Ranking All 30 NBA Teams Based On Total Attendance Over The Last 10 Years

When it comes to being an NBA fan, there is nothing we wouldn’t do to support our teams. We wear their jerseys, buy their merchandise, and, when we can, support them in their home arenas by buying tickets and attending games. Loyalty to our favorite franchise comes easy to us. We have chosen the team whose side we will stick by through the good and bad times no matter what. Now, it is time to see which fan bases have remained the most loyal over the last 10 years.

Attendance at NBA games, even when the team isn’t performing well, shows just how much support that franchise has. It is a given that when a team is winning championships and succeeding, they will have the support of their fan base. It is when the stands are still full despite an organization competing for a lottery pick that shows the true testament of their love within a city.

Today, we have calculated every NBA team’s attendance over the last 10 seasons to rank them based on the support they have received over that time. You will be surprised at some of the top spots while others come in in surprisingly low spots despite success and even championship-winning seasons. These rankings are not an exact ranking of a franchise’s fan base, but it does show which ones show up on a consistent basis to show their support.

This is the ranking of all 30 NBA teams and their total attendance over the last 10 years.

30. Minnesota Timberwolves – 5,550,605

Average Attendance Per Year: 555,061

Until recently, the Minnesota Timberwolves have not given their fans much to root for over the last 10 years. They have received an average of 555,000 fans visiting their arena every season and an average of around 16,800 fans per game which ranks at the bottom of the league as far as attendance goes.

During this time, the Timberwolves made the playoffs just three times in 2018, 2022, and 2023. All three trips to the playoffs have resulted in first-round exits courtesy of much deeper and flat-out better opponents, such as the Denver Nuggets in 2023 and the Memphis Grizzlies in 2022. Fans may turn out over the next few seasons as Minnesota trots out their franchise cornerstone, Anthony Edwards.

Edwards brings star power to a franchise in search of some after the likes of Kevin Love and Andrew Wiggins have moved on. Karl-Anthony Towns has been in that role since being the first overall pick in 2015, but even the 2016 Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star hasn’t been able to put fans in the seats as often as the franchise would like. I expect Minnesota to be competitive both on the court and with their attendance in the next few seasons more than they have been since 2013-14.

29. Atlanta Hawks – 5,868,771

Average Attendance Per Year: 586,877

Since 2013-14, the Atlanta Hawks are one of the worst teams in the NBA when it comes to attendance. It comes as a bit of a surprise considering the high-profile support they get from rap groups such as Migos and other Atlanta-based hip-hop and music acts. The Hawks also had their fair share of star power come through their ranks so let’s take a look at their last 10 seasons to see why attendance may be down.

From 2014 through 2017, the team made four straight playoff appearances which included a 60-win season in 2015 led by Al Horford, Paul Millsap, and Kyle Korver. Then, from 2018 through 2020, the franchise hit a low point, failing to register even 30 wins in any season over those three years. In 2021, led by their young superstar Trae Young, the Hawks reached their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2015, which rejuvenated the franchise as a whole.

Led by Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, and others, the Hawks look to make some noise moving forward after back-to-back first-round exits in 2022 and 2023. Attendance and success seem to have a direct correlation when it comes to the Hawks, so if they begin to win games again, they will right the hip as far as fans go, or at least we hope they will.

28. Milwaukee Bucks – 5,889,231

Average Attendance Per Year: 588,923

The Milwaukee Bucks have been through major changes over the last 10 years both to their product on the court and within their organization as a whole. Before 2014, the Bucks were guaranteed to either miss the playoffs or be an early exit, but times have changed thanks to new ownership and a renovated area around their arena, Fiserv Forum.

Attendance being down could maybe be attributed to going out in the Wisconsin winters, which are harsh on even the most loyal fans. It certainly can’t be their team on the court. Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably the best player in the world and has captured two MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year, an NBA championship, and a Finals MVP award.

