What are the biggest fan bases in the NBA?

The passion of fans is one of the pillars supporting the success of the NBA, one of the world’s biggest sports leagues. In the 2023/24 season, the massive presence of supporters in the stands and on social media underscored the impact of fanbases on professional basketball. The Los Angeles Lakers, with 61 million followers, solidified their position as the most popular franchise, closely followed by the Golden State Warriors with 60.9 million. These figures reflect not only on-court performance but also the historical and emotional connection between teams and their supporters. Last season set a historic attendance record, with 22,536,341 spectators, surpassing the previous mark of 22,234,502 from the 2022/23 season. The average attendance per game also rose, reaching 18,322 fans, up from 18,077 the previous year, highlighting the growing fervor for the sport.

Among the standout teams, the reigning champion Boston Celtics drew massive crowds to the TD Garden, while franchises like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat maintained packed arenas and strong online engagement. The power of social media, including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, was key in measuring the reach of fanbases, with the survey tallying followers across these platforms for each team. Traditional powerhouses like the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks remain high in the rankings, even without recent titles, showcasing their fans’ loyalty. Meanwhile, rising teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder are gaining ground with an increasingly enthusiastic audience.

The success of these fanbases goes beyond numbers. It shines through in the vibrant atmosphere of arenas like Madison Square Garden, home of the Knicks, and in the unwavering support for teams in rebuilding phases, such as the San Antonio Spurs. A mix of history, championships, and local identity keeps these teams atop fan preferences, while the NBA’s growing global presence amplifies this phenomenon even further.

Passion in the stands drives NBA record-breaking attendance

The 2023/24 NBA season wasn’t just marked by memorable plays and hard-fought titles—it also saw unprecedented fan involvement. A total of 22.5 million spectators filled arenas, exceeding all expectations and cementing basketball as one of the most-watched live sports in the United States. The Boston Celtics, season champions, saw the TD Garden, with a capacity of over 18,000, packed for every game, a direct reflection of their title win and their fans’ devotion. Similarly, the Cleveland Cavaliers sold out the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, which holds 19,400 fans, for multiple games.

Other franchises also stood out for their attendance. The Golden State Warriors, with the Chase Center accommodating over 18,000 fans, maintained near-full occupancy, fueled by their recent history of four titles since 2015. The Los Angeles Lakers, leading in social media followers, drew huge crowds to the Crypto.com Arena, which seats over 19,000, reinforcing their status as one of the league’s most beloved teams. This surge in attendance mirrors the growing interest in basketball, which now extends well beyond U.S. borders, attracting fans globally.

The impact of fanbases isn’t limited to arenas. Online engagement is equally striking. The New York Knicks, for instance, lead on Twitter with 12.2 million followers, while the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets tie for fifth place, each with 29.7 million fans online. These numbers illustrate how digital interaction complements the live experience, building a robust support base that boosts the visibility and value of franchises.

Traditional teams hold strong among fans

Among the teams with the largest fanbases, those with deep NBA roots continue to shine, even during title droughts. The Chicago Bulls, immortalized by the Michael Jordan era in the 1990s, boast 23.5 million followers and regularly fill the United Center, which holds nearly 21,000 people. The six titles won between 1991 and 1998 still resonate with fans, who remain loyal despite over two decades without a championship. This steadfast support is a clear example of how legacy can sustain a franchise’s popularity.

The San Antonio Spurs, with 15.4 million followers, rank tenth. From 1999 to 2014, the team enjoyed a golden era, winning five titles under Gregg Popovich and stars like Tim Duncan. Despite less impressive results in recent seasons, fans pack the AT&T Center, which seats up to 18,500, showing support that transcends on-court ups and downs. Tradition and the bond with the city of San Antonio are key to this solid fanbase.

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks, tied with the Bulls at 23.5 million followers, carry the weight of representing one of the world’s biggest cities. Madison Square Garden, with about 20,000 seats, is an iconic venue that reflects the energy of New York fans. Despite only two titles, the last in 1973, the franchise remains among the NBA’s most valuable, driven by its prime location and a fanbase that never wavers.

