Top 10 Most Popular NBA Teams in the US

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has grown into one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, with 30 teams competing across North America. While every team has its dedicated fan base, certain franchises have captured the hearts of basketball fans nationwide through decades of success, iconic players, and memorable moments.

This list, based on a 2025 survey of American basketball fans, reveals which NBA teams have the largest and most passionate followings in the United States. The rankings reflect a combination of historical success, current star power, market size, and cultural impact.

The top of this list features teams with rich championship histories, legendary players, and sustained excellence that has built loyal fan bases spanning generations. From the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles to the blue-collar pride of Chicago, these teams represent the diverse appeal of professional basketball.

Methodology

This ranking is based on a January 2025 survey conducted by SBRnet, which asked American basketball fans to identify their favorite NBA team. The data reflects the percentage of respondents who named each team as their top choice. The survey results are published by Statista and provide a comprehensive snapshot of NBA fandom in the United States.

Factors that influence team popularity include:

• Historical success and championship wins
• Current roster strength and star players
• Market size and media presence
• Cultural impact and iconic moments
• Regional loyalty and fan traditions
• Recent performance and playoff success
• Team branding and identity

The survey results reflect both longstanding loyalties and shifting preferences based on current success and star power.

List of Most Popular NBA Teams

10. Houston Rockets - The Space City Legacy

The Houston Rockets round out the top 10 with 3.1% of American basketball fans naming them as their favorite team. The Rockets have built a dedicated fan base through decades of success and memorable eras. The team won back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995 behind the legendary Hakeem Olajuwon, creating a lasting legacy in Texas. More recently, the "T-Mac and Yao" era and James Harden's MVP years brought renewed excitement to the franchise.

Houston's popularity is driven by its passionate Texas fan base, the team's innovative playing style, and its ability to attract international stars like Yao Ming, who helped expand the Rockets' global appeal. The team's commitment to analytics and modern basketball has also attracted younger fans interested in the strategic side of the game.

The Rockets' fan base remains strong despite recent rebuilding efforts, demonstrating the loyalty that comes from decades of competitive basketball and championship success. The team's history of developing stars and competing at the highest level continues to resonate with basketball fans across the country.

9. Detroit Pistons - Motor City Basketball

The Detroit Pistons rank ninth with 3.1% of fan support, sharing the same percentage as the Houston Rockets. The Pistons have built their popularity through a blue-collar identity and championship success. The team's "Bad Boys" era of the late 1980s and early 1990s, featuring Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer, created a tough, defensive-minded reputation that resonated with fans.

Detroit's popularity stems from its championship legacy, including three titles in 1989, 1990, and 2004. The 2004 championship team, led by Chauncey Billups, Ben Wallace, and Rasheed Wallace, remains one of the most memorable underdog stories in NBA history, defeating the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers.

The Pistons' fan base is known for its loyalty and passion, supporting the team through both championship runs and rebuilding phases. Detroit's combination of historical success, distinctive playing style, and connection to the city's industrial identity has maintained its position among the league's most popular franchises.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers - The King's Legacy

The Cleveland Cavaliers rank eighth with 3.2% of American basketball fans supporting the team. The Cavaliers' popularity has been significantly shaped by LeBron James's two stints with the franchise, particularly the team's historic 2016 championship that ended Cleveland's 52-year championship drought across all major sports.

Cleveland's popularity is driven by its passionate local fan base and the team's ability to compete at the highest level. The Cavaliers' success with LeBron James brought unprecedented attention to the franchise, creating a national following that extended beyond Ohio. The team's 2016 championship victory over the Golden State Warriors, coming back from a 3-1 deficit, remains one of the most memorable moments in NBA history.

The Cavaliers' fan base has remained strong even after LeBron's departure, demonstrating the loyalty that comes from championship success and the team's commitment to building a competitive roster. Cleveland's combination of recent success, star power, and passionate local support has maintained its position among the league's most popular franchises.