In 2021, Giannis led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years, a celebration that was electric throughout the City of Milwaukee. Their Big 3 of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday have led the Bucks to a 155-81 record over the last three seasons, leading us to wonder why fans haven’t been showing out more for one of the best teams in the NBA. Best player? Check. Great Team? Check. Fun area to have some drinks around the arena before heading in? Check. Maybe a Milwaukee fan could chime in and let us know the real reason behind their low attendance.

27. Indiana Pacers – 5,891,023

Average Attendance Per Year: 589,102

The Indiana Pacers being so low in terms of attendance makes a ton of sense. Being in a small market such as Indiana, where football reigns supreme and as far as basketball goes, their Hoosiers are more beloved, is a recipe for minimal success in the NBA. In addition, the Pacers haven’t don’t themselves any favors with the way they have handled draft decisions and trades. 

After their appearance in the 2014 Conference Finals, in which they lost to LeBron James and the Miami Heat, the Pacers have struggled to find a star to replace the incomparable Paul George. First, no big-name free agents have Indiana at the top of their preferred destinations list. Second, Indiana isn’t exactly known for shelling out big contracts to entice their stars to stay because, well, they don’t have that kind of money.

Since 2014, the Pacers have been to the playoffs five times, which have all resulted in an early exit in the first round of the playoffs. They have missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons as well. In 2023, a star began to emerge for Indiana as Tyrese Haliburton became an All-Star, and Bennedict Mathurin put in a strong rookie campaign. Outside of that, the Pacers have not given fans much to cheer for or show up for.

26. Brooklyn Nets – 5,902,093

Average Attendance Per Year: 590,209

Being in one of the biggest markets in basketball, the Brooklyn Nets’ ranking toward the bottom of the NBA in terms of attendance is a bit shocking. Over the last three seasons, the Nets have had true superstars don their jerseys, with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden all spending time in Brooklyn.

However, the thing about New York is this. Everything is about as expensive as it gets throughout the country, including ticket prices. Maybe fans also got tired of the fact that their three-headed monster of Durant, Irving, and Harden played just seven games together before being disbanded. Constant inner turmoil and headlines for the wrong reasons can certainly turn a fan base off completely.

Since 2014, the Nets have made the playoffs seven times, including in each of the last five seasons. Unfortunately for them and their fans, they have made it past the first round only twice while never getting further than that. As they move into the future, the team will look to Mikal Bridges, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Cam Johnson to lead them. I highly doubt those are the names that will start to fill seats or reach new heights in terms of playoff success, but hey, maybe the people of Brooklyn will prove me wrong.

25. Detroit Pistons – 5,910,326

Average Attendance Per Year: 591,033

Pick any reason you can think of and chances are it has contributed to low attendance for the Detroit Pistons. Detroit has always been a blue-collar and hard-working place where fans took pride in their Pistons taking on the same identity. As the economic crisis hit during the 2000s and 2010s and the automobile industry crashed, Detroit deteriorated along with it, thus also hurting their professional sports teams.

I get it. It’s hard to focus on sports when lives are being altered by the minute in their city. It also doesn’t help that the Pistons haven’t been good on the court, either. Since 2014, the Pistons have made the playoffs twice and both appearances resulted in first-round losses. They have not made the playoffs since 2018-19 either and even stars such as Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond, and Cade Cunningham have not been able to keep people in their seats.

For Detroit’s sake, I hope the city and its basketball team recover from the economic hardships facing their community. Basketball is so much better when the Pistons are relevant and fighting for championships.

24. New Orleans Pelicans – 5,982,461

Average Attendance Per Year: 598,246

With the 24th-most attended games on our list over the last 10 years falls the New Orleans Pelicans. This comes as a surprise not because they rank so low but because they rank so high. This is a team that has been begging fans to show up over the last decade, even handing out tickets for free after the departure of Anthony Davis in 2019 and the arrival of Zion Williamson in 2021.

