NBA Adopts Three-Point Line in 1979, Transforming Basketball Offense and Global Popularity

BOSTON, October 5 — Fifty years ago, the three-point line reshaped the landscape of basketball, propelling the sport to new heights of offense, entertainment, and global popularity. The transformation began in the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1967, with the introduction of a 25-foot arc to encourage long-range shooting. Rick Barry of the Oakland Oaks made the first ABA three-pointer on January 11, 1968. When the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976, the three-point line was not immediately retained, but it returned three years later, setting the distance at 23 feet 9 inches at the top of the key and 22 feet in the corners. Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics drained the inaugural NBA three-pointer on October 12, 1979, against the Houston Rockets at the Boston Garden. Initially met with skepticism, the three-point shot gradually gained acceptance as analytics demonstrated its efficiency. By the 1980s, teams averaged fewer than three three-point attempts per game, but by the 2010s, that number had risen to over 30 per game, with the Houston Rockets leading the charge under general manager Daryl Morey and head coach Mike D’Antoni, who emphasized ‘moreyball’ principles prioritizing three-pointers and layups over mid-range jumpers. This strategic evolution influenced player development, prompting youth programs and collegiate coaches to prioritize shooting mechanics, range, and quick release from an early age. Players like Stephen Curry, who won two NBA Most Valuable Player awards and set the single-season three-point record with 402 made in 2015-16, exemplify how the three-point shot redefined elite athleticism and skill valuation in basketball. FIBA adopted the three-point line for international competition in 1984, setting its distance at 20 feet 6 inches, later adjusted to 22 feet 1.75 inches in 2010 to align more closely with the NBA standard. This facilitated smoother transitions for international players entering the league and increased the sport’s accessibility and appeal worldwide. The three-point line contributed to basketball’s rise as a global sport, with the NBA reporting that international players constituted 25% of opening-night rosters for the 2022-23 season, up from less than 5% in 1990, and global viewership of NBA games increasing by over 300% between 1990 and 2020. Economically, the three-point era coincided with the NBA’s revenue growth from approximately $400 million in 1990 to over $10 billion in 2022, with merchandise sales, broadcasting rights, and international sponsorships expanding alongside the league’s global footprint. As we look forward, the three-point shot will continue to play a pivotal role in basketball strategy, player development, and global appeal. The rise of analytics and data-driven coaching philosophies will only reinforce its importance. The rule change has left an indelible mark on the sport, cementing the three-point shot as one of the most consequential innovations in basketball history since the introduction of the dribble.

Sources

• Three-point field goal — Wikipedia