Choosing an NBA team to support is one of the most exciting decisions for a new basketball fan. Unlike supporting your local football club, there's no geographical obligation - you're free to pick any of the 30 teams. But with so many options, where do you start? This guide will help UK fans find their perfect NBA team based on UK connections, playing styles, championship contention, and practical viewing considerations.
Quick Answer
For UK fans wanting a generational talent, the San Antonio Spurs (Victor Wembanyama) offer a once-in-a-decade prospect. For current dominance, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the reigning champions with a young, exciting core. For historic prestige, the Los Angeles Lakers or Boston Celtics offer legendary legacies. For underdog appeal with rising stars, the Detroit Pistons are the NBA's best comeback story.
Most Popular NBA Teams in the UK
Before diving into specific recommendations, it's worth knowing which teams already have large UK fanbases. Supporting a popular team means more people to discuss games with, more UK-based fan events, and games more likely to be shown on Sky Sports.
| Rank | Team | Why Popular in UK |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles Lakers | Kobe Bryant legacy, LeBron James era, Hollywood glamour |
| 2 | Boston Celtics | Recent championship, Larry Bird legacy, historic rivalry with Lakers |
| 3 | Golden State Warriors | Steph Curry's global appeal, 2010s dynasty, exciting playing style |
| 4 | Chicago Bulls | Michael Jordan legacy, "The Last Dance" documentary effect |
| 5 | New York Knicks | Madison Square Garden prestige, city recognition, London games |
| 6 | Miami Heat | LeBron/Wade/Bosh era, "Heat Culture," Jimmy Butler |
| 7 | Brooklyn Nets | Multiple London games, New York market, recent star acquisitions |
Key insight: Historic success and superstar players drive UK popularity. The Lakers and Celtics benefit from decades of championship success and legendary players. The Warriors' 2010s dynasty and Steph Curry's global appeal created a new generation of UK fans. The Bulls remain popular purely on the strength of Michael Jordan's legacy.
Teams with UK Connections
If you want a team with genuine ties to Britain, these franchises have played in London or have specific UK connections:
Teams That Have Played NBA London Games
Since 2011, the following teams have competed in regular-season games at The O2 Arena:
- Brooklyn Nets (formerly New Jersey Nets) - Multiple London appearances, first-ever London game (2011)
- Toronto Raptors - Canada's team, but a natural fit for UK fans as the NBA's non-US franchise
- New York Knicks - Madison Square Garden prestige, played in London 2013 and 2015
- Detroit Pistons - London 2013, now one of the NBA's best stories
- Boston Celtics - London 2018, historic franchise
- Philadelphia 76ers - London 2018, "Trust the Process" era
- Washington Wizards - London 2019, Eastern Conference team
- Memphis Grizzlies - London January 2026 (most recent)
- Orlando Magic - London January 2026 (most recent)
Memphis Grizzlies & Orlando Magic - 2026 London Teams
The most recent NBA London Game (January 2026) featured the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic. If you attended or watched that game, either team could be a natural fit:
- Memphis Grizzlies: Young, physical, exciting team built around Ja Morant. Known for their aggressive, entertaining style. Strong British connection through London game.
- Orlando Magic: Rising young team with Paolo Banchero as their franchise cornerstone. Building towards contention with talented roster.
Manchester 2027
The NBA is expanding its UK presence with a regular-season game in Manchester in 2027 at the Co-op Live arena - the first NBA game outside London in the UK. Teams TBA, but this represents growing NBA investment in British basketball fans.
Choose by Playing Style
Different teams play distinctly different styles of basketball. If you appreciate certain aspects of the game, these recommendations might appeal:
Fast-Paced, High-Scoring Basketball
If you want constant action, fast breaks, and high scores:
- Oklahoma City Thunder: The reigning champions play at blistering pace with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading one of the most dynamic offences in the league.
- Sacramento Kings: Built around De'Aaron Fox's speed (before his trade), the Kings play uptempo, exciting basketball.
- Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball's flashy playmaking makes every game entertaining. Fast, young, fun to watch.
