All clubs are looking to grow their franchise through a combination of competitive success, television viewership, and alternative content. The franchise moved to Minneapolis and changed its name to Minneapolis Lakers. All-Stars Rolando Blackman and Mark Aguirre led the team during the 1980s, but it wasnt until Dirk Nowitzki became the leader during the most successful period in the franchise history, helping the team winning its first NBA championship in 2011. The Nets are the only team in the top 5 which was a bit of a surprise but with the superstar duo of Kyrie and Kevin Durant, they were bound to attract fans worldwide. Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. an Google Trends basically analyzes the top search queries on Google Search across various regions and languages. No surprises here, as youve probably already guessed in North America, the most popular NBA teams over the past 10 years have been the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat. Also, his numbers are easy to translate into sales - he had six seasons with at least 10 games played and one season with 12 games played. Nikola Jokic has won the MVP award in the last two seasons which makes the Nuggets one of the most popular teams in his native Serbia. The next step is winning it all. In 1949, the Pistons became parted of the NBA, the merged league, and it wasnt until 1957 that the franchise moved to Detroit. A Queens University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events. The Knicks play their home games at the Madison Square Garden, which they share with the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). As the only team in the major professional North American sports leagues located in Sacramento, the Kings play their home games at the Golden 1 Center. Needless to say, some teams are easier to root for than others, as they've been used to performing at a high level and dominating the rest of the league. Istanbul's Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahce are two of the best teams in Europe at the moment. For the first time since 2014, the Brooklyn Nets placed in the top 10 in team gear sales. This is the first time that fans have been able to vote for their favorite teams. They are the most successful basketball team in NBA history, winning most championships in the NBA with 17. Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat Full Game 1 Highlights | May 17 | 2022 NBA Playoffs 2. Who's in first place? Fans: 2.5 million City: Portland, OR Championships: 1 Founded:1970. We respect your privacy. NBA prospect to watch: Isaac Bonga is a 6-foot-8, 17-year-old forward under contract with the BBL's Fraport Skyliners, and he's playing the majority of his games in the Pro B league, the third-tier level of German basketball. Who are the best NBA teams of all time? Fans: 7million City: Oklahoma City, OK Championships: 1 Founded: 1967 (as Seattle SuperSonics). He was playing only 12 minutes a game for BSL powerhouse Anadolu Efes as a 19-year-old but has been recently loaned to Banvit, where he is seeing increased playing time. It finally became the Golden State Warriors in 1971. So is the case with the Toronto Raptors. "It's amazing to see how many people around the country love our game and want to show their support by wearing some of the awesome outfits we provide," said Adam Silver, Commissioner of the NBA. Fans: 1.8million City: Milwaukee, WI Championships: 1 Founded:1968. It is no longer enough to say a team isnt popular just because of their social media follower count, teams have just not capitalized on their key assets. The Mavericks set the NBAs consecutive sellout streak record in February 2020, edging the Portland Trail Blazers from the top spot. We should also mention that the superstardom of players for these clubs, both current and former, like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Michael Jordan, boost the teams accessibility globally. Even so, this is a better subscribed theory than people rooting for the team thatwins championships. interim Sports Wagering Supplier license, under license number SWS 066, issued by the West Virginia Lottery It might be surprising to see the Milwaukee Bucks this low on the list but before the emergence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, they were just an average team. The team was founded in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors, and then it was relocated to the San Francisco Bay Arena in 1962 and took the citys name. Patriots 4.3 million Cowboys 3.6 million Packers 2.3 million The difference is huge on Twitter and YouTube as well. It was formed in 2001, about a decade after the breakup of Yugoslavia. Why arent the Houston Rockets in the top 5 seeing how popular the likes of Yao Ming, Tracey Mcgrady, and others were in East Asia? James left Cleveland in 2018 and the teams popularity has been dropping ever since, they are ranked 21st in 2021. Six years later, the team was controversially relocated to Los Angeles without the approval of the NBA. I mean, what true basketball fan wouldnt love to watch a game at Madison Square Garden? The LBA is possibly the oldest professional basketball league in Europe, having been formed in 1920. WSN.com is registered with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) under affiliate vendor ID He played there for two seasons before being drafted by the Spurs with the 28th pick in 2001. It is well-funded, well-marketed, and