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Most Popular NBA Teams: 2023-24 Power Rankings

What are the most popular NBA teams in the 2023-24 season? We compared the rankings to our list last season, analyzing both positive sentiment and social media followers. Here’s the top ten power rankings, with the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks dropping off our list: 

10. New York Knicks (-1)

The New York Knicks play out of the biggest city in America and they’re one of the most recognisable sports teams in the world. Generations of fans watched on as superstars such as Patrick Ewing, John Starks and Charles Oakley helped build the Knicks popularity.

Matchups with the Bulls and Heat have a history of being fiery and are some of the biggest NBA rivalries. There’s also an aura around the team when it plays at Madison Square Gardens, one of the greatest arenas on the planet. 

9. OKC Thunder (new)

The Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. Despite being in a small market, the Thunder are one of the most popular teams in the NBA. The draft therefore has always been important for Oklahoma City to pick superstars and they have a history of being on the money.

James Harden and New Zealander Steven Adams were early successful picks, and more recently they’ve drafted well with Chet Holmgren and Aussie Josh Giddey, which has also helped the teams international popularity. 

8. San Antonio Spurs (-1)

Led by the best power forward of all time Tim Duncan, the Spurs went on to win five champions in 15 years. The dynasty included supercoach Gregg Popovich, and a supporting cast starring Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili which helped San Antonio to become one of the most popular NBA teams.

The Spurs haven’t had a winning season since 2019 but no doubt Victor Wembanyama is going to take them to the next level. 

7. Boston Celtics (-4)

The Celtics have a record 17 championships, tied with the Lakers. Success on the backs of legends like Bill Russell who won 11 titles, Larry Bird, and Paul Pierce, have all contributed to the Celtics winning ways, attracting many generations of fans and helping Boston to become one of the most popular NBA teams.

Their rivalry with the Lakers is the biggest in the NBA and most teams look forward to a matchup with the Celtics. Boston has been a contender in recent times and made an appearance in the NBA Finals in 2022, and will be looking for a big 2023-24 season led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.  

6. Miami Heat (-1)

The Miami Heat earned a lot of fans during their 2006, 2012 and 2013 championships, with the “Big Three” LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh going back-to-back.

Their dominance during this period and the “Heat Culture” that developed from the days of Tim Hardaway is another reason why they attracted a generation of fans. Led by Jimmy Butler a resurgent Miami made a run to the NBA Finals last season where they lost to the Nuggets in five. 

5. Houston Rockets (new)

Texas is a hotbed for the NBA with the Mavericks, Spurs and Houston Rockets in the league. Setting the Rockets apart is their international popularity thanks to Yao Ming and Jeremy Lin.

Houston didn’t have a winning season under Stephen Silas but there’s hope under new coach Ime Udoka in 2023-24. There’s also superstar potential in Jalen Green and fourth pick of the 2023 draft Amen Thompson. 

4. Cleveland Cavaliers (+2)

Over the years the Cavaliers have had their fair share of bad trades, draft picks and attendances. 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 (+1)

The Chicago Bulls are arguably one of the most marketable sports teams all because of the  best player of all time 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. The Bulls have only had one winning season in the last six, but the franchise has seen some upside in the resurgence of DeMar DeRozan.

2. Golden State Warriors (no change) 

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 (no change)

The Lakers are the undisputed most popular team in the NBA and LeBron James has helped take their popularity to new heights since he joined Los Angeles in 2018. The Lakers had a strong 2022-23 season but were swept by eventual NBA champion Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. 

Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are some of the best Lakers players in history and have helped to capture different generations of fans for the franchise. Everyone loves a winner and with 17 NBA championships – a record they share with the Celtics – they’ve built a culture of winning and has attracted a fan base worldwide which is known as “Laker Nation”.

Matt Ieriko

Matt Ieriko is a freelance writer who’s evolved his lifelong passion for sport into the creation of WolfgangSport.com in 2020 – an American sports blog covering the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS and more. As an Australian, he’s always been fascinated with the cultural differences and global significance of sports in America.

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