Even with Davis, the product wasn’t always great on the court. They made just two playoff appearances behind the MVP-caliber play of Davis in 2015 and 2018. In 2015, they fell in the first round, and in 2018, they lost in the second round. There have also been reports that the Pelicans’ owners, who also own the New Orleans Saints NFL franchise, are far more invested in their football team than they are in their basketball team. It definitely shows on the court.

The team has also put all its eggs in the basket of Zion Williamson who has been injured and the subject of off-the-court drama as of late. In 2022, they made an unexpected return to the NBA playoffs and things may be trending in the right direction for the franchise. Hopefully, the fans follow with more team success.

23. Memphis Grizzlies – 6,006,730

Average Attendance Per Year: 600,673

When it comes to the Memphis Grizzlies, I am sure there are more than a few Canadian basketball fans that are rooting for them to fail after they uprooted from Vancouver and moved to Memphis in 1999. Since then, the Grizzlies have had some levels of success, which includes a trip to the Conference Finals in 2013.

Over the last 10 years, Memphis has been slowly but surely increasing its interest within the city as it transitioned from the Grit and Grind era. The Grizzlies have ushered in their new regime with the help of budding superstar Ja Morant who, other than his off-the-court issues, has become one of the most exciting players in the game. They have also gotten help from Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. and role players like Desmond Bane. Memphis has had one of the best records in the NBA since 2021, giving their team a more attractive identity than in years past.

The Grizzlies are also a team trending in the right direction as far as their support and popularity within their community. Let’s hope it keeps trending this way for the sake of basketball fans around Tennessee.

22. Sacramento Kings – 6,012,067

Average Attendance Per Year: 601,207

Up until the 2022-23 season, the Sacramento Kings were in the midst of the worst playoff drought in North American sports. It had been 17 seasons since they made the NBA playoffs, with stars far and wide failing to deliver any sort of success to their team since they had the likes of Chris Webber and Jason Williams manning the court.

From 2014 through 2022, the Kings failed to win even 40 games in a season as they navigated the frustrations of continuous failure. Players such as DeMarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo, and, more recently, De’Aaron Fox had their big moments with the franchise, although it amounted to almost zero success on a team level.

In 2023, we saw all that change. As the Kings began to win behind the duo of Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, fans became more invested than ever before. We saw them take the NBA world by storm with their Light The Beam tradition. A tradition that lights up the Sacramento sky with a giant beam after every home win. If things keep trending this way, that beam will need a recharge, and the Kings will need to upgrade their arena to fit more fans.

21. Charlotte Hornets – 6,066,318

Average Attendance Per Year: 606,632

For years, the Charlotte Hornets, and more specifically owner Michael Jordan, have been the subject of ridicule and criticism for their lack of success on the court as well as their lack of discipline, with numerous players finding themselves in legal trouble. Whether that has anything to do with their 21st-ranked attendance is neither here nor there, but you would have to be a fool to say it doesn’t.

Still, to have over six million people attend their games over the last 10 seasons is impressive for a team that has been to the playoffs twice in the last 10 years. They made the playoffs in 2014 and 2016 as guard Kemba Walker made his impact on a team that wasn’t supposed to be competitive. Since 2016, the Hornets have failed to reach the postseason even after getting two chances in the NBA play-in tournament in 2021 and 2022.

As they head into the future, they have clearly invested in LaMelo Ball, who just inked a massive $260 million extension this offseason. Second-overall pick Brandon Miller will be a big part of their future as well, as long as he doesn’t fall into the category of busts Michael Jordan has drafted during his ownership tenure.

20. Phoenix Suns – 6,106,067

Average Attendance Per Year: 610,607

The time between the days of Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire in the 2000s and early 2010s and now, the Phoenix Suns had some of the worst seasons in franchise history. During this time, the Suns were so bad, there were talks of relocation even coming up surrounding their franchise. With the help of superstar acquisitions and a trip to the NBA Finals, things have turned around in a big way.

