The National Basketball Association may feature the greatest teams and players on Earth, delivering the most entertaining games in the sport. But we wouldn't be talking about this league if it weren't for the diehard fans behind each team.
It's the supporters who deserve credit for the NBA's importance, as they make sure to make it a topic of discussion every year, even in the offseason. The league has 30 teams, but not all of them enjoy the same level of popularity.
Some franchises are easier to root for than others, since supporting an unsuccessful team always takes patience and courage. But which are the most popular ones? Based on Facebook followers, we made this ranking of the 25 teams with most fans in the NBA.
25. Minnesota Timberwolves
Fans: 1.7 million
City: Minneapolis, MN
Championships: 0
Founded: 1989
Success has eluded the Timberwolves since their foundation in 1989. Even so, Minnesota has a deep connection with the local teams, which is why this team never lacked support. The T-Wolves may not have championship banners to brag about, but they certainly have a loyal fanbase. Hopefully, glory days will come at some point.
24. Memphis Grizzlies
Fans: 1.8 million
City: Memphis, TN
Championships: 0
Founded: 1995 (as Vancouver Grizzlies)
Originally founded as the Vancouver Grizzlies, the franchise joined the NBA in the 1995/1996 season as an expansion team. It wasn’t after the 2000/2001 concluded that the Grizzlies moved to Memphis, being the only team representing the city in one of the major American sports leagues. The fact that they are the only professional basketball team in the state of Tennessee may also explain why they have such a faithful fanbase.
23. Detroit Pistons
Fans: 1.9 million
City: Detroit, MI
Championships: 3
Founded: 1941 (as Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons)
The Pistons were not always located in Detroit. In fact, the team was founded in 1941 as the Fort Wayne (Zollner) Pistons, in Indiana. As a member of the National Basketball League, it won two NBL championships, and in 1948 joined Basketball Association of America.
In 1949, the Pistons became part of the NBA after the merger, and it wasn’t until 1957 that the franchise moved to Detroit. This team has had its years of success, but its fans have always been right behind them, regardless of the results.
22. Phoenix Suns
Fans: 2 million
City: Phoenix, AZ
Championships: 0
Founded: 1968
The Suns joined the NBA in the 1968/1969 season and were the first major professional sports franchise in the Phoenix market and the entire state of Arizona. Even though they had MVP winners in Charles Barkley and Steve Nash, success hasn't come their way yet. But that could change soon, as their fans started to see a much more competitive team lately.
21. Denver Nuggets
Fans: 2 million
City: Denver, CO
Championships: 1
Founded: 1967 (as Denver Larks)
Founded in 1967 as a charter franchise called Denver Larks, the team changed its name to Rockets before its first season in the American Basketball Association (ABA). It finally changed its name (again) to Nuggets in 1974. Two years later, it joined the NBA after the ABA-NBA merger.
Nuggets fans had to endure tough years for much of their existence, until a star-studded team led by Nikola Jokic delivered its loyal supporters a long-awaited championship in 2023. It was a deserved reward for those who stuck to this franchise through thick and thin.
20. Portland Trail Blazers
Fans: 2.4 million
City: Portland, OR
Championships: 1
Founded: 1970
The Blazers used to play their home games in the Memorial Coliseum before moving to Moda Center in 1995, which was called the Rose Garden until 2013. From 1977 through 1995, the team sold out 814 consecutive home games, the longest such streak in American major professional sports at the time.
Since their foundation, six Hall of Fame players have played for the Trail Balzers: Lenny Wilkens, Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler, Drazen Petrovic, Arvydas Sabonis and Scottie Pippen. It's been a while since their fans celebrated a championship, but that hasn't changed their love for this team.
19. Milwaukee Bucks
Fans: 2.5 million
City: Milwaukee, WI
Championships: 2
Founded: 1968
The Bucks were founded as an expansion team in 1968. Former US Senator Herb Kohl was their long-time owner until 2016, when a group led by billionaire hedge fund managers Wes Edens and Marc Lasry agreed to purchase a majority stake.
Since its foundation, the team has featured notable players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson and Ray Allen, among others. Today, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the big star of the team and one of the most talented players in the NBA.
18. Toronto Raptors
Fans: 2.5 million
City: Toronto, ON
Championships: 1
Founded: 1995
The Raptors have been the only Canadian-based team in the league since the 2001/2002 season, as the Grizzlies relocated from Vancouver to Memphis. That may explain why they have so much support every year.
Raptors fans lived their happiest moment in 2019, when the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green and Marc Gasol led the franchise to its first ever NBA championship. It's been a while since that campaign, but the result is still fresh in the memory for those who love this team.
17. Orlando Magic
Fans: 2.6 million
City: Orlando, FL
Championships: 0
Founded: 1989
The Magic may not be one of the traditional teams in the league, but plenty of iconic players have donned their uniform. Since their foundation in 1989, the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, Steve Francis, Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, Dominique Wilkins and Hedo Turkoglu have played in Orlando. Fans have yet to see their team succeed, but they're not trading their passion for anything else in the world.