the games are well-attended. New York, 14 July 2021 The NBA and the NBA Players Association (NBPA) announced today that LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have claimed the top places on the NBA's Most Popular Jersey and Team Merchandise lists, respectively. The league has long been top-heavy with two outstanding teams, Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, that are based in Athens and make up one of the most heated basketball rivalries in the world. Fans: 4.4 million City: Dallas, TX Championships: 1 Founded: 1980. NBA prospect to watch: Isaac Bonga is a 6-foot-8, 17-year-old forward under contract with the BBL's Fraport Skyliners, and he's playing the majority of his games in the Pro B league, the third-tier level of German basketball. Like many professional leagues outside of the NBA, relegation in the ACB means the last two teams in the standings are relegated to LEB Oro, the second division, and replaced by LEB Oro's top two teams. Kobe Bryant: Kobe Bryant is also a winning leader with a great record of having represented the Lakers in the All-Star Game five times. If you no longer want to The teams became a member of the American Basketball Association (ABA) after its foundation in 1967. Includes: Premier League + 84 Sports Channels, Registering implies accepting the Terms and Conditions. See the NBA team locations map; Jump to the NBA popularity ranking table; Star players can also have a big impact on an NBA teams popularity. Some believe this league could be among the best in Europe in the near future -- even if it's currently a midtier European league. Yes, the Lakers have an illustrious history earning them the nickname The Show-Time Lakers but the driving force behind the worldwide Laker fanbase over the last decade, is largely thanks to the popularity of two of the top 10 all-time greats Kobe Byrant and LeBron James. The arrival of Trae Young and the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals appearance have lifted the Hawks to no. That's why today, based on the numbers shownon Facebook, we made thisranking of the 25 teams with most fans in the NBA. of This ranking is exhaustive and does not include all the European club as it is based on closed ligue participation. Its been a tough decade for the Charlotte Hornets. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Its been almost 15 years since the Pistons won their last Playoff game and as the things stand, it will take a while until they do so again. The Celtics was founded in 1946 as one of the leagues original eight teams. After struggling financially, the Lakers were relocated in Los Angeles before the 1960/1961 season. On the other hand the Toronto Raptors are a team that represents an entire country and is one of the most internationally driven teams in terms of roster. Spain, Germany, Greece and Italy are among those that are home to solid domestic basketball leagues on the continent. Theyve always had a solid fan base in the Bay Area, especially in the We Believe days but global popularity was ushered in when Steph Curry and Klay Thompson became the Splash Brothers and took over the league. The NBL was founded in 1979 with seven teams from Australia and one from New Zealand. The Warriors also won the 2017 and 2018 championships with Kevin Durant in the squad. He is part of a generation of bright German prospects under the age of 20. He is the only person who has earned spots on both lists this year. Celtics first-round draft pick Ante Zizic is being groomed this season at KK Cibona. Who are the top-selling NBA players online? Most recently, the New York Knicks' Kristaps Porzingis played at Seville before taking the NBA by storm in his first two years. Bypassing college in the same manner as the Denver Nuggets' Emmanuel Mudiay, Ferguson is expected to be a first-round selection in the 2017 NBA draft. Their success played a major part in popularizing the NBA worldwide. Fans: 9 million City: Boston, MA Championships: 17 Founded: 1946. Rebel Penguin ApS 2023 (a subsidiary of Gaming Innovation Group Inc.) LeBron James: By being named to the All-NBA Second Team for the 202021 season, LeBron James continues his record-breaking streak of All-NBA honors. Istanbul's Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahce are two of the best teams in Europe at the moment. Regular-season schedule: October to February. The Raptors have been the only Canadian-based team in the league since the 2001/2002 season, as the Grizzlies relocated from Vancouver to Memphis. New York, 14 July 2021 The NBA and the NBA Players Association (NBPA) announced today that LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have claimed the top places on the NBA's Most Popular Jersey and Team Merchandise lists, respectively. The Boston Celtics are one of the two most successful teams in NBA history sharing the throne with the Lakers as both teams have won 17 NBA championships. Firstly, the NBA is home to many of the best basketball . The team is currently the fifth most popular in North and South America but their popularity is decreasing as they are ranked at no. Home Stadium: Vivint Smart Home Arena. January 21, 2022 8:58 AM NEW YORK The National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Basketball Players Association today jointly announced that LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Regular-season schedule: September to May. Things seemed to have