From 2014 through 2020, the Suns managed to miss the playoffs every season without even reaching 40 wins in a year. Their only bright spot was a young and blossoming star named Devin Booker, who just needed some pieces to make the team competitive again. In 2021, they acquired Chris Paul, and with number-one pick DeAndre Ayton, they went all the way to the NBA Finals and Phoenix was once again rocking when it came to their NBA team’s attendance.

In 2022-23, they made an even bigger splash at the trade deadline when they acquired Kevin Durant in a deal with the Brooklyn Nets. Although it didn’t work out in the playoffs, Phoenix wasn’t done under their new ownership regime and added Bradley Beal to make a Big 3 of himself, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant. Time will tell if the fans remain in their seats, but they should with all of the buzz surrounding their squad. They better hope the fans stick around too. Something has to pay all that money in salary.

19. Denver Nuggets – 6,109,945

Average Attendance Per Year: 610,995

Before their 2023 championship run, the Denver Nuggets had not even been to an NBA Finals in their team’s history. From 2014 through 2019, the team hadn’t even been to the NBA playoffs after dealing with the fallout of losing stars such as Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, and Chauncey Billups.

Since 2020, things have completely changed for the franchise as they now can be considered one of the best teams in the game. Well, they can be considered the best, period, considering their title as the 2023 NBA champions. Their rise in popularity can be attributed for the most part, thanks to the arrival of Nikola Jokic as one of the game’s best players. Jokic is a two-time MVP and is now the first Finals MVP in team history.

The city also fell in love with Jokic’s supporting cast, who helped deliver that title with their supportive play on the court. Jamal Murray’s comeback story from injury was a storyline that all NBA fans followed and cheered for. Players like Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also captured the hearts of NBA fans everywhere. With this core and inevitable success to follow, the Nuggets should continue to make their way up this list rather than down.

18. Washington Wizards – 6,226,424

Average Attendance Per Year: 622,642

As we approach the NBA teams that reside in the middle of the pack in terms of attendance, there will be some surprises for sure. One team that shouldn’t be much of a surprise is the Washington Wizards. I understand the struggles they have had lately, but that pales in comparison to the teams they rolled out in the past.

From 2014 through 2019, the Wizards were a highly-competitive team led by John Wall and Bradley Beal. They appeared in four playoffs during that stretch, with three appearances in the second round of the playoffs. It was widely believed that they were just one piece away until injuries to Wall caused them to trade his big salary away. That is when they turned to Beal as their next franchise cornerstone. However, one first-round loss in 2021 and a trade request from Beal also ended that era of play as they sent Beal to Phoenix.

Now, in 2023, the new era of Wizards basketball has arrived, with Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole leading the way. There is no telling if they can right the ship with those two as their lead, but it will be fun to watch regardless. Can they keep fans in the seats and be competitive once again?

17. Orlando Magic – 6,270,333

Average Attendance Per Year: 627,033

Here is a team that is certainly a surprise to see so high up in attendance over the last decade. Well, sort of. Ever since debuting as a franchise in the early 90s, the Magic have accumulated a cult following that includes high-profile celebrity fans like Tiger Woods. Still, with just two Finals appearances in team history, and none coming within the last 10 years, it is still a shock to see them so high up on our list.

After the Dwight Howard era was officially over in Orlando, star power came and went very rarely in Orlando. Nikola Vucevic served as a bigger star during this time, helping the team make two playoff appearances in 2019 and 2020. Both of those appearances resulted in first-round losses with no other team success to really speak of.

As far as the future, it is extremely bright in Orlando. The spotlight will be on their exciting young duo of Franz Wagner and 2023 Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero. With other complementary pieces fitting in right beside them, could the Magic break their championship drought in the 2020s? That would surely fill the Amway Center to the rafters.