16. Indiana Pacers
Fans: 3 million
City: Indianapolis, IN
Championships: 0
Founded: 1967
The team became a member of the American Basketball Association (ABA) after its foundation in 1967. It wasn’t until the ABA-NBA merger that the Pacers joined the NBA in 1976.
While fans haven't yet enjoyed watching a championship-winning team, they did witness some emblematic players. Reggie Miller, Chris Mullin, Alex English, Mel Daniels, Roger Brown and George McGinnis are six Hall of Fame players who played for the Pacers for multiple seasons. The team has a significant connection with the city, being named after Indiana’s history with the Indianapolis 500’s pace cars and with the harness racing industry.
15. Brooklyn Nets
Fans: 3.1 million
City: Brookyln, NY
Championships: 0
Founded: 1967 (as New Jersey Americans)
The team was founded in 1967 as a charter franchise of the NBA’s rival league, the American Basketball Association (ABA). During its first season, it played in New Jersey as the New Jersey Americans. In 1968, the team was relocated to Long Island, New York, and changed its name to New York Nets.
The Nets were absorbed into the NBA in 1976 and played as the New Jersey Nets from 1977 to 2012. In the summer of 2012, the team moved to Barclays Center and changed its name to the Brooklyn Nets. Regardless of the relocations, this organization has always counted on its loyal fanbase. That speaks volumes about its devotion for the team, since it never gave them back at least one championship.
14. Utah Jazz
Fans: 3.1 million
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Championships: 0
Founded: 1974 (as New Orleans Jazz)
The team was founded in 1974 as the New Orleans Jazz, as a tribute to New Orleans’ history of originating jazz music. Five years later, the team moved to Salt Lake City, which remains its home.
During the late 1980s, the Jazz had one of the most famed point guard-power forward duos in NBA history with John Stockton and Karl Malone, led by coach Jerry Sloan. They reached two NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998, but Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls stood in their way on both occasions.
13. Los Angeles Clippers
Fans: 3.8 million
City: Los Angeles, CA
Championships: 0
Founded: 1970 (as Buffalo Braves)
The team was founded in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves and joined the NBA that year, along with Cleveland Cavaliers and Portland Trail Blazers. In 1978, the franchise moved to California and was renamed as the San Diego Clippers.
Six years later, the team was controversially relocated to Los Angeles without the approval of the NBA. The Clippers were ultimately allowed to remain in the city and have been known as the Los Angeles Clippers since then. Though they're often seen as the little brother of the city with the Lakers next to them, Clippers fans are one of the most loyal in the entire league.
12. Dallas Mavericks
Fans: 4.3 million
City: Dallas, TX
Championships: 1
Founded: 1980
The Mavericks set the NBA’s consecutive sellout streak record in February 2020, leapfrogging the Portland Trail Blazers from the top spot. Dallas sold out 815 consecutive regular-season and playoffs games combined between December 15, 2001, and February 12, 2020.
All-Stars Rolando Blackman and Mark Aguirre led the team during the 80s, but it wasn’t until Dirk Nowitzki arrived that it tasted the ultimate glory, winning its first NBA championship in 2011. Fans have gone through a lot by supporting the Mavs, but now they have reasons for optimism with Luka Doncic.
11. New York Knicks
Fans: 5.5 million
City: New York, NY
Championships: 2
Founded: 1946
The Knicks play their home games at the iconic Madison Square Garden, which they share with the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Along with the Boston Celtics, they are one of two original NBA teams still located in their first city.
The team was one of the founding members of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which became the NBA after merging with the rival National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949. It’s one of two NBA teams located in New York City, along with Brooklyn Nets. Despite their championship drought, the Knicks' worldwide popularity remains unchanged.
10. Oklahoma City Thunder
Fans: 6.3 million
City: Oklahoma City, OK
Championships: 1
Founded: 1967 (as Seattle SuperSonics)
The team was founded as the Seattle SuperSonics and joined the NBA in the 1967/1968 season. In 2008, the SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008 and their name changed to Thunder for the 2008/2009 season.
Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins are some of the notable NBA players who have played for the team since it moved to Oklahoma City. Though they were constantly let down, fans have never turned their backs on this team.
9. San Antonio Spurs
Fans: 6.6 million
City: San Antonio, TX
Championships: 5
Founded: 1967 (as Dallas Chaparrals)
The Spurs one of four former American Basketball Association (ABA) franchises to remain untouched in the NBA after the 1976 ABA-NBA merger. Also, they were the first ABA team to win an NBA championship.
Founded in 1967 as the Dallas Chaparrals, the team changed its name to Texas Chaparrals in the 1970/1971 season in order to become a regional team. In 1973, the franchise moved to San Antonio and changed its name to the Spurs. Fans have enjoyed wonderful memories rooting for this team, and they have five championship banners to show off.
