Ranking All 30 NBA Teams From Most Popular to Least Popular

Alex Kennedy -

Who are the most popular teams in today’s NBA? There are a number of different ways to measure a team’s popularity — from fan excitement to social-media followers to national relevance. In this article, we rank all 30 NBA teams from most popular to least popular using a simple formula that combines fan passion and on-court success.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

  • Founded: 1947
  • Average Home Attendance: 18,903
  • Championships: 17
  • Iconic Players: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, George Mikan, James Worthy
  • Instagram Followers: 24.7 million

The Lakers are a storied franchise with 17 championships. The fact that Los Angeles is a huge market helps, as the Lakers have the NBA’s largest fan base and they’ve never had trouble attracting superstars. Many of the greatest players in NBA history have donned the purple and gold, which is a big reason why the Lakers are one of the most popular teams in all of professional sports. With a valuation of $7.3 billion, the Lakers are one of the world's most valuable sports franchises, according to Sportico. Also, Los Angeles has the second-most Instagram followers (24.7 million) among NBA teams.

2. Golden State Warriors

  • Founded: 1946
  • Average Home Attendance: 18,064
  • Championships: 7
  • Iconic Players: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Kevin Durant, Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, Chris Mullin, Nate Thurmond, Paul Arizin, Tim Hardaway
  • Instagram Followers: 32.5 million

After decades of struggles, the Warriors’ dynastic run has allowed them to surge in popularity over the last decade. Stephen Curry is arguably the most popular player in the NBA (and one of the most popular athletes in general). The love for Curry plus Golden State hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022 led to a massive increase in social-media followers. The Warriors are the most-followed NBA team on Instagram with 32.5 million followers. Golden State is also the most valuable NBA franchise ($8.3 billion), and the second-most valuable pro-sports organization behind only the Dallas Cowboys ($10.3 billion).

3. Chicago Bulls

  • Founded: 1966
  • Average Home Attendance: 20,624
  • Championships: 6
  • Iconic Players: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Artis Gilmore, Derrick Rose, Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Chet Walker, Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah, Horace Grant
  • Instagram Followers: 10.1 million

As we saw with the Warriors, a dynasty creates diehard fans and long-lasting popularity. Even though the modern Bulls have struggled, they are still one of the most popular NBA teams thanks to Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Phil Jackson, Dennis Rodman, and Co. Chicago dominated the 1990s, making the Bulls must-see TV and the “it” team in all of professional sports. Even when the team has been bad, fans pack the United Center to watch them play. The Bulls have had the highest average home attendance in the NBA (20,624) for three consecutive seasons, and they led the NBA in average home attendance for eight straight years in the 2010s. Also, the Bulls have 10.1 million followers on Instagram – fourth-most of any NBA team.

4. Boston Celtics

  • Founded: 1946
  • Average Home Attendance: 19,156
  • Championships: 18
  • Iconic Players: Larry Bird, Bill Russell, John Havlicek, Bob Cousey, Kevin McHale, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Robert Parish
  • Instagram Followers: 8.3 million

Like the Lakers, the Celtics are a historic franchise with a championship pedigree. They have an NBA-record 18 titles, including their most-recent championship in 2024. Boston’s fan base is very large and extremely passionate. The Celtics have 8.3 million followers on Instagram, which is the fifth-most of any NBA team. It’s no coincidence that the four teams with the most championships also have the most fans and are the most popular.

5. New York Knicks

  • Founded: 1946
  • Average Home Attendance: 19,728
  • Championships: 2
  • Iconic Players: Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Bernard King, Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, Carmelo Anthony, Jalen Brunson
  • Instagram Followers: 4.1 million

Being in the largest media market certainly helps, but a major reason for the Knicks’ popularity is New York’s love of basketball. This organization has a strong history, and Madison Square Garden is known as the “Mecca of Basketball” for a reason. Not only is the Knicks’ fan base huge, it is intense. New York is the second-most-valuable NBA team and third-most-valuable pro sports franchise, with a valuation of $7.4 billion. 

