Basketball in the Philippines runs deep. Street courts, barangay leagues, and highlights shared everywhere shape long-term team loyalty. Popularity here is built on players, visibility, and moments that stick.
And with the 2025–26 season in full swing, we asked, which NBA teams are really the most popular in the Philippines?
THE BIG SIX
If research, empirical evidence, and observations from Rebanse staff are any indication, the following NBA teams are the most popular in the Philippines:
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers sit at the top for one clear reason: star power across generations. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar set the foundation. Kobe Bryant turned fandom into devotion. His work ethic and clutch moments matched the Filipino love for grit and pride. LeBron James extended that legacy to a new era. The Lakers also benefit from constant TV exposure. Purple and Gold became familiar even to casual fans. As a matter of fact, Lakers merchandise and jerseys topped official NBA Store Philippines sales in the 2024–25 regular season, as did player jersey sales (LeBron James). It’s a rare tandem at the top.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors exploded in popularity during the mid-2010s. Stephen Curry changed how the game was played. Deep threes, fast pace, and joy on the court made basketball feel lighter and more fun. Filipino fans who play on outdoor courts related to skill and shooting over size and the out-of-this-world. Social media and highlights did the rest. The Warriors became the team of the modern Filipino NBA fan.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls remain relevant long after their peak. Michael Jordan built a brand that probably will never fade. In the Philippines, many fans were introduced to the NBA through Bulls games, posters, and reruns. Jordan represented excellence and dominance. That image stuck. Even younger fans know the logo and the legacy. The Bulls’ popularity is nostalgia plus media reinforcement. Even fans born after the Jordan era know the Bulls through documented history and reruns like The Last Dance. Retro culture keeps Bulls gear visible in streetwear and basketball-circle conversations, maintaining relevance without current success.
Miami Heat
The Heat gained a massive following during the LeBron James era. The Big Three years were everywhere on TV and online. The culture of hard work and conditioning also resonated. Miami stayed relevant through smart management and consistent competitiveness, keeping fans engaged even after stars left.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics attract fans who value tradition. Championships, discipline, and team play define their image. Older Filipino fans followed the Larry Bird era. Newer fans connect with recent titles and strong team identity. Green jerseys signal history and seriousness. That still matters, which is why the Cs continue to be among the NBA teams that Filipinos watch and root for.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers became popular almost entirely because of LeBron James. Filipino fans tend to follow players closely. When LeBron returned to Cleveland and won a title, loyalty followed. Even after his exit, that championship run left a mark, leaving the Cavs among one of the most popular NBA teams, at least here in the Philippines.
Honorable Mentions
The following NBA teams might not have as large and as loud of a fanbase as the big six, but they certainly have a level of notoriety in the Philippines.
Dallas Mavericks
Dirk Nowitzki built quiet admiration. Luka Doncic reignited interest with flair and confidence. The fanbase grew steadily rather than explosively.
San Antonio Spurs
Respected more than loudly supported. Fans appreciated fundamentals, teamwork, and consistency. Tim Duncan and the system attracted purists rather than hype-driven followers. Now, Victor Wembanyama might be winning a new generation of fans for the Spurs.
Why Are These NBA Teams Famous?
NBA fandom in the Philippines is shaped by players, media, and memory. NBA teams become popular because of icons, constant exposure, and moments that feel personal. Geography barely matters. Story does. Teams with stars and a clear identity are the ones that last.
That popularity is reinforced by scale and consistency. The Philippines ranks among the NBA’s strongest international markets, especially on YouTube, Facebook, and short-form highlights. Filipino fans regularly generate some of the highest engagement numbers on NBA social platforms across Asia-Pacific.
Local NBA social pages also thrive. Clips, memes, and localized content pull in millions of interactions every season. This nonstop exposure makes fans latch onto specific teams and players rather than just the league itself.
The audience also skews young, with most fans falling in the 18 to 24 age range. This group consumes basketball digitally, follows players more than franchises, and reacts quickly to highlights and storylines. NBA teams that combine star power, visibility, and unforgettable moments continue to stay relevant across generations in the Philippines.