16. Oklahoma City Thunder – 6,326,396

Average Attendance Per Year: 632,640

As it stands at this very moment, the Oklahoma City Thunder have the brightest future of any team in the NBA. With a host of draft picks and young talent getting their feet wet in the NBA, the Thunder and their fans have a lot to look forward to this decade. For most of the 2010s, it felt this way as well, which is why their attendance has been consistent and solid over the last 10 years.

In 2014, the sky was the limit for a franchise that had MVP Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook running the show. Even after Durant’s departure, the Thunder stayed relevant with an MVP season from Westbrook and the arrival of other stars such as Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. Since 2014, the Thunder have been to the NBA playoffs six times but never further than the Conference Finals in 2016.

For a team that hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2019, there has been a ton of work done behind the scenes to rebuild them into a contender once again. At the forefront of it is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was an All-Star, All-NBA selection, and 30.0 PPG scorer in 2022-23. Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren are also an exciting pair of players to watch any night of the week. Combined with over 30 draft picks in the next seven seasons, the return to being contenders is not far away for the squad from Oklahoma City. Will their fans be there to revel in the success? I would think so.

15. Houston Rockets – 6,400,064

Average Attendance Per Year: 640,006

Since 2014, a lot has gone on with the Houston Rockets as a franchise. During the 2010s, the Rockets were led by James Harden as he went on a torrid offensive pace for most of the decade, winning three scoring titles and an MVP in 2018. Harden, and the Rockets kept the stands packed in Houston as they continued to roll out a serious championship contender.

During this 10-year period, the Rockets made two trips to the Conference Finals in 2015 and 2018, along with five other trips to the playoffs altogether. The fans were watching the team’s best seasons since the 90s with Hakeem Olajuwon, but they always ended up falling just short of their goal.

After the departure of Harden, the Rockets have entered rebuild mode, which has resulted in three straight seasons of playoff-less basketball. Houston does have a bright future which should make fans excited about the Rockets once again. Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Kevin Porter Jr. are young stars ready to take the next steps in their careers while they also brought in Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks in 2023 free agency. Although they may not be championship contenders in the near future, there is a reason to get out and watch them now.

14. San Antonio Spurs – 6,456,446

Average Attendance Per Year: 645,645

With a tradition of winning and the overall core values they have instilled within their franchise, there is no surprise that the Spurs rank in the top half of total attendance in the NBA over the last 10 years.

Their last NBA championship run came in 2014 when they defeated the Miami Heat in five games. Since that time, they made five straight playoff appearances, all of which ended before the NBA Finals, with one Conference Finals appearance in 2017. Stars such as LaMarcus Aldridge, DeMar DeRozan, and Dejounte Murray have all had their chance to lead the franchise but have all come up short of their championship goal.

As we head into the future, something tells me that the Spurs will be flying up these rankings over the next decade. With phenom Victor Wembanyama coming in and making his NBA debut, the sky’s the limit for the Spurs and their fans. Wembanyama’s presence is sure to make the Spurs a hot free agent destination once again and an NBA champion in the future as well. Once again, success pouts fans in their seats and if there is any franchise primed for success in the next 10 years, it is the Spurs.

13. Philadelphia 76ers – 

The 76ers are one of the most peculiar franchises high up on the attendance list. On the one hand, there are no rowdier and more raucous fans in the world than Philadelphia sports fans. On the other hand, the last 10 seasons have been filled with disappointment and failure for the 76ers on the court.

The 76ers have had plenty of success in the regular season and have built a solid foundation around their superstar 2023 MVP Joel Embiid. The issue has been the talent they have put around him, not living up to the hype. Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz, and others have all had their highs and lows with the Sixers over the last 10 years, which resulted in the mantra “Trust The Process” which has since been declared a massive failure as well.

Since 2014, the Sixers have been to the second round of the playoffs five times and they fell in the first round once. The team still reels from a collapse in the 2023 playoffs that saw both James Harden and Joel Embiid fold in big moments. The names and regular season success for the Sixers will keep fans coming back. How long will they be able to handle the early playoff exits?

