Basketball at the 1956 Summer Olympics was the fourth appearance of the sport of basketball as an official Olympic medal event.

Fifteen nations, an unusually low number for the basketball tournament, competed in the event, with 174 participants.

A total number of 56 games of basketball were played.

Eliminated teams also played in consolation matches with the same structure as the quarterfinals and finals, but for 9th through 15th places.

The games were held at the Royal Exhibition Building.