6. Miami Heat

  • Founded: 1988
  • Average Home Attendance: 19,749
  • Championships: 3
  • Iconic Players: Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Bosh, Jimmy Butler, Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway Sr., Glen Rice, Gary Payton, Bam Adebayo
  • Instagram Followers: 6.7 million

The Heat have been incredibly consistent since the late '90s, winning three championships and making 10 appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals. After LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade in Miami in 2010, the Big Three era attracted a ton of new fans to the Heat. However, Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra and Co. managed to build another contender after those players moved on, which is a testament to their culture and ability to identify talent. The team’s success and social-media efforts (with 6.7 million IG followers) have helped them remain one of the NBA’s most popular teams.

7. Houston Rockets

  • Founded: 1967
  • Average Home Attendance: 17,562
  • Championships: 3
  • Iconic Players: Hakeem Olajuwon, Moses Malone, Yao Ming, James Harden, Charles Barkley, Elvin Hayes, Tracy McGrady 
  • Instagram Followers: 6.2 million

When the Rockets selected Yao Ming with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, it changed the trajectory of their franchise forever. Ever since, they have been beloved by basketball fans in China. Throughout Yao's career, Rockets players would get insane amounts of NBA All-Star votes every year thanks to the team’s international appeal — even the role players! Houston has 6.2 million Instagram followers, and the team has won three championships.

8. Toronto Raptors

  • Founded: 1995
  • Average Home Attendance: 19,515
  • Championships: 1
  • Iconic Players: Vince Carter, Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Pascal Siakam, Chris Bosh
  • Instagram Followers: 4.1 million

The Raptors have a bit of an advantage over every other NBA team, as they have an entire country behind them. As Canada’s only NBA team, Toronto has a huge fan base. There are many fans who fell in love with the Raptors thanks to Vince Carter’s jaw-dropping dunks, but Toronto’s popularity has only grown in recent years thanks to the team’s success (particularly their championship in 2019). Drake is the squad’s global ambassador, which doesn’t hurt.

9. Dallas Mavericks

  • Founded: 1980
  • Average Home Attendance: 20,217
  • Championships: 1
  • Iconic Players: Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Dončić, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Michael Finley, Derek Harper, Mark Aguirre, Rolando Blackman
  • Instagram Followers: 4.5 million

Ever since Mark Cuban purchased the Mavericks in 2000, he turned them into one of the most popular teams in the NBA. International superstars Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic have played an enormous role in the franchise’s success and popularity. Nowitzki led the Mavs to their only championship in 2011, but the 25-year-old Doncic and fan-favorite Kyrie Irving just led them back to the NBA Finals this past season. The Mavericks rank second in the NBA in average home attendance (20,217). Also, they have a strong presence on social media, with 4.5 million followers on Instagram. 

10. Philadelphia 76ers

  • Founded: 1949
  • Average Home Attendance: 20,041
  • Championships: 3
  • Iconic Players: Allen Iverson, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Charles Barkley, Joel Embiid, Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone
  • Instagram Followers: 4.4 million

Philly fans are known for being extremely passionate (if not a bit crazy), so it’s no surprise that the Sixers rank No. 3 in average home attendance (20,041). Even during the “Trust the Process” era, the fans continued to support the tanking team. Now, led by Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, the team is as popular as ever and all eyes will be on the new-look Sixers as they try to win their fourth championship. 

11. Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s popularity and the team’s 2021 championship have significantly boosted the team’s popularity and social-media numbers. The Bucks currently have 5.5 million followers on Instagram.

12. Phoenix Suns

The Suns’ recent success, including a trip to the 2021 NBA Finals, plus the star power of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and previously Chris Paul have increased Phoenix’s popularity. The Suns have 3.6 million followers on Instagram.

13. Los Angeles Clippers

After years being viewed as “the other team in Los Angeles” or “the Lakers’ little brother,” the Clippers’ recent success and star power coupled with the terrific ownership of Steve Ballmer have grown the fan base considerably. L.A. now has 5.2 million followers on Instagram.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder gained a lot of fans during the Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka era, even though they only made one NBA Finals appearance and never won a championship. Now, Sam Presti has assembled another young juggernaut on the rise that’s built around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams. Despite playing in the NBA’s smallest market, the Thunder have an impressive 5.9 million followers on Instagram. There’s a ton of excitement about the Thunder’s young core – both locally and nationally.

15. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs won five championships from 1998 through 2013, and this success and consistency grew their fan base. Now, San Antonio has surged in popularity since drafting phenom Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s NBA Draft. Wemby seems poised to take over the NBA in the very near future, and the Spurs are adding fans and followers (5.2 on Instagram) who can’t wait to watch.