Rising powers gain traction in basketball

While traditional teams dominate parts of the ranking, younger or emerging franchises are also making their mark. The Oklahoma City Thunder, with 20.2 million followers, is a prime example. Titleless for over 40 years, the team has shown steady improvement, drawing new fans each season. The Paycom Center, with a capacity of 18,203, turns into a cauldron on game days, with an atmosphere rivaling the league’s biggest arenas. The Thunder’s growth highlights the potential of teams investing in young talent and direct fan connection.

The Houston Rockets, with 29.7 million followers, hold fifth place. With two titles in the 1990s led by Hakeem Olajuwon, the franchise maintains a vibrant fanbase that fills the Toyota Center, which seats over 18,000. A history of success and stars like James Harden have solidified this support. The energy in the stands and online engagement show how the Rockets remain competitive in the NBA landscape.

Another notable case is the Miami Heat, also with 29.7 million followers. The three titles won in 2006, 2012, and 2013, led by names like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, built a passionate fanbase that packs the Kaseya Center, with over 19,600 seats. The Heat’s culture of grit and determination is mirrored in its fans, who stay supportive even through tough seasons.

Numbers that tell the fanbase story

The data on the NBA’s biggest fanbases reveals each franchise’s strength both online and in arenas. Here’s the top 10 in detail:

• Los Angeles Lakers: 61 million followers
• Golden State Warriors: 60.9 million followers
• Cleveland Cavaliers: 32.9 million followers
• Miami Heat: 29.7 million followers
• Houston Rockets: 29.7 million followers
• Boston Celtics: 23.9 million followers
• New York Knicks: 23.6 million followers
• Chicago Bulls: 23.5 million followers
• Oklahoma City Thunder: 20.2 million followers
• San Antonio Spurs: 15.4 million followers

These figures stem from a survey analyzing each team’s digital reach, totaling followers across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. The full list includes 20 other franchises, such as the Los Angeles Clippers with 15 million and the Detroit Pistons with 4.9 million, showcasing the league’s diverse popularity.

Memorable fan moments from the season

The 2023/24 season brought events that highlighted the role of fanbases. The Boston Celtics’ 18th title was celebrated with a packed TD Garden throughout the playoffs, creating extra pressure on opponents. The Cleveland Cavaliers turned the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse into one of the league’s loudest venues during their 2016 Finals run, a memory that still resonates with fans.

The Golden State Warriors also had unforgettable moments. Their 2022 title, the fourth in eight years, was met with a wave of support at the Chase Center, with fans celebrating the dynasty led by Stephen Curry. The Los Angeles Lakers, despite not reaching the Finals last season, kept the Crypto.com Arena a top destination, driven by their 17 championships and the legacy of icons like Kobe Bryant.

Timeline of NBA’s biggest crowds

The evolution of NBA attendance reflects the sport’s growth over the years. Check out recent milestones:

• 2021/22 Season: 21.8 million total spectators
• 2022/23 Season: 22.2 million total spectators
• 2023/24 Season: 22.5 million total spectators

This steady rise aligns with the league’s investments in fan experiences, modern arenas, and increased digital interaction. The average attendance per game also hit a new peak of 18,322 last season, the highest recorded to date.

Fans boost franchise value

The strength of fanbases directly impacts the market. The New York Knicks, valued at over $6 billion, are among the NBA’s most valuable teams, driven by their fanbase and New York location. The Los Angeles Lakers, with 61 million followers, lead with an estimated value exceeding $7 billion, bolstered by their popularity and 17 titles.

The Golden State Warriors, with four recent championships, have seen their value soar to around $7 billion, thanks to on-court success and a passionate fanbase. The Chicago Bulls, despite no recent titles, maintain a valuation near $4 billion, sustained by fan loyalty and the Michael Jordan brand. These figures show how fan support is a vital asset for franchises.

The influence of fanbases extends beyond finances. They shape team identities, fuel historic rivalries, and keep basketball’s spirit alive, even during rebuilding phases. Whether in the stands or online, fans are the beating heart of the NBA, ensuring the league continues to grow and captivate millions worldwide.