turned in the Clippers favor in the last decade, their popularity increased with the arrivals of Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Jordan. Unfortunately for Toronto, they are still second to hockey in their own market. a. After all three superstars left, things dramatically changed, they are now 27th on the popularity list in 2021. Social media is a great tool for gauging the value of an NBA franchise. NBA prospect to watch: Real Madrid's 6-foot-7 Slovenian guard Luka Doncic, a 17-year-old prodigy, has been a huge contributor for one of the best teams in Europe. He currently has a total of 17 awards, including an NBA record 13 First Team selections. NBA teams, from both the United States and Canada, . Being 4th on the list shows that historical achievements and great rivalries play a massive role in attracting a global fanbase. The team is owned by former NBA star and Hall of Famer Yao Ming. ASVEL has won the most French basketball championships with 18. Despite the fact that the Miami Heat joined the league in the last 1980s, they have quickly become a major global NBA franchise, that is recognized around the world. Thanks in large part to the enduring strength of the brand built during the Jordan years, the Bulls are among the five most popular NBA teams on social media -- the No. In 1978, the franchise moved to California and was renamed as the San Diego Clippers. Fans: 5.9 million City: New York, NY Championships: 2 Founded: 1946. They are the fifth most popular team in 2021 due to the likes of Devin Booker and Chris paul but their previous uninspiring years puts them in the middle of this list over the last decade. our Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy and you confirm that you are 18+. Today, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the big star of the team and one of the most talented players in the NBA. Outside of Europe, however, the top leagues have to be the CBA in China, the NBL. 2 in Europe), among the top five most-popular teams on NBA League Pass outside the U.S. 8 retired by Olimpia Milano, the club with which he won five Italian league titles and two FIBA European Champions Cups (the equivalent of EuroLeague championships) as a player and started his coaching career. The Highest Paid Players in the NBA Right Now, Weird Things to Know About the Draft Lottery. Right now, three of the top 10 players in the league in PER (Player Efficiency . Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board as a gaming service provider, under certificate registration number The team is owned by former NBA star and Hall of Famer Yao Ming. Fans: 15million City: Miami, FL Championships: 3 Founded: 1988. Regular-season schedule: October to April. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and both the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the United States and the Euro League in Europe have millions of fans. Jerry West: The former Laker president and governor has been honored by the NBA with two All-NBA Teams. Thanks in large part to the enduring strength of the brand built during the Jordan years, the Bulls are among the five most popular NBA teams on social media -- the No. If you're an NBA fan, the odds are extremely likely that you have a favorite team you support. Its one of two NBA teams located in New York City, along with Brooklyn Nets. He knows all about the sports world, from player contracts to league rules. While the Celtics have had the biggest gulf between ardent diehards and fair weather fans, the Lakers fan base makes them look like the most loyal fans in the league. If youre curious about which NFL teams are most popular on social media check out The Most & Least Popular NFL Teams on Social Media. The Most Popular NBA Teams By Continent In The Last Decade, Ranking Every NBA Franchise By Popularity, A Complete List of NBA Players with Signature Shoes in 2023, Gift Ideas for Miami Heat Fans: 18 Picks for the Ultimate Fan, 20 Great Gift Ideas for Indiana Pacers Fans, Great Gift Ideas for Miami Dolphins Fans: From the Practical to the Playful, Great Gift Ideas For Carolina Panthers Fans. The teams play EuroLeague games during the week and in their own countries' leagues on the weekends. The European professional basketball club rankings are determined by the results of the professional basketball clubs in the EuroLeague and the EuroCup over the previous three seasons, excluding the competition's qualifying rounds. The Bulls are the team who played a huge role in the NBAs global expansion, lets call it the Michael Jordan effect. Here are his rankings of the top 12 pro basketball leagues in the world outside of the NBA. Data on sales were gathered from October through December of 2016. The composition of each team's roster is based on two formulas. Notable: Houston Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni had his No. The obvious suspects sit at the top of the charts, where the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Chicago Bulls have remained for a number of years. In cities that have more than one team, this can be achallenge, most notably in New York and Los Angeles. The Bulls were the third-most popular team in Europe, in terms of Google searches, being the most searched in eight countries, according to a study collected by OHBets. They reached two NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998, but they lost both of them against Michael Jordans Chicago Bulls. The