NBA number of Facebook fans/X followers 2012-2024

As of April 2024, the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) official X (formerly Twitter) page had 45.77 million followers. Meanwhile, the NBA’s Facebook page had 39.85 million fans. Both social media followings have experienced near-constant growth since September 2012; however, as of April 2024, the league’s Facebook fan base has decreased. Conversely, the NBA’s X following has increased by approximately two million followers every six months since March 2021. 

Which NBA team has the largest social media following?

With approximately 12 million followers, the Los Angeles Lakers were the most-followed NBA franchise on X as of 2024. Having last won the Finals in 2020, the Lakers are also tied with the Boston Celtics as the NBA team with the most championships. A key component of their Finals victory in 2020 was LeBron James, who won the Finals MVP that season. James’ status as a modern-day sporting icon is reflected in his sponsorship deals, which made him the NBA’s highest-paid player in 2023.

Do NFL teams have larger social media presences?

In what is perhaps a reflection of the NBA’s global appeal rather than its popularity in North America, the Lakers’ Twitter following was roughly three times larger than that of the NFL team with the most X followers, the New England Patriots, in 2023. Looking outside of North America, NBA franchises are, however, still far behind soccer teams such as Manchester United, whose X following of over 30 million made it the most followed soccer club in the Premier League.