The NBA league champion is decided by the NBA Finals, which concludes in a best-of-seven series. Since 1977, the winning team has been awarded the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. From 1947 to 1976, the champions were given the Walter A. Brown Trophy.
The NBA league originated as the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1946 and adopted the NBA name in 1949 after merging with the National Basketball League. The Finals have been held annually since 1947.
NBA Championship Winners Year By Year
Thirty teams have won at least one championship. More than half of all championships have gone to only five teams: the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, and San Antonio Spurs.
BOSTON RETURNS TO THE MOUNTAIN TOP 🔥
— ESPN (@espn) June 18, 2024
THE CELTICS NOW HAVE THE MOST CHAMPIONSHIPS OF ANY NBA FRANCHISE WITH 18! ☘️ pic.twitter.com/bPuHuka1Ak
| Team | Championships Won | Most Recent Championship | Finals Appearances | Finals Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | 18 | 2024 | 33 | — |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 17 | — | 32 | — |
| Golden State Warriors | 7 | — | — | — |
| Chicago Bulls | 6 | — | — | 6-0 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 5 | — | — | 5-1 |
Other franchises with multiple titles:
On this day in 1983, the 76ers sweep the Lakers in the Finals to win the organization’s third championship pic.twitter.com/bKMOCnaehf
— Sixers Nation (@PHLSixersNation) May 31, 2018
| Team | Championships Won |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers | 3 |
| Detroit Pistons | 3 |
| Miami Heat | 3 |
| New York Knicks | 2 |
| Houston Rockets | 2 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 2 |
NBA Teams without an NBA Title:
NBA Teams with 0 championships ever
— Jake (@playoffjake) June 22, 2024
– Brooklyn Nets
– Charlotte Hornets
– Indiana Pacers
– Los Angeles Clippers
– Memphis Grizzlies
– Minnesota Timberwolves
– New Orleans Pelicans
– Orlando Magic
– Phoenix Suns
– Utah Jazz
Imagine being a fan of one of these teams 😭
| Team |
|---|
| Brooklyn Nets |
| Charlotte Hornets |
| Indiana Pacers |
| LA Clippers |
| Memphis Grizzlies |
| Minnesota Timberwolves |
| New Orleans Pelicans |
| Orlando Magic |
| Phoenix Suns |
| Utah Jazz |
Among them, the Phoenix Suns have reached the Finals three times without a championship.
Five teams, Charlotte Hornets, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New Orleans Pelicans,have never appeared in the NBA Finals.
READ: Longest NBA Playoff Game in History
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
