How many teams are in the NBA?

The NBA is one of the most successful and profitable leagues in professional sports, but that hasn't always been the case. This global powerhouse rose from humble beginnings in 1946 with 11 teams, negligible revenue, and little fanfare. While basketball lived in the shadow of the MLB and NFL during its formative years, it eventually earned a respectable share of the national spotlight.

Several franchises started and folded as the league struggled to find its footing, but it never stopped growing after adding the Chicago Packers in 1961. From there, the NBA continued expanding almost every season until the inception of the Charlotte Bobcats brought them to 30 teams in 2004. Though a couple of clubs have rebranded or relocated, the association remains the same size.

Which teams make up the modern NBA?

1. Atlanta Hawks
2. Boston Celtics
3. Brooklyn Nets
4. Charlotte Hornets
5. Chicago Bulls
6. Cleveland Cavaliers 
7. Dallas Mavericks
8. Denver Nuggets
9. Detroit Pistons
10. Golden State Warriors
11. Houston Rockets
12. Indiana Pacers
13. Los Angeles Clippers
14. Los Angeles Lakers
15. Memphis Grizzlies
16. Miami Heat
17. Milwaukee Bucks
18. Minnesota Timberwolves
19. New Orleans Pelicans
20. New York Knicks
21. Oklahoma City Thunder
22. Orlando Magic
23. Philadelphia 76ers
24. Phoenix Suns
25. Portland Trail Blazers
26. Sacramento Kings
27. San Antonio Spurs
28. Toronto Raptors
29. Utah Jazz
30. Washington Wizards

Where do the Spurs fit into NBA history?

Fans are familiar with the classic monochromatic coloring of the Silver and Black, but the team kicked off its expedition in the ABA as the Dallas Chaparrals in 1967. They competed under that name for six years before moving across the state to become the San Antonio Spurs. The team would spend three more seasons in the ABA before merging with NBA alongside the Nets, Nuggets, and Pacers in 1976.

Does the NBA have plans for expansion?

Nothing is set in stone, but Commissioner Adam Silver has hinted that the NBA could expand once its current media rights contract ends after the 2024-25 season. Las Vegas, Mexico City, and Seattle are among the major cities that seem best suited to support an expansion franchise. The latter was home to the Super Sonics from 1967 to 2008, which could give them a leg up on other potential suitors.