7. Miami Heat - South Beach Excellence (Tied)

The Miami Heat rank seventh with 3.6% of fan support, tied with the Dallas Mavericks. The Heat have become one of the NBA's most popular teams through a combination of championship success, star power, and a vibrant fan culture. The team's "Big Three" era with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh brought unprecedented attention to the franchise, while recent success with Jimmy Butler has maintained the Heat's relevance.

Miami's popularity stems from its glamorous location, exciting playing style, and ability to attract superstar players. The team's "Heat Culture" philosophy, emphasizing hard work and discipline, has created a unique identity that resonates with fans who appreciate both success and style.

The Heat's fan base extends beyond South Florida due to the team's national media presence and star players who attract fans from around the country. Miami's combination of championship success, star power, and cultural appeal has made it one of the most recognizable and popular franchises in the NBA.

6. Dallas Mavericks - The European Connection (Tied)

The Dallas Mavericks rank sixth with 3.6% of fan support, tied with the Miami Heat. The Mavericks have grown into one of the NBA's most popular teams through championship success and international star power. The team's 2011 championship, led by Dirk Nowitzki, remains one of the most beloved underdog stories in NBA history. More recently, Luka Dončić has become one of the league's most exciting young stars, attracting fans worldwide.

Dallas's popularity is driven by its innovative playing style, international appeal, and the team's ability to compete at the highest level. The Mavericks' success with European players has created a unique identity that resonates with basketball fans who appreciate the global nature of the modern NBA.

The team's owner, Mark Cuban, has also contributed to the Mavericks' popularity through his visible presence and commitment to creating an exciting fan experience. Dallas's combination of recent success, star power, and innovative approach to the game has solidified its position among the league's most popular franchises.

5. New York Knicks - The Mecca of Basketball

The New York Knicks rank fifth with 5.7% of American basketball fans supporting the team. The Knicks represent one of the NBA's most iconic franchises, with a fan base that extends far beyond Madison Square Garden. Despite recent struggles, the Knicks remain among the league's most popular teams due to their historic significance, passionate fan base, and the cultural importance of basketball in New York City.

New York's popularity is driven by the team's rich history, the iconic status of Madison Square Garden, and the city's role as a media capital. The Knicks' championship teams of the 1970s and competitive runs in the 1990s created lasting memories that continue to resonate with fans.

The Knicks' fan base is known for its passion and loyalty, supporting the team through both successful and challenging periods. The team's recent return to playoff contention has rekindled excitement, demonstrating the enduring appeal of one of the NBA's most storied franchises. New York's combination of historical significance, market size, and passionate fan culture maintains its position among the league's most popular teams.

4. Boston Celtics - The Green Dynasty

The Boston Celtics rank fourth with 8.2% of fan support. The Celtics represent one of the NBA's most successful and popular franchises, with 17 championships and a history that spans the entire existence of the league. The team's legendary rivalries, particularly with the Lakers, have created some of the most memorable moments in basketball history.

Boston's popularity is driven by its championship tradition, passionate fan base, and the team's ability to maintain relevance across different eras. From Bill Russell and the 1960s dynasty to Larry Bird in the 1980s and the "Big Three" of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen in 2008, the Celtics have consistently fielded competitive teams.

The Celtics' fan base is known for its knowledge of the game and high expectations, creating an environment that values both winning and basketball tradition. Boston's combination of historical success, current competitiveness, and passionate fan culture has maintained its position as one of the NBA's most popular and respected franchises.

3. Chicago Bulls - The Jordan Legacy

The Chicago Bulls rank third with 8.6% of American basketball fans naming them as their favorite team. The Bulls have maintained their popularity through the lasting impact of the Michael Jordan era, which created one of the most dominant and globally recognized teams in sports history. The team's six championships in the 1990s, combined with Jordan's transcendent star power, built a fan base that extends far beyond Chicago.

Chicago's popularity stems from its championship legacy, iconic players, and the cultural impact of the Jordan era. The Bulls' success during the 1990s coincided with the NBA's global expansion, making the team synonymous with basketball excellence for an entire generation of fans.

