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List of NBA Teams in Alphabetical Order

3/16/2023

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The NBA: A Brief History

The NBA was established on June 6, 1946, in New York City. It was originally called the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and founded by a man named Walter Brown, who saw the opportunity of using vacant ice hockey arenas to host basketball games. The BAA merged with another league called the National Basketball League in 1949, and the combined entity was renamed the NBA. ​
There were 11 teams that were established to launch the NBA between 1946 and 1949: 
Cleveland Rebels
Boston Celtics
Chicago Stags
Detroit Falcons
New York Knickerbockers
Pittsburgh Ironmen
Philadelphia Warriors
Providence Steamrollers
St. Louis Bombers
Toronto Huskies
Washington Capitols​

NBA Teams List (2022-2023)

The NBA has 30 teams: 29 in the US and 1 in Canada. The Memphis Grizzlies were relocated in 2001 after a 6-year stint in Vancouver, Canada. 
1. Atlanta Hawks (Atlanta, Georgia) – since 1946
2. Boston Celtics (Boston, Massachusetts) – since 1946
3. Brooklyn Nets (New York City, New York) – since 1976
4. Charlotte Hornets (Charlotte, North Carolina) – since 1998
5. Chicago Bulls (Chicago, Illinois) – since 1966
6. Cleveland Cavaliers (Cleveland, Ohio) – since 1970
7. Dallas Mavericks (Dallas, Texas) – since 1980
8. Denver Nuggets (Denver, Colorado) – since 1976
9. Detroit Pistons (Detroit, Michigan) – since 1948
10. Golden State Warriors (San Francisco, California) – since 1946
11. Houston Rockets (Houston, Texas) – since 1967
12. Indiana Pacers (Indianapolis, Indiana) – since 1976
13. Los Angeles Clippers (Los Angeles, California) – since 1970
14. Los Angeles Lakers (Los Angeles, California) – since 1948
15. Memphis Grizzlies (Memphis, Tennessee) – since 1995
16. Miami Heat (Miami, Florida) – since 1988
17. Milwaukee Bucks (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) – since 1968
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (Minneapolis, Minnesota) – since 1989
19. New Orleans Pelicans (New Orleans, Louisiana) – since 2002
20. New York Knicks (New York City, New York) – since 1946
21. Oklahoma City Thunder (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) – since 1967
22. Orlando Magic (Orlando, Florida) – since 1989
23. Philadelphia 76ers (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) – since 1949
24. Phoenix Suns (Phoenix, Arizona) – since 1968
25. Portland Trail Blazers (Portland, Oregon) – since 1970
26. Sacramento Kings (Sacramento, California) – since 1948
27. San Antonio Spurs (San Antonio, Texas) – since 1976
28. Toronto Raptors (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) – since 1995
29. Utah Jazz (Salt Lake City, Utah) – since 1974
30. Washington Wizards (Washington, D.C.) – since 1961

FAQ's

Which Team Has The Most NBA Championships?

It's actually a tie between the Lakers and the Celtics. Both teams have won 17 NBA championships. The Lakers have won 12 in the city of Los Angeles and 5 in Minneapolis. 

Which Team Has Been To The Most NBA Finals Without a Title?

That would be the Phoenix Suns, who appeared in the NBA Finals three times in 1976, 1993, and 2021 but lost each time. 

What NBA Player Has The Most Championships?

That would be legendary Celtic, Bill Russell, who won 11 NBA championships in his 13 year career. This highlight clip, upgraded to 4K, is awesome. 

Who Was The First NBA Expansion Team?

The Chicago Packers were founded in 1961 and became the NBA's first expansion team. The team eventually became the Washington Wizards. 

Which State Has The Most NBA Teams?

If you guessed California, that would be correct. The state is home to 4 NBA teams: the Golden State Warriors, the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. 

How Many States Do Not Have An NBA Basketball Team?

The answer is a remarkable 28. If I had to guess which state is next, my vote would be Nevada (Las Vegas). 

What Year Did The NBA Merge With The ABA?

1976

How Many NBA Teams Have Never Won a Championship?

The answer is 11. The teams: 
1. Phoenix Suns – Reached the Finals 3x
2. Utah Jazz – Reached the Finals 2x
3. Brooklyn Nets – Reached the Finals 2x
4. Orlando Magic – Reached the Finals 2x
5. Indiana Pacers – Reached the Finals 1x
6. Charlotte Hornets – Never Reached the Finals
7. Denver Nuggets – Never Reached the Finals
8. Los Angeles Clippers – Never Reached the Finals
9. Memphis Grizzlies – Never Reached the Finals
10. Minnesota Timberwolves – Never Reached the Finals
11. New Orleans Pelicans – Never Reached the Finals

What Basketball Does The NBA Use?

NBA Wilson Game Ball
The NBA switched the game ball supplier from Spalding to Wilson ahead of the 2021-2022 season after using the Spalding ball for 37 years!  

One reason was to improve consistency and durability of the game ball. Wilson developed a new basketball specifically for the NBA that is designed to provide better grip, control, and bounce, while also being more resistant to wear and tear. The NBA believed that this new ball would lead to more consistent play and a better overall experience for players and fans.

Another reason for the switch was financial. Wilson offered the NBA a more lucrative deal than Spalding, which had been the official game ball supplier for over three decades. This deal included not only the game balls, but also merchandise and marketing opportunities for both the NBA and Wilson. It is believed that Wilson is paying between $25-$35 million annually for the contract. Spalding's previous contract with the NBA was 8 years. 

Finally, the switch to Wilson aligns with the NBA's commitment to sustainability. Wilson's game ball is made using recycled materials and is more eco-friendly than the previous ball. This move is part of the NBA's larger efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and promote sustainability.

Overall, the switch to Wilson was a strategic decision by the NBA aimed at improving the quality of the game ball, enhancing financial benefits, and promoting sustainability.

Final Thoughts

Have a burning question that we did't get to? Let us know in the comments section below. For more NBA related content, check out the Basketball Section of our blog here. 
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    John Willkom is the author of Amazon best-selling basketball books: Walk-On Warrior and No Fear In The Arena. John is an avid reader, sports fan, and father to three incredible little kids.

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