In the 1990s, the Chicago Bulls were the undisputed king of the NBA. With Michael Jordan at the helm, the Bulls clinched six NBA championships in eight years. Jordan, often argued to be the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), averaged an astounding 30.1 points per game over his career. Back then, winning six titles in a decade seemed almost surreal, especially considering the level of competition. The '90s Bulls were both a marketing phenomenon and a well-oiled basketball machine. Their home arena, the United Center, became iconic, accommodating over 20,000 fans per game. But beyond their arena's capacity and Jordan’s prowess, it's also about how they defined what modern NBA excellence looks like.
Fast forward to the 2000s, and the landscape shifted. The Los Angeles Lakers, under the leadership of coach Phil Jackson, who interestingly also coached the '90s Bulls, became the prominent force. They won five titles in that decade. With the “Black Mamba” Kobe Bryant and the dominant Shaquille O'Neal duo, the Lakers were a powerhouse. It's worth noting that Shaq’s size and finesse likely had never been seen in the NBA before. The Staples Center, where the Lakers play, became an entertainment hotspot and held a capacity of about 19,000 seats, all regularly filled to witness the Lakers' dominance. The Lakers’ consistent success and their Hollywood connections made them a globally recognized brand.
Then came the 2010s, effectively the decade of the Golden State Warriors. Spearheaded by “Splash Brothers” Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Warriors revolutionized the game with their unparalleled three-point shooting. Curry, in particular, reshaped the NBA landscape with his ability to hit threes from virtually anywhere beyond the arc. The Warriors’ arena, the Oracle Arena, often referred to as “Roaracle” due to the deafening noise level created by their passionate fanbase, regularly hosted sellout crowds. While the Oracle Arena had a capacity of only about 18,000, the energy was off the charts. During the 2018-2019 season, reports state that Warriors' games generated upwards of $400 million in revenue—mind-blowing numbers, really.
The 2020s have seen a more distributed power structure in the NBA, but one notable rising force is the Milwaukee Bucks. With Giannis Antetokounmpo, often referred to as the “Greek Freak” due to his incredible physical attributes and versatile playstyle, the Bucks captured the championship in 2021. Antetokounmpo’s journey from unknown international player to a two-time MVP is nothing short of miraculous. The Fiserv Forum, where the Bucks play, opened in 2018 and can hold around 17,341 fans. This new arena has become a fortress for the Bucks, who have a phenomenal home record. According to multiple sports analysts, including Mike Greenberg of ESPN, Antetokounmpo’s impact on both ends of the floor positions him as one of the most dominant players in recent history.
Another team making waves in recent years is the Brooklyn Nets. Their acquisition of superstars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving sent shockwaves through the NBA. The Barclays Center, the Nets' home arena, has a capacity of about 19,000 and serves as a marquee venue for other events as well. With a modern design and state-of-the-art facilities, it’s clear that the team’s management has invested heavily in creating a premier experience for fans. In fact, the Barclays Center reported attendance numbers of over 800,000 for the 2019-2020 season, showcasing their ability to draw in crowds consistently.
Speaking of drawing crowds, the Toronto Raptors, Canada’s team, have also had a remarkable journey. Led by Kawhi Leonard, they won their first-ever NBA Championship in 2019. The Scotiabank Arena, the home of the Raptors, has a capacity of around 19,800. Their championship victory was not just historic but also a significant boost for basketball's popularity in Canada. The Raptors’ run to the title, often referred to by Canadians as "The Shot," featured a game-winning buzzer-beater by Leonard in Game 7 against the 76ers, which will be remembered forever in NBA lore.