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10 Most Popular NBA Teams in 2022-2023 Season

What are the most popular NBA teams? Basketball is the most popular sports to play in America and more than one-third of Americans are NBA fans.

Most Popular NBA Teams

The NBA is one of the most popular professional sports leagues in the world and its teams have millions of fans across the globe. Here are the ten most popular NBA teams ranked by their popularity:

10. Brooklyn Nets 

The Brooklyn Nets are one of the most popular NBA teams for several reasons. The Nets ownership hasn’t been afraid to bring in superstars on their payroll and players like Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving have attracted many fans.

Since relocating in 2012 from New Jersey to Brooklyn, the team has created a strong identity with ongoing commitments to social justice and community outreach. It’s helped to attract fans well beyond Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

9. New York Knicks

It certainly helps to be in the biggest city in America with a massive fan base and huge media market. It means the Knicks are one of the most recognisable teams in the world. Past superstars like Patrick Ewing, John Starks and Charles Oakley helped to build a generation of fans for a team that was already popular.

The Knicks are known for emphasizing commitment, hard work, and a physical style of play. Playing at one of the most iconic arenas in the world, Madison Square Gardens, in front of some of the most vocal fans only adds to the aura around the Knicks.

8. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have a charismatic owner in Mark Cuban who is known for his passionate approach to team management and his willingness to invest in the team. It has helped to elevate the profile of the Dallas Mavericks into one of the most popular NBA teams.

Dallas already has a strong basketball culture with passionate and engaged fans. Having a superstar like Luka Doncic on the payroll has been a major factor in boosting the Mavericks popularity worldwide and they’ll be hoping for a second NBA title.

7. San Antonio Spurs

From 1999 to 2014 the San Antonio Spurs created a dynasty. They won five NBA championships in 15 years led by the best power forward of all time Tim Duncan, and legendary supercoach Gregg Popovich. A supporting cast including Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili spurred on a legion of new fans.

The team has done well to build strong connections with the San Antonio community. A culture of teamwork and selflessness was what created a legacy of success over a sustained period of time, which has led to the Spurs being one of the most popular NBA teams to this day.

6. Cleveland Cavaliers

In 2006 the Cavaliers won Cleveland’s first major sports championship in 52 years. Led by one of the greatest players of all time LeBron James, their championship victory captured the hearts of fans in the city and boosted their status worldwide.

Cavaliers fans have remained one of the most dedicated and passionate fan bases in the NBA through decades of ups and downs. Owner Dan Gilbert has also been heavily involved in the community including helping the redevelopment of downtown Cleveland.

5. Miami Heat

Overall, the Miami Heat’s recent championship success, iconic players, and strong fan base have helped make them one of the most popular NBA teams in the world. The Heat have won three NBA championships, with two of those involving the “Big Three” of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.

Their back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013 gained the Heat worldwide attention and many new fans. Their dominance during this period and the “Heat Culture” that developed from the days of Tim Hardaway is why they’re so adored. 

4. Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls became one of the most popular NBA teams on the back of their success in the 1990s led by the best player of all time Michael Jordan. Jordan’s dominance on the court, combined with his larger-than-life personality and marketing appeal, turned the Bulls into a global phenomenon.

Through six NBA championships for Michael Jordan and the Bulls, they built a culture of winning. The iconic bull logo and team colors of red and black is one of the strongest brands in sport worldwide. The Bulls continue to be a source of pride for the city and represents the city’s resilience and determination.

3. Boston Celtics 

Boston is one of the greatest sports cities in America and the Celtics are a major reason why. The team’s toughness and resilience has become a symbol of Boston itself. Success on the backs of legends like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Paul Pierce, have all contributed to the Celtics’ winning tradition and fans have got behind them and a record 17 championships.

TD Garden is always packed with a lively and exciting atmosphere, and the Celtics brand, featuring a leprechaun, is one of the most recognizable and iconic sports brands worldwide. Their rivalry with the Lakers is the biggest in the NBA making them an exciting team to watch.

2. Golden State Warriors

In recent years the star power, on-court success, and electrifying style of play of the Golden State Warriors has seen them skyrocket into one of the most popular NBA teams. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have led a dynasty which also featured Kevin Durant once upon a time.

They’ve been able to draw in fans from across the globe with their entertaining style of play. Curry and Klay have led the Warriors on-court success and they’ve earned four titles in eight years. Their 73-win season in 2016 has also won over an army of followers.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are the most popular team in the NBA and even have a large and dedicated fan base across the world that are known as “Laker Nation”. Players like Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have captured imaginations and they’ve created fans for life.

Lakers games are almost always sold out and fans are attracted to their winning culture, having won a record 17 NBA championships along with the Celtics. Many Hollywood celebrities also appear courtside at Lakers games adding to the fame and international recognition of the Lakers.

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