Basketball is getting its first global holiday with Go Hoop Day, taking place Saturday, June 23. Created by Justin Leonard, owner of Game Seven Marketing and one of the most notable experts on basketball culture, alongside NBA All-Star point guard Chris Paul, the sports celebration derives from the theme "Ball Together," centering around the game's ability to unite people from all walks of life.

“Go Hoop Day is a ball player's dream -- a chance to say thank you to the game that has given us all so much,” says Leonard. “Basketball is the greatest and most dynamic game on the planet. Hundreds of millions of people across the globe play it and enjoy it on a daily basis, but it was missing that one special and unifying moment to come together and celebrate it.”

Go Hoop Day will include local activities, grassroots events, and digital initiatives geared towards inspiring and engaging individuals who appreciate the game of basketball. Both current and former pro ballplayers will be a part of the celebration, such as Paul George, Evan Turner, Emmanuel Mudiay, Jalen Rose, Bria Hartley, and Cappie Pondexter, among others.

The coinciding Go Hoop Day Founding Member Committee will also unlock gyms and courts that have been pivotal throughout their basketball journey. This will provide locals with a place to participate in free open runs, clinics, and games on Go Hoop Day.

“Basketball continues to grow globally every year and by creating Go Hoop Day as an international holiday we can give fans and players a reason to celebrate our universal love of the game,” adds Chris Paul of the Houston Rockets.

Moving forward, Go Hoop Day will take place on the fourth Saturday in June each year. Visit gohoopday.com for more on the inaugural holiday.

In related news, sports gambling is no longer illegal in the U.S.