12. Los Angeles Clippers – 6,589,867

Average Attendance Per Year: 658,987

As you will see from this point on, the biggest markets in the NBA make up the top 12 in attendance. The Clippers are still looking for their first NBA championship and Finals appearance in team history but have reached some milestones as a team over the last 10 seasons. It is also worth mentioning that some of the most loyal people I know are Clippers fans.

Out of the last 10 years, the Clippers have been to the playoffs eight times, which is more success than the team had for the previous 20 years combined. From the Lob City era with Blake Griffin and Chris Paul to the current era with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Clippers have maintained enough star power to keep fans coming back for more.

The future is definitely a gray area for the Clippers, though. Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who were supposed to lead this team to an NBA championship, have found themselves missing come playoff time due to injuries. Despite their first Conference Finals appearance in 2021, the Clippers have let their fans down continuously, but one thing is for sure. Clippers fans will show out in droves for their team, championship or not.

11. Boston Celtics – 6,693,783

Average Attendance Per Year: 669,378

As one of the most historic franchises in NBA history, the Boston Celtics have always and will always have the support of their city. Sure, Boston fans are vulgar, hard-headed, and flat-out insane but what diehard sports fans aren’t?

Boston has had a lot to cheer for over the last 10 years as well. Since 2014, the team has only been to the NBA Finals once in 2022, but they are constantly competing for the honor. Since 2014, they have been to the Conference Finals five times, mostly with the help of their young star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Over the years, they have also boasted the likes of Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas, who have helped make the Celtics make deep playoff runs of their own.

There is no way that Boston falls out of the top 15 in attendance moving forward. They have kept their core together for the most part while also making moves they hope have improved their chance. The biggest move they made in 2023 was to bring in Kristaps Porzingis from Washington and let go of Marcus Smart in a deal with Memphis. It remains to be seen if these moves pay off, but the TD Garden will be rocking as the process unfolds.

10. Los Angeles Lakers – 6,791,236

Average Attendance Per Year: 679,124

Tradition kicks off the top ten in attendance as well with the Los Angeles Lakers. One thing I can say about Lakers fans is that their hope and optimism for their team is always high whether it’s warranted or not. They will show up and support their team through highs and lows, packing the Crypto.Com Arena for every home game.

The Lakers have been successful over the last 10 seasons which have included many lows as well. From 2014 through 2019, the team missed the playoffs for six straight seasons, even with the likes of Kobe Bryant leading the team. In 2019, they added LeBron James to their roster, which led to an NBA championship but has also resulted in missed playoffs as well.

In 2023, the Lakers built a roster mid-season that ended up advancing to the Western Conference Finals. For 2023-24, the team has a ton of high hopes as well, with a free agency period that saw them improve that very same roster that achieved so much in 2023. The Laker faithful will be there too, as the gold and purple army they have always been.

9. Utah Jazz – 6,797,717

Average Attendance Per Year: 679,772

The most shocking team in the top 10 of attendance in the last 10 years is the Utah Jazz. During the 2021 Covid-19 season, the Jazz even led the NBA in attendance. One reason for this could easily be explained by the lack of sports teams in Utah with the Jazz being the only team from every major sport in North America that exists in Utah.

There is a new regime in Utah as well led by Danny Ainge and Dwyane Wade. The Jazz have been somewhat successful over the last 10 years, with players like Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert leading the way. They have made six playoff appearances over the last decade with three losses in the second round and three in the first round.

In 2023, the Jazz were a surprise for the early parts of the season behind breakout seasons from Most Improved Player Lauri Markkanen and rookie Walker Kessler. They have a lot to be excited about in their future, although it will take some time to come to fruition. If the last 10 years are any indication, the Jazz will be performing through the highs and lows in front of a packed house.