team is named after Indianas history with the Indianapolis 500s pace cars and with the harness racing industry. It finally changed its name (again) to Nuggets in 1974. The Memphis Grizzlies are by far the least popular NBA team globally. In 2010, Barcelona and CSKA Moscow again, beat NBA teams, by narrow margins. They were estimated to be worth $820 million in 2017, which made them the most valuable franchise. He is one game away from becoming the first player in NBA history to win championships with three different teams (Lakers, Sixers, Mamba's). People's favorite NBA team could be the one that is closest to where they live. The team was founded as the Seattle SuperSonics and joined the NBA in the 1967/1968 season. The club is owned by San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker. The European professional basketball club rankings are determined by the results of the professional basketball clubs in the EuroLeague and the EuroCup over the previous three seasons, excluding the competition's qualifying rounds. And there is a pipeline of young German players in the national team system. The Utah Jazz is the only professional team in the big four leagues in the state of Utah but it seems like they are popular only locally and in the US. Daniel Morgan. The top basketball league in France (its proper name is Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro A) was formed in 1921. When Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union, its basketball teams played in the Soviet League. The one-two punch of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram will probably move the team higher on this list but itll definitely take some time and a winning record. Eurocupbasketball.com Regular Season Draw: Seeds and Procedure. He now leads the BBL in assists this season while playing for Tigers Tubingen. By subscribing, you are agreeing to Zion Williamson (No. Europe's Most Popular USA Sports Teams In 2021. The Bucks were founded as an expansion team in 1968 and former US Senator Herb Kohl was their long-time owner until 2016, when a group led by billionaire hedge fund managers Wes Edens and Marc Lasry agreed to purchase a majority interest in the team from Kohl. Looking at every team individually, there are some interesting trends but theres no doubt that player star power and championships dictate popularity. During the late 1980s, the Jazz had one of the most famed point guard-power forward duos in NBA history with John Stockton and Karl Malone, led by coach Jerry Sloan. Just came back from Italy where the number one accessory isa Yankees cap. Since their foundation, six Hall of Fame players have played for the Trail Balzers: Lenny Wilkens, Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler, Drazen Petrovic, Arvydas Sabonis and Scottie Pippen. Einhorn is Finkle. Some of the greatest NBA players ever have played for the Lakers, such as Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille ONeal, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. The NBA is BACK! Well, your guess is as good as mine. Gaming Licensing and Investigations of the Virginia Lottery to operate in the State of Virginia, and a Most NBA Titles, 8 straight and complete team with players such as Bill Russell, Bird, Mchale, Jones, Garnett, Pierce, etc. Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the United States, that's why we decided to make a ranking of the NBA teams with most fans. The league is the top-tier Russian circuit, plus it includes clubs from Estonia, Latvia, Kazakhstan and Belarus. Told James Harden jersey sales moved up from #9 to #8 after trade to Brooklyn, giving Nets three players in top 8 of NBA merchandise sales. Today, the team shares the Pepsi Center with the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League (NLL). That option appears to have been eliminated by the Group Licensing Agreement of 1995 (which is still in large part in effect today). Editor's note: Fran Fraschilla, a former head coach at Manhattan, St. John's and New Mexico, is a college basketball analyst and international draft expert for ESPN. Which Player Does NBA Twitter Hate The Most? It joined the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1945 with the name of Rochester Royals and was relocated to Cincinnati in 1957, becoming the Cincinnati Royals. NBA prospect to watch: Doncic (see EuroLeague above). New York has been voted the most popular NBA team for the sixth year in a row. Shaquille O'Neal: Shaquille O'Neal had a very successful career as a Laker, earning four All-Star Games and two All-NBA Awards during his time with the team. Who are the players who played for both the Mets and the Yankees? Its been 16 years since the Sacramento Kings made the Playoffs for the last time which is the longest drought in the league. All of this however doesnt put the Knicks in the top 10 teams when it comes to worldwide popularity in the last decade. Over the past decade, he has established himself as one of the best players in Europe with a salary in seven figures. A team can have five players from outside of the European Union plus five Italian players, or it can have three players from outside of the European Union and four players from the European Union, in addition to five Italian players. If youre a fan of any of these teams, youre in good company they have some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the world. For example, according to Wikipedia, Carmelo Anthony is the all-time leader in NBA playoff points before being passed by James Harden this year. It is the hardest road trip in the NBL and involves a nearly three-hour flight between cities. There are certain teams that people will always love to see wear their colors. In fact, the Raptors' red and black colors are being used more and more by other teams. There is no better time to look at the intersection between NBA fandom and social media than in 2020 during the NBAs resumed season in the bubble! As cable television becomes less popular, teams are trying to figure out how to engage new and returning fans with their product. He currently stars for Unics Kazan, which also plays in the EuroLeague. 