Defensive Excellence
If you appreciate tactical battles and lockdown defence:
- Boston Celtics: Elite defensive schemes with versatile, switchable players. Championship-calibre defence.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Built around size and rim protection. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen form a defensive wall.
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards brings star power while Rudy Gobert anchors elite defence.
Star-Driven Basketball
If you want to watch individual brilliance:
- San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama is a generational talent - 7'4" with guard skills. Watching his development is appointment viewing.
- Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the world. His step-back threes and court vision are spectacular.
- Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo is a physical marvel - watching "The Greek Freak" attack the rim is unlike anything else in basketball.
Team Basketball and Ball Movement
If you prefer beautiful passing and team play over isolation:
- Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic is the best passing big man in NBA history. The Nuggets play gorgeous, unselfish basketball.
- Golden State Warriors: Even past their peak, the Warriors' motion offence with Steph Curry's off-ball movement is basketball art.
Current Championship Contenders
If you want to support a team with realistic title hopes right now, these are the 2025-26 contenders:
Oklahoma City Thunder (Reigning Champions)
The Thunder have emerged as the NBA's new superpower. Young, fast, deep, and already champions.
- Star: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - smooth, efficient, clutch
- Style: Speed, defence, three-point shooting
- Why choose: Getting in on a potential dynasty early
- Caution: You might be seen as a "bandwagon" fan
Detroit Pistons
The NBA's best turnaround story. From 14 wins to playoff contender in one season, led by Cade Cunningham.
- Star: Cade Cunningham - complete point guard
- Style: Balanced, improved defence, emerging young talent
- Why choose: Great underdog story, rising trajectory
- Bonus: Played NBA London Game in 2013
San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama makes this team must-watch basketball. Already an MVP candidate in his second season.
- Star: Victor Wembanyama - 7'4" with guard skills, generational prospect
- Style: Building around Wembanyama's unique abilities
- Why choose: Watching a once-in-a-generation talent develop
- History: Five championships, legendary coaching under Gregg Popovich
Boston Celtics
Recent champions with sustained excellence. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown lead a complete roster.
- Stars: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown - homegrown All-Stars
- Style: Balanced, deep, excellent on both ends
- Why choose: Historic franchise, championship-calibre roster, played London 2018
- History: 18 championships - most in NBA history
Rebuilding Teams (Long-Term Investment)
Some fans prefer to follow a team from the bottom up. The emotional payoff when they eventually succeed is greater. These teams are rebuilding with promising futures:
Toronto Raptors
Canada's NBA team offers a unique proposition for UK fans - the only non-US NBA franchise.
- Young talent: Scottie Barnes (emerging star), RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley
- Why choose: Non-US underdog appeal, strong development culture, 2019 championship proves they can win
- UK connection: Multiple London games, familiar Commonwealth market
Utah Jazz
Deliberately rebuilding with an eye on the loaded 2026 draft. Stacking picks and developing young players.
- Young talent: Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, plus multiple high draft picks incoming
- Why choose: Ground-floor opportunity, excellent front office, patient rebuild
- 2026 Draft: Expected to have a high pick in a generational draft class
Brooklyn Nets
Fully committed to rebuilding after trading away star players. Multiple London games give them UK connection.
- Young talent: Cam Thomas (elite scorer), plus draft capital
- Why choose: New York market, multiple London appearances, starting fresh
- UK connection: First-ever NBA London game (2011), returned multiple times
British Players in the NBA
Unlike the NFL or MLB, British representation in the NBA remains extremely rare. However, there have been notable British connections:
Current British Connections
- Tosan Evbuomwan: Born in London, developed by Newcastle Eagles academy, earned a Princeton scholarship where he starred in the 2023 NCAA Tournament upset of Arizona. Has held two-way contracts with the Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, and currently the New York Knicks.
Historic British NBA Players
- Luol Deng: Though born in South Sudan, Deng became a British citizen and represented Great Britain. Two-time All-Star with the Chicago Bulls, played 15 NBA seasons.
- Joel Freeland: From Surrey, drafted by Portland Trail Blazers in 2006, played two NBA seasons (2012-2014).
