Let’s be honest — every NBA team claims they have the best and most passionate fans in the league. But the reality? Some arenas feel like a library on a Tuesday afternoon, while others are absolute madhouses no matter the team’s record.
So, let’s break it down: ranking all 30 NBA fan bases from least to most passionate. This is all in good fun, so don’t come at us, Knicks fans. Actually, do — you’re near the top of the list.
30. Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte, we love you, but let’s be real — does anyone outside of LaMelo Ball’s family own a Hornets jersey? The team’s history of mediocrity hasn’t helped, and the arena energy often matches that of a mid-level corporate event.
29. Washington Wizards
Wizards fans show up — sometimes. But let’s face it: D.C. is full of transplants, and half the crowd is there supporting the opposing team. It’s a tough scene, and the team’s current record sure isn’t helping.
28. Atlanta Hawks
Hawks games are more of a social event than a die-hard fan experience. When the team is hot, the city gets into it, but when they struggle… well, let’s just say there’s plenty of room in State Farm Arena.
27. Detroit Pistons
The Motor City used to have one of the scariest fan bases in the league. But post-Chauncey Billups era, the passion has faded. Maybe a winning season could bring the energy back?
26. Orlando Magic
Orlando’s fan base consists of hopeful Disney tourists and a handful of die-hards who still think about Dwight Howard’s prime. It’s hard to be too passionate when you’re always in the rebuild phase.
25. New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans fans love their Saints, but the Pelicans are still struggling to carve out their own rabid fan base. Zion Williamson’s health is the ultimate deciding factor here.
24. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets tried to build a superteam, but even KD, Kyrie, and Harden couldn’t make this fan base feel organic. It still feels like a team full of Knicks fans who couldn’t get season tickets.
23. Houston Rockets
Houston had a strong following during the James Harden years, but post-Harden, the energy has faded. The Toyota Center crowd is unpredictable — sometimes electric, sometimes asleep.
22. Sacramento Kings
Sacramento fans are surprisingly loyal, especially given the team’s long playoff drought before 2023. The “Light the Beam” era has helped revive some much-needed passion.
21. Phoenix Suns
The Suns fan base has been rejuvenated with their recent success, but there were some quiet years before CP3 and Devin Booker made them relevant again.
20. Miami Heat
Heat fans are known for being… let’s say, selective. The passion is there when the team is winning, but half the crowd arrives late and leaves early. Classic Miami.
19. Minnesota Timberwolves
It’s cold in Minnesota, and the fans show up when the team is decent, but it’s not exactly a wild environment. However, ever since Anthony Edwards became the franchise player, the fandom has improved.
18. Indiana Pacers
Indiana is a basketball state, no doubt. And, while the Pacers have certainly had their ups and downs post Reggie Miller, things are looking up. However, Indiana fans may be more interested in attending Fever games for the next decade or so. We’re just saying.
17. Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokić is a generational talent, and the Nuggets fans have grown in passion. But for a defending champion, the overall hype could still be stronger.
16. Memphis Grizzlies
Grizzlies fans love their “Grit and Grind” mentality, and FedExForum can get loud. But the overall fan base still lacks the size and reach of some bigger markets.
15. Toronto Raptors
Raptors fans show up. The “We the North” movement is real, and they filled the streets during their championship run. But outside of playoff time, the energy can dip.
14. Portland Trail Blazers
Despite the team’s struggles, Blazers fans are loyal. They love their team, even if the front office keeps breaking their hearts.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron’s return reignited Cavs fans, but the post-LeBron years have been… quieter. However, now that the Cavs are back on a roll, the fanbase is certainly locked in.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
OKC might be a small market, but the fans? Loud and loyal. They love their team, and the Thunder’s home-court advantage is very real.
11. Los Angeles Clippers
Clippers fans have long lived in the shadow of the Lakers, but their support has been growing, especially with recent playoff runs. And, now that they have their own arena, they can truly separate themselves.
10. Golden State Warriors
Before Steph Curry, Warriors fans were known for being passionate despite years of losing. Now? Chase Center might be full of tech bros, but the true fans still make noise.
9. Philadelphia 76ers
Philly fans are intense. If the team is good, they’ll back them to the end. If the team is bad? Well, let’s just say they have no problem letting their feelings be known.
8. Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks fans endured years of mediocrity before Giannis Antetokounmpo turned things around. Now? They’ve shown they’re a top-tier fan base.
7. Boston Celtics
Celtics fans are relentless. They know their basketball, they show up, and they will absolutely let you hear it if you disrespect their team.
6. Chicago Bulls
Bulls fans still ride for their team like it’s the ’90s, even though the glory days are long gone. That’s real passion. And hey, they’ll always have Michael Jordan.
5. Utah Jazz
Utah’s fan base is small but fierce. The altitude isn’t the only reason opposing teams struggle in Salt Lake City.
4. San Antonio Spurs
Spurs fans don’t always get the credit they deserve, but they’ve been loyal through all the highs and lows. And now that they have Victor Wembanyama, things are really looking up.
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3. Dallas Mavericks
Mavs fans were ride-or-die for Luka Dončić, so it’ll be interesting to see how they show up now that he’s gone. However, they’ll more than likely welcome AD with open arms.
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2. Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers fans are everywhere. The home crowd can sometimes feel more like a fashion show, but their fan base is one of the biggest and most dedicated in the league.
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1. New York Knicks
Madison Square Garden is electric, no matter how good (or bad) the Knicks are. Knicks fans will argue with you on social media for days about their passion.
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