United States of America Deaf Basketball (USADB) is the premier national sports organization for deaf and hard of hearing basketball athletes and supporters.  It was established in 1945 Akron, Ohio as the American Athletic Association of the Deaf (AAAD) by a small group of people who wanted to see formal basketball programs for deaf adults.  The AAAD grew over the next 50 years, becoming an umbrella organization of 26 sports and changed their name in 2000 to USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF).  USA Deaf Basketball was then recognized as the national sports organization and governing body for basketball programs in the USA deaf and hard of hearing community.

USADB is host to an annual national men and women’s basketball tournament that draws 28 teams and thousands of spectators from 8 different regions.  USADB is also responsible for the development and training of the US men and women’s national and development teams to represent to international competitions; as well as youth development programs which include boys and girl’s elite camps and high school all-star national competition.

USADB is a section 501(c) 3 non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible.

Mission Statement

United States of America Deaf Basketball (USADB) is a national basketball organization serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes who desire to participate in organized sports activities. There are eight regional units sponsored by USADB which come together at annual national tournaments and summer basketball camps, thus to develop a sense of good sportsmanship, congeniality and leadership skills among interested and talented players. Participants for Deaf Olympics and International Basketball games are selected from the most promising players at these tournaments, to represent USADB internationally.