8. Toronto Raptors – 6,828,313

Average Attendance Per Year: 682,831

Speaking from experience, I know exactly how passionate Canadian basketball fans are about the Raptors, especially in Toronto. The Raptors have had their fair share of hardships over the years, which includes heartbreak and disappointment after promising regular seasons. Even with these collapses, their fans show up and pack the arena every single night, making them one of the most passionate fan bases in the NBA.

Despite their runs that fell short in the 2010s led by DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, the Raptors found the ultimate success in 2019. Led by Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and others, the Raptors captured their first NBA championship in a miraculous run that captured the eye of the entire world.

The Raptors appear to be at a crossroads now as a franchise with a decision to be made between their veterans, young guys, and who to build around. With Masai Ujiri at the helm, fans can be certain all of the right moves will be made in order to keep them excited about the only NBA team north of the border in Canada.

7. Portland Trail Blazers – 6,900,807

Average Attendance Per Year: 690,081

Much like the Utah Jazz, the Portland Trail Blazers are a bit of a surprise in the top 10 for attendance over the last 10 years. Portland has also had its fair share of highs and lows, mostly headlined by superstar Damian Lillard who may not remain with the team for much longer after requesting a trade.

Lillard’s career has spanned 11 seasons with the team meaning the whole time period we are referencing came under his watch. Their best season came in 2019 when they advanced to the Western Conference finals against the Golden State Warriors only to be swept in that series 4-0. They have been to the playoffs seven other times but missed the postseason in each of the last two years.

For fans, they remain on pins and needles as Lillard’s future with the team hangs in the balance. Despite that, there is a lot to be excited about. Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons both remain with the team and are a promising duo for the next two or three seasons. Third overall pick in 2023, Scoot Henderson will be tasked with also aiding in their rebuild, which they hope is a speedy process. While fans watch the end of one era, they should still be showing up for the start of the next one if they had the patience to wait out the last decade.

6. Golden State Warriors – 6,949,497

Average Attendance Per Year: 694,950

Over the last 10 seasons, no team in the NBA has been more successful than the Golden State Warriors. Fans from all over the world have flocked to California to catch a glimpse of the team that has taken over the game for the last decade, winning four NBA championships while competing for a total of six.

Leading the way for the Warriors has been one of the game’s greatest and most popular players ever, Stephen Curry. He has become an icon for a generation obsessed with the three-point shot by becoming the greatest ever at it and Warriors fans got to watch it all unfold before their eyes. Curry hasn’t been the only star in Golden State, though. Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green have all played a major part in their success and popularity as well.

There is concern about where the Warriors are headed next as a franchise but that will not stop fans from showing up to catch a glimpse of the team that helped them fall in love with the game. As long as Stephen Curry is a Warrior, the seats will be filled and as long as they’re contending, Stephen Curry will be there. Look for Golden State to stay at number six or move up even further over the next 10 seasons in the attendance department.

5. New York Knicks – 7,040,826

Average Attendance Per Year: 704,083

Over the last 10 seasons, only five NBA teams have welcomed seven million or more fans through their doors in total. The first one is a shock to nobody as the New York Knicks play their basketball in front of the craziest and most passionate fans in the world, New Yorkers.

Even as the Knicks have struggled to put together a Finals roster despite spending $3 billion since 1999, fans show up by the truckload to support their team. Knicks fans have been treated to Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire, and other big names but have been limited to just two playoff appearances since 2014 and one trip to the second round in 2022.

That is why Knicks fans are so excited right now. Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett have them believing that their time is right around the corner, and that very well could be true. No matter what happens, Madison Square Garden is sure to be packed every single night. Packed, loud, and ready to start a fight at any given moment in typical New York fashion.

4. Miami Heat – 7,085,905

Average Attendance Per Year: 708,591

Another fan base that is ready for war at any given moment is those that reside in South Beach. The Miami Heat have become one of the most popular brands in basketball over the last ten seasons even as they watched LeBron James walk out the door and Chris Bosh forced into early retirement. Why is that? The answer is pretty simple.