- John Amaechi: Manchester-born, played for Cleveland, Orlando, and Utah (1995-2003). First openly gay former NBA player.
The reality: Following a team because of British players isn't really viable in the NBA like it might be in other sports. British basketball development still lags behind, though the NBA and Basketball England are investing in grassroots programmes.
UK Viewing Considerations
Practical reality: NBA games are scheduled for North American audiences, which means late nights for UK fans. But team location does affect viewing times:
East Coast Teams (Earlier UK Times)
Games typically start between 11pm-1am UK time:
- Boston Celtics
- New York Knicks
- Brooklyn Nets
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Miami Heat
- Atlanta Hawks
- Charlotte Hornets
- Washington Wizards
- Orlando Magic
- Toronto Raptors
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Detroit Pistons
- Indiana Pacers
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Chicago Bulls
West Coast Teams (Later UK Times)
Games typically start between 3am-4am UK time:
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Golden State Warriors
- Sacramento Kings
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Phoenix Suns
Central/Mountain Teams (Middle Ground)
Games typically start between 1am-2:30am UK time:
- San Antonio Spurs
- Houston Rockets
- Dallas Mavericks
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Memphis Grizzlies
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Denver Nuggets
- Utah Jazz
Viewing Time Tip
If viewing times are a major factor, choose an Eastern Conference team. Their home games start around 11pm-midnight UK time rather than 3-4am for West Coast teams. A Celtics or Knicks fan has a much easier schedule than a Lakers or Warriors fan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NBA team is most popular in the UK?
The Los Angeles Lakers are historically the most popular NBA team in the UK, followed by the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors. This is driven by legendary players (Kobe, LeBron, Steph Curry), historic success, and global marketing. Recent success has also made the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons popular with newer UK fans.
Which NBA teams have played in London?
Since 2011, NBA London Games have featured the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies (January 2026). Manchester will host its first NBA game in 2027.
Are there any British players in the NBA?
British NBA players are rare. Tosan Evbuomwan, who was scouted by Newcastle Eagles before earning a Princeton scholarship, has held two-way contracts with the Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, and New York Knicks. Luol Deng (British citizen, born in Sudan) was previously the UK's most successful NBA player with two All-Star selections.
Should I support a winning NBA team or a rebuilding team?
Both have merits. Contenders like the Thunder and Celtics offer immediate excitement but you might be seen as a "bandwagon" fan. Rebuilding teams like the Raptors, Jazz, or Nets let you follow young talent developing, and the eventual success feels more earned. Many fans recommend picking based on playing style or player appeal rather than current record.
Which NBA teams have the best viewing times for UK fans?
East Coast teams (Celtics, Knicks, 76ers, Heat, Nets) typically start games at 11pm-1am UK time. West Coast teams (Lakers, Warriors, Clippers) often don't start until 3-4am UK time. If viewing times matter, prioritise Eastern Conference teams for more accessible late-night rather than early-morning games.
What's the best NBA team for a complete beginner?
For beginners, consider teams with exciting, easy-to-appreciate stars. The San Antonio Spurs (Victor Wembanyama's generational talent), Oklahoma City Thunder (young, fast, exciting champions), or Charlotte Hornets (LaMelo Ball's flashy playmaking) all offer entertaining basketball that's easy to get into. Alternatively, follow whoever's playing when you tune in and see who captures your attention.
Final Thoughts
There's no wrong answer when choosing an NBA team. Some fans pick based on a player they love, others based on team colours, city appeal, or a single game that captivated them. The NBA is designed for national and international audiences - you don't need a local connection to be a legitimate fan.
If you're truly undecided, here's a simple approach: watch a few games across different teams and see who draws you in. Maybe it's Wembanyama's alien abilities in San Antonio, maybe it's the Thunder's relentless energy, maybe it's the Celtics' championship pedigree. The team that makes you want to stay up until 2am is probably your team.
Once you've chosen, dive in. Learn the roster, understand the rivalries, follow the storylines. By playoff time, you'll be fully invested. And when your team wins a big game at 3am and you have to be up for work at 7am? That's when you'll know you've found your team.