The Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks have flopped out of our rankings from last season, Here’s our list of the most popular NBA teams in 2024.
10. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Seattle SuperSonics controversially relocated to smaller market Oklahoma City in 2008. Despite their market size the Thunder are one of the most popular NBA teams thanks to their shrewd dealings in the draft.
Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Steven Adams were early draft successes for the franchise and have helped to build the franchises popularity. The Thunder also continue to accumulate a treasure trove of picks which they’ve turned into stars including Chet Holmgren and Josh Giddey.
9. San Antonio Spurs
Led by Tim Duncan the San Antonio Spurs went on to win five NBA championships in 15 years, a dynasty which also starred supercoach Gregg Popovich as well as Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. The Spurs haven't had a winning season since 2019, but generational freak Victor Wembanyama will no doubt take them to the next level.
8. New York Knicks
New York is the biggest city in America and the Knicks have used the city’s aura to become one of the most recognisable sports teams in the world. Matchups against the Bulls are among the biggest rivalries in the NBA and the games are hyped and often fiery.
Although the franchise has been in despair in recent times, Knicks fans are hardcore and they can all be hopeful of a return to the success of previous generations which featured Patrick Ewing, John Starks and Charles Oakley.
Knicks fans SCREAMING 'F*ck Trae Young!'
*Trae Young looks on and smiles* What a scene... 😲pic.twitter.com/GqIFeI1y4a — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 27, 2021
7. Boston Celtics
The Celtics are tied with the Lakers with a record 17 NBA championships. Success on the backs of legends like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Paul Pierce has attracted generations of fans.Boston has been a contender in recent times and made an appearance in the NBA Finals in 2022. They'll be looking for an 18th title led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
6. Miami Heat
The Miami Heat earned a lot of fans during their 2006, 2012 and 2013 NBA championships with the "Big Three" LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh going back-to-back.
Miami's dominance with the “Big Three” and the "Heat Culture" that developed from the days of Tim Hardaway has built a legion of fans in the Magic City.
5. Houston Rockets
Texas is home to the Mavericks and Spurs but it's the Rockets who are one of the most popular NBA teams thanks to past international players Yao Ming and Jeremy Lin. With superstar potential in Jalen Green they'll be looking for a return to their winning ways.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
Throughout their history the Cavaliers have had low attendances, dealt bad trades and selected poorly in the draft. The entire fortunes of the franchise changed when they drafted LeBron James with the first pick of the 2003 draft.
Arguably one of the best NBA players ever, James helped lead the Cavs to Cleveland's first major sports championship in 52 years. The LeBron days are over but Cavs fans remain passionate and are a dedicated bunch.
3. Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are one of the most marketable sports teams in the world all because of Michael Jordan. In the Bulls' earlier days they suffered from poor crowds and performances, and were close to relocating to Kansas City.
Jordan led Chicago to two three-peats during the 90s, building a culture of winning and one of the most popular NBA teams in the world.
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 led a dynasty which went on to win four championships in eight years.
The Warriors move from Oakland and across the bridge to San Francisco was a risk but there's no doubting that Chase Center is one of the best arenas in the NBA.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are the most popular NBA team of all time, a trend that continues into 2024. Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are some of the best Lakers players in history and they’ve helped capture fans across many generations.
Everyone loves a winner and with 17 NBA championships - a record the Lakers share with the Celtics - they’ve built a culture of winning. The worldwide fan base known as “Laker Nation” have also been blessed to witness arguably the most entertaining brand of basketball by any franchise across their history.