The Heat have taken on the identity of the underdog. They are constantly disrespected by the national media and often forgotten about in conversations that involve the best put-together teams in the NBA. Even as Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo led them to two NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023, the respect for the Heat is almost nonexistent.

Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra have done a tremendous job of rallying their players around that disrespect and instilling Hear culture into their players. Look, even Damian Lillard wants more than anything to join Miami. Location is a plus for incoming free agents as well because let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to live in South Beach? The Heat will never have any issue with getting fans into their seats, just don’t ask them to actually be on time.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers – 7,165,371

Average Attendance Per Year: 716,537

The Cleveland Cavaliers have done a great job of getting their community to games as is evidenced by their spot on our list. The first five seasons of this time period can be attributed to the presence of LeBron James, who led them to four straight appearances in the NBA Finals from 2015 through 2018.

Those four Finals teams were as exciting as any other Cavaliers’ teams that have ever taken the court with LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love leading the way. In 2016, the trio accomplished the unthinkable and delivered an NBA championship in an improbable fashion by defeating the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Even as James left for the second time, the fans remained to support their team.

Now, a new era has been born in Cleveland and there is a lot to be excited about. Darius Garland and Evan Mobley are two drafted talents helping to usher in this new era of Cavaliers basketball. Donovan Mitchell and Jarett Allen are also two acquired players that have allowed them to insert themselves right back into the playoff picture without too much empty space in between great teams. Now, only time will tell if Cleveland can match the same energy from the 2010s and capture another NBA title.

2. Dallas Mavericks – 7,328,515

Average Attendance Per Year: 732,852

Even as a Dallas Mavericks fan, I find it hard to believe that only one team has had more attendance than them over the last 10 seasons. I have to hand it to Mark Cuban on this one as he has built the Mavericks not so much like a franchise but as a business which has paid off heavily as far as attendance and fandom go.

The Mavericks haven’t won an NBA championship since 2011 and up until 2022, had not been back to the Conference Finals either. At the forefront of this incredible outpouring of love for the Mavericks have been two international players in the spotlight. One was just entering the finals stage of his career in 2014, while the other didn’t make his way to the NBA until 2018-19. As Mavericks nation said goodbye to Dirk Nowitzki, they ushered in the Luka Doncic era, which made the transition as smooth as could be given the level of talent they both possessed.

Doncic has his hands full though. In 2022, he led them to that Conference Finals appearance I had alluded to earlier. In 2023, despite the arrival of Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks missed the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season. Once again, Dallas fans have a ton to be hopeful for, but as always, approach the season with caution as well. Either way, they will pack the building to the rooftop and support their squad through the wins and losses, and you can take that to the bank.

1. Chicago Bulls – 7,596,522

Average Attendance Per Year: 759,6

Coming in at number one and holding strong over the last decade is the Chicago Bulls. It is quite easy to understand the Bulls’ rise to popularity in the 1990s with the greatest player in NBA history, Michael Jordan, leading them to six NBA titles by way of two different three-peats. Their ability to maintain that success as a franchise and keep fans coming back is the most amazing part.

Let’s be clear about something, though. Chicago is about as pure of a basketball city as you will see in the USA or all over the world. Other than names like Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan gracing the court in a Bulls uniform, Chicagoans simply love the game of basketball, and Bulls games are a tradition amongst their community. Chicago loves the Bulls even when it’s hard to do, and that is what makes their games the most attended over the last 10 years.

Chicago has made four playoff appearances since 2014 and one appearance in the second round back in 2015. Even with this tough stretch, there is hope anew at the beginning of every season that this will be the year they return to the mountaintop as NBA champions. Heading into 2023-24, uncertainty once again reigns supreme for the franchise as rumored Zach LaVine trades and whispers of a rebuild take shape.

Even through this, I can guarantee that Chicago shows up for their Bulls if for nothing else than for pure love of the game. 

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