The Bulls' fan base remains strong despite the team's struggles since Jordan's retirement, demonstrating the lasting power of championship success and iconic players. Chicago's combination of historical significance, global recognition, and passionate local support has maintained its position among the NBA's most popular franchises, with the Jordan legacy continuing to attract new fans to the team.

2. Golden State Warriors - The Modern Dynasty

The Golden State Warriors rank second with 10.6% of fan support. The Warriors have become one of the NBA's most popular teams through their recent championship success and revolutionary playing style. The team's "Splash Brothers" era, featuring Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, transformed how basketball is played and watched, attracting fans who appreciate both winning and exciting basketball.

Golden State's popularity is driven by its recent dominance, star power, and innovative approach to the game. The Warriors' success with three-point shooting and fast-paced offense has influenced the entire league while creating a brand of basketball that appeals to modern fans.

The Warriors' fan base has grown significantly during their championship runs, with the team becoming a national favorite due to their exciting style of play and likable stars. Golden State's combination of recent success, star power, and cultural impact has made it one of the most popular and recognizable franchises in the NBA, with a fan base that extends far beyond the Bay Area.

1. Los Angeles Lakers - The Purple and Gold Empire

The Los Angeles Lakers stand as the most popular NBA team in the United States, with 12.9% of American basketball fans naming them as their favorite team. This popularity is built on a foundation of 17 championships, legendary players, and the team's position in one of the world's largest media markets.

Los Angeles's dominance in popularity stems from its combination of historical success and current star power. The team's history includes some of the greatest players in basketball history, from Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. This legacy of excellence has created a fan base that spans generations and geographic boundaries.

The Lakers' popularity is also driven by their glamorous image, media presence, and ability to attract the biggest stars in the game. Playing in Los Angeles, with its entertainment industry connections and global visibility, gives the team advantages that extend beyond the basketball court.

The team's recent championship in 2020, combined with LeBron James's presence, has maintained the Lakers' relevance and appeal to younger fans while preserving the loyalty of longtime supporters. Los Angeles's combination of historical success, current star power, market size, and cultural significance has made it the most popular NBA team in America, a position it has held for decades and shows no signs of relinquishing.

Summary of the Top 10 Most Popular NBA Teams

Note: Fan support percentages are based on a January 2025 survey of US basketball fans conducted by SBRnet and published by Statista. The data reflects the percentage of respondents who named each team as their favorite NBA team.

Conclusion

The popularity of NBA teams reflects a complex combination of historical success, current performance, star power, market size, and cultural impact. The Los Angeles Lakers' position at the top with 12.9% of fan support demonstrates the lasting power of championship tradition combined with current relevance, while the Golden State Warriors' second-place finish at 10.6% shows how recent success and exciting basketball can quickly build a massive fan base.

Source: Statista - Most popular NBA teams among fans in the United States as of January 2025

What's particularly striking about this list is how it balances historical significance with modern appeal. Teams like the Bulls and Celtics maintain strong popularity despite recent struggles, thanks to their championship legacies and passionate fan bases. Meanwhile, teams with current success and star players continue to attract new fans and maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive league.

The NBA's popularity continues to grow, with teams finding new ways to connect with fans through social media, streaming, and global expansion. As the league evolves, we can expect these rankings to shift based on championship success, star player movements, and the changing preferences of basketball fans.

The future of NBA fandom will likely see continued growth in international popularity, with teams that feature global stars and play exciting basketball gaining fans worldwide. However, the teams on this list have built foundations of success and tradition that will continue to resonate with basketball fans for generations to come.

Whether you're a fan of the Lakers' star power, the Warriors' innovative style, the Bulls' historic legacy, or any other team on this list, the NBA offers something for every basketball fan. The diversity of popular teams reflects the league's ability to appeal to different tastes, from traditional powerhouses to modern innovators, creating a fan experience that is as dynamic and exciting as the game itself.