16. Cleveland Cavaliers

Believe it or not, the Cavaliers’ 16.5 million Instagram followers is the third-most of any NBA team, trailing only the Lakers and Warriors. Given their small market, this is extremely impressive and a testament to their social-media team. However, it’s also the LeBron James' effect. 

17. Denver Nuggets

While the Nuggets have a three-time NBA MVP in Nikola Jokic and they won the NBA championship in 2023, they aren’t higher on this list because they only have 2.9 million followers on Instagram and their fan base isn’t as big as some other teams ranked higher than them. It’s hard to blame the Nuggets though, as it’s insanely difficult for their local fans to watch the team play thanks to the blackouts and drama surrounding Altitude Sports.

18. Sacramento Kings

The Kings have created a fun culture (“Light The Beam!”) and exciting squad that’s built around De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Sacramento fans are extremely loyal, staying by the Kings’ side even throughout their 16-season playoff drought that ended in 2023 and fighting to keep their team from relocating during the 2010s.

19. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have a talented young core that’s led by Ja Morant, whose rising stardom has led to an increase in the team’s social-media followers. Morant is a social-media darling; his highlights rack up hundreds of millions of views across the NBA’s socials and the Grizzlies’ accounts. Memphis currently has 2 million followers on Instagram. 

20. Minnesota Timberwolves

As Anthony Edwards has emerged as a fan favorite and household name, the Timberwolves have skyrocketed in popularity. This team is playing their best basketball in franchise history as of late. Minnesota currently has 3.6 million followers on Instagram.

21. Brooklyn Nets

The short-lived Durant, Irving, and Harden era led to a boost in the team’s social-media stats, and they currently have 4.8 million followers. However, that trio quickly went up in flames, and now the team is preparing for a lengthy rebuild.

22. Indiana Pacers

Anyone who’s been to Indiana will tell you that they love basketball. These Hoosiers are diehard supporters of the Pacers. Indiana has a terrific core – led by Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner – that has this team looking like a potential contender, and their fans are understandably excited. Indiana currently has 3.2 million followers on Instagram.

23. Orlando Magic

Stars such as Shaquille O’Neal, Penny Hardaway, Tracy McGrady, and Dwight Howard have helped the Magic’s popularity over the years. Now, stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are taking the torch and there’s a ton of excitement for this young Magic squad. The team plays in a smaller market and just returned to the playoffs after struggling for years, so it’s been a gradual turnaround. Orlando only has 1.9 million followers on Instagram.

24. Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers are in the midst of a rebuild around young pieces like Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Deni Avdija, and Deandre Ayton. Portland has a solid fan base and past stars such as Damian Lillard, Brandon Roy, and LaMarcus Aldridge. The Blazers have 2.9 million IG followers.

25. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are another team that is poised for a rebuild. This past offseason, Atlanta traded Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans and then proceeded to draft French prospect Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Trae Young has a lot of fans and that has helped their popularity in recent years, but the future is uncertain. Atlanta has 2.6 million followers on Instagram.

26. New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans pulled of the Murray trade this past offseason and recent videos of Zion Williamson show him in the best shape of his life, so there are high hopes for the Pelicans entering this season. While Williamson has helped boost the Pelicans’ Instagram following to 2.8 million, New Orleans is more of a football town than a basketball town.

27. Charlotte Hornets

In recent years, LaMelo Ball has helped make the Hornets more relevant and popular than they were prior to his arrival, but his injuries and the team’s lack of success have limited the excitement around Charlotte. The Hornets have 2.3 million followers on Instagram.

28. Utah Jazz

While the Jazz have a strong regional fan base and rich history, they have the fewest Instagram followers of any NBA franchise, with just 1.4 million. They also don’t have much national appeal.

29. Washington Wizards

There hasn’t been much for Wizards fans to get excited about in recent years, but Washington is hoping that No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr can rejuvenate this franchise. Wizards fans have had it rough for a while. They currently have 1.5 million followers on Instagram.

30. Detroit Pistons

Cade Cunningham is a potential star, but the Pistons have made head-scratching moves and it seems they have a lengthy rebuild ahead of them. The core of Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, and Ben Wallace was beloved, but that was also the last time the team advanced out of the first round of the playoffs. Detroit has 1.5 million followers on IG.

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Conclusion

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