For millions of NBA fans worldwide, watching it on television sets is fast becoming a thing of the past. Nowadays, people follow their favorite players and teams on OTT. They also enjoy fandom on various social media platforms, including but not limited to Instagram.
Here, in this article, we take a closer look at some of the most followed NBA teams on Instagram.
Most Followed NBA Teams on Instagram
From the most successful to the most happening, the following list covers 8 teams with the highest number of Instagram followers. The numbers shared are the latest as we pen down this piece.
Golden State Warriors
Followers: 32 million
The no. 1 team on our list is the Golden State Warriors, with 32M followers and counting. Based out of San Francisco, the team went through a long, rough patch with no wins for almost 40 years before making it big in the 2015 NBA championship. They were the favorites that year and didn’t disappoint their loyal fanbase. Since then, the Golden State Warriors have made it to the NBA playoffs seven times. They are proving their mettle with each game, just as some of the iconic players Curry and Thompson did. Not to forget that the franchise holds several records. Also, Dub Nation is a formidable force supporting their team on and off the field and is led by Stephen Curry.
Los Angeles Lakers
Followers: 23.5 million
With 23.5 followers, the Los Angeles Lakers is at rank no. 2 on our list of most followed NBA teams on Instagram. Considered the greatest franchise in NBA history, the Lakers have won 17 NBA Championships. It holds the longest winning streak by any NBA team – a total of 33 in a row in 1971-1972. The Los Angeles Lakers have had more Hall of Famers play for them (26) than coach them (4). Although they are already a popular team, the addition of LeBron has made them even more popular on Instagram and a few other social media platforms.
Chicago Bulls
Followers: 10 million
One of the iconic teams of the NBA, the Chicago Bulls, enjoys a fan following of approximately 10 million. Part of their name to fame is their association with Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players of all times. He led the Chicago Bulls to four playoffs in six NBA championships between 1984 to 1993. Post Jordan’s exit, the team has struggled to make it to the playoffs. The rebuilding process showed some positive impact in 2005-06 with Derrek Jones. The team was also successful in registering a good record in 2011-12 and 2016-17. Despite their popularity on Instagram, they are not very active.
Miami Heat
Followers: 6.7 million
The next NBA team on our list is the Miami Heat. Followed closely by over 6.7M people worldwide on Instagram, the Miami Heat has won three NBA championships. The franchise, established in 1998, rose to fame in 2004 with Shaquille O’Neal joining it. With Dwayne Wade entering the picture, the duo created history by making the Miami Heat win the 2006 NBA championship. The star power got a boost as LeBron James became the Miami Heat player. With him at the forefront, the franchise was able to register 2 titles out of the four finals played between 2011 and 2013.
Houston Rockets
Followers: 6.2 million
Originally San Diego Rockets, Houston Rockets is another one of the most followed teams on Instagram. With 6.2 million followers, this franchise has 2 NBA and 4 Eastern Conference titles to its name. In fact, the Houston Rockets were the lowest-seed team ever to win the NBA finals in 1995. They won the championship as a 6th seed. Although missing out on making it big on many occasions, this franchise has had some of the most iconic players playing for them. Moses Malone, Ralph Sampson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, and James Harden to name a few.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Followers: 16.5 million
The Cleveland Cavaliers, or Cavs, as they are popularly known on social media, have 16.5 million people following them on Instagram. Their only NBA championship title came in 2016 after 46 years of their existence. Since then, their popularity has seen an unprecedented rise. Apart from this, they won two Eastern Conference Championships in 2007 and in 2015. It was the same time LeBron James was playing for them and took the team to NBA final appearances four times straight from 2015 to 2018. One of the most active NBA team accounts on Instagram, it is listed in second place in the number of posts ever published.
Boston Celtics
Followers: 7.6 million
In NBA history, the Boston Celtics is considered one of the most successful teams. It has 17 NBA Championship titles (a record they share with the Los Angeles Lakers), 14 of which came between 1957 and 1969. They are an iconic team. However, their success fails to meet their popularity on social media. This may be due to the reason that their last title came through in 1984, much before social media made a splash. Bob Cousy was a successful player who played for 13 years and won 6 NBA titles for the team. Other big players include Larry Bird and Shaquille O’Neal.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Followers: 5.6 million
With roots in the most iconic NBA franchises of all time, The Seattle Supersonic, Oklahoma City Thunder is a team to reckon with. The team has played some really memorable games in the last 10 years. While the team entered 12 NBA seasons, it was able to reach playoffs 10 times, with the NBA final in 2012. With 11 winning seasons, this team is hard to ignore even when it lost 3 Most Valuable Players in the span of a decade: James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook.
Parting Thoughts
The Golden State Warriors top the list of Instagram accounts with the most number of people following for news, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content. Its 30 million follower base is only closely followed by the Los Angeles Lakers at 23 million. While others are far behind, it’s important to note that one game or season can turn the tide and make the team the most followed. Until then, enjoy the game!