2 following on. Top 5 Hottest 2022-23 NBA Games. Success in the EuroCup allows a team to move up the EuroLeague the following season. An interesting thing about the Grizzlies is that they are the only team in the major professional North American sports leagues based in the city of Memphis and the only professional basketball team in the state of Tennessee. The Celtics compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Eastern, The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. According to Forbes, the New York Knicks are the most valuable NBA team and it is the mecca of basketball. the 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA, WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-522-4700 (NV), 1-800-522-4700 The most popular NBA team in every European country The Golden State Warriors are the most popular NBA team in 12 countries in Europe, according Read more. Leagues everywhere from China, Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil, among many others. Qualifying for the competition is based on a team's success in its domestic league, other competitions and by invitation from the EuroLeague. Notable: Parker started his professional career as a 17-year-old for Paris Racing Club in 1999. Fans: 7million City: San Antonio, TX Championships: 5 Founded: 1967 (asDallas Chaparrals). Since 1994, the Cavaliers have played their home games at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, which they share with the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League. Last season, 39 former ACB players were in the NBA, the most of any international league. Last season, 39 former ACB players were in the NBA, the most of any international league. Regular-season schedule: September to April. Qualifying round results are not taken into account. The Cavaliers are this high on the list because of LeBron James impact. The San Antonio Spurs are a synonym for consistency as they made it to the NBA Playoffs for 22 consecutive seasons, a run that ended in 2020. The team has only made the playoffs twice in that time and theyve mostly been at the bottom of the league. Morant to miss two games after video with gun, Curry, Iguodala probable to return vs. Lakers, Sources: Suns hiring Pistons' Bartelstein as CEO, Grizzlies' Clarke tore Achilles, out for season, Kerr touts 5-0 homestand: Dubs 'turned a corner', KD: Mavs tilt, Kyrie meeting 'just another game', Sources: Dragic joining Bucks for rest of season, Nets filling out big-man depth with Noel signing, The paths of KD and Kyrie: How one month changed three franchises and two superstar legacies. The league has long been top-heavy with two outstanding teams, Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, that are based in Athens and make up one of the most heated basketball rivalries in the world. Fans: 13million City: Houston, TX Championships: 2 Founded: 1967 (as San Diego Rockets). Well, take a. By signing up you will receive updates of sales, promotion and new items. Shaquille O'Neal also came close to reaching 10,000 jerseys sold in two separate periods of time during his career. This should facilitate his development as a player. Fans: 1.8million City: Detroit, MI Championships: 3 Founded:1941 (as Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons). He arrived in Milan in 1977 after four nondescript seasons in the NBA and ABA. The Rockets won the 1994 NBA Finals with Hakeem Olajuwon as their star player and then the 1995 Finals with the reinforcement of Clyde Drexler. It wasnt until 1985 that the franchise was relocated in Sacramento and changed its name to the Sacramento Kings. Fans: 22million City: Los Angeles, CA Championships:16 Founded: 1947 (as Detroit Gems). Notable: Former Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt, who had tremendous success in Europe before leaving for the NBA, is currently coaching Darussafaka S.K. The Celtics are the most popular team in Oceania and the second most popular in North America. From the early days. Are you on the search for great gift ideas that you can buy for a. Are you looking for great gift ideas for an Indiana Pacers fan? The Lakers have won five championships since 2000, more than any other team. Two Teams Tied. LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers are now valued at $5.5 billion, joining the New York Knicks . Notable: Called the Mother of all Battles, the Olympiakos-Panathinaikos rivalry goes back to the 1940s, but in the past 20 years, the teams have met in Greek League, Greek Cup and EuroLeague play over 75 times, including 16 in the finals of the Greek League. However, things may finally be starting to change with the emergence of Ja Morant, who is a promising young star and already an All-Star.