challenging for the top spot on the podium.
From the original Dream Team of the USA to the shock win of Argentina in 2004, here’s a list of all men’s Olympic Basketball winners.
Men’s Olympic Basketball Winners
The following table lists the gold, silver, and bronze medal winners in men’s Olympic basketball from the event’s first year in 1936 to the most recent winner.
| Year | Host | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | Berlin | USA | Canada | Mexico |
| 1948 | London | USA | France | Brazil |
| 1952 | Helsinki | USA | Soviet Union | Uruguay |
| 1956 | Melbourne | USA | Soviet Union | Uruguay |
| 1960 | Rome | USA | Soviet Union | Brazil |
| 1964 | Tokyo | USA | Soviet Union | Brazil |
| 1968 | Mexico City | USA | Yugoslavia | Soviet Union |
| 1972 | Munich | Soviet Union | USA | Cuba |
| 1976 | Montreal | USA | Yugoslavia | Soviet Union |
| 1980 | Moscow | Yugoslavia | Italy | Soviet Union |
| 1984 | Los Angeles | USA | Spain | Yugoslavia |
| 1988 | Seoul | Soviet Union | Yugoslavia | USA |
| 1992 | Barcelona | USA | Croatia | Lithuania |
| 1996 | Atlanta | USA | Yugoslavia | Lithuania |
| 2000 | Sydney | USA | France | Lithuania |
| 2004 | Athens | Argentina | Italy | USA |
| 2008 | Beijing | USA | Spain | Argentina |
| 2012 | London | USA | Spain | Russia |
| 2016 | Rio de Janeiro | USA | Serbia | Spain |
| 2020 | Tokyo | USA | France | Australia |
| 2024 | Paris | USA | France | Serbia |
This list of men’s Olympic basketball winners will be updated after each Olympic Games.
Check out the Women’s Olympic Basketball winners.
Men’s Olympic Basketball Highlights
- 1936 Berlin Olympics: The inaugural basketball tournament saw the United States take the gold, with Canada and Mexico securing the silver and bronze, respectively. The games were played outdoors on a dirt court.
- 1972 Munich Olympics: This year marked a big event where the Soviet Union controversially defeated the United States in the final, ending the US’s dominance in Olympic basketball.
- 1980 Moscow Olympics: The United States boycotted these games due to political tensions, and Yugoslavia claimed the gold medal.
- 1992 Barcelona Olympics: The original “Dream Team” of the United States, featuring NBA stars like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, dominated the tournament and popularized basketball worldwide.
- 2004 Athens Olympics: Argentina broke the US’s winning streak by securing the gold medal, showcasing their strong basketball program led by players like Manu Ginóbili.
- 2020 Tokyo Olympics: The United States continued their dominance, winning gold once again, with France and Australia rounding out the podium.
Basketball at the Olympics continues to be a massive drawcard for bettors and casual fans alike, drawing attention from fans around the globe and showcasing some of the best talents in the sport.
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