8. Sacramento Kings
Fans: 7.3 million
City: Sacramento, CA
Championships: 1
Founded: 1923 (as Rochester Seagrams)
Since they are only team in the major American sports leagues located in Sacramento, the Kings have an entire city rooting for them. But this organization has gone through multiple changes throughout history.
Founded as a semi-professional team in New York in 1923 under the name Rochester Seagrams, it joined the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1945 with the name of Rochester Royals before being relocated to Cincinnati in 1957, where they were rebranded as Cincinnati Royals. After moving to Missouri in 1972, it changed its name again to Kansas City-Omaha Kings, and in 1977 simply became the Kansas City Kings. It wasn’t until 1985 that the franchise was relocated in Sacramento, giving place to its current name.
7. Cleveland Cavaliers
Fans: 7.8 million
City: Cleveland, OH
Championships: 1
Founded: 1970
The franchise joined the league as an expansion team in 1970, along with the Portland Trail Blazers and Buffalo Braves. The history of the Cavaliers isn't one of success, but LeBron James helped to end the city's "curse" by delivering a highly desired championship in 2016.
The first-overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft was the best thing that ever happened to this fanbase, who celebrated their biggest feat during The King's second stint with the team. When LeBron left for Miami in 2010, the Cavs lost 26 games in a row. James decided to return home in 2014, and he achieved the challenging goal of leading the Cavaliers to the promised land. In fact, they owe much of their social media popularity due to LeBron James' era with the team.
6. Boston Celtics
Fans: 8.6 million
City: Boston, MA
Championships: 17
Founded: 1946
The Celtics was founded in 1946 as one of the league’s original eight teams. They are one of the two founding teams still located in their original city, along with the New York Knicks.
In addition, the Celtics are the most successful basketball team in NBA history along with the Lakers. Both teams boast 17 NBA championships each. Their track record of success and tradition in the best basketball league are reasons behind their popularity.
5. Golden State Warriors
Fans: 12.6 million
City: San Francisco, CA
Championships: 7
Founded: 1946 (as Philadelphia Warriors)
The team was founded in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors, and then it was relocated to the San Francisco Bay Arena in 1962 and took the city’s name. It finally became the Golden State Warriors in 1971.
In 2015, the franchise returned to championship glory with a team led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. The Warriors also won the 2017 and 2018 championships with Kevin Durant in the squad, but even with KD gone, they returned to glory days with Curry, Thompson and Green in 2022. It's safe to say their recent era of dominance helped to boost their social media followers, though they'd be extremely popular in the Bay area anyways.
4. Miami Heat
Fans: 14.1 million
City: Miami, FL
Championships: 3
Founded: 1988
The Heat joined the league in the 1988/1989 season as an expansion team. It wasn’t until former head coach Pat Riley was appointed as the team’s president during the 1990s that the Heat became playoff contenders. Despite being a relatively youth franchise, it's already regarded as an iconic team for its trademark Heat Culture, which made them a competitive team this century.
In 2006, the team won its first NBA Championship with Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal, with Riley as head coach. Four years later, Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh formed the “Big Three” and led the Heat to four straight NBA Finals, winning the 2012 and 2013 editions. The team also enjoys worldwide popularity for its privileged location, but the Heat made most of their fans because of their work on the court.
3. Houston Rockets
Fans: 16 million
City: Houston, TX
Championships: 2
Founded: 1967 (as San Diego Rockets)
The team was founded in 1967 as the San Diego Rockets and moved to Houston in 1971. The Rockets won the 1994 NBA Finals with Hakeem Olajuwon as their star player and then the 1995 Finals with the reinforcement of Clyde Drexler.
Fans have seen the likes of Moses Malone, James Harden and Olajuwon receive MVP awards while using their uniform. They couldn't see any success this century, but their love for the Rockets is unquestionable.
2. Chicago Bulls
Fans: 16.7 million
City: Chicago, IL
Championships: 6
Founded: 1966
The team enjoyed unprecedented success during the 1990s. But you probably knew that, right? Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and coach Phil Jackson led the Bulls to six NBA championships between 1991 and 1998.
The Bulls are the only NBA franchise to win multiple championships while never losing an NBA Finals series in their history. Their success played a major part in popularizing the NBA worldwide. Even years later, they continue to have more fans than most teams in the league. The Bulls have never come close to what they accomplished in the 90s, which reflects how faithful their fans have been since the success in the Jordan era.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Fans: 21.8 million
City: Los Angeles, CA
Championships: 17
Founded: 1947 (as Detroit Gems)
The team began its existence in 1947 with the purchase of the Detroit Gems of the National Basketball League (NBL). The franchise moved to Minneapolis and changed its name to Minneapolis Lakers. After struggling financially, the Lakers were relocated in Los Angeles before the 1960/1961 season. That proved to be the smartest choice they could've ever made.
In LA, the Lakers established themselves as one of the most successful, emblematic, and popular teams not only in the league, but in the entire world. The Lakers are, along with the Celtics, the winningest team in NBA history with 17 championships. Countless superstars have donned the purple and gold, including Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
