NBA Champions List (1976–2025)
Every NBA Champion by year, decade, and legacy
The NBA Championship is much more than the culmination of the season. It defines legacy of players, franchises, and entire eras. From dynasties like the Showtime Lakers and Jordan’s Bulls to Cinderella runs and superteam triumphs, every NBA title tells a story. This NBA Champions list goes beyond a simple year-by-year breakdown. We’ve organized every championship team by decade, highlighted Finals MVPs, and provided key historical context dating back to the pivotal 1976 ABA-NBA merger. Whether you’re here to settle a debate, explore basketball’s dynasties, or understand how teams built title-winning rosters, this is your one-stop resource. Let’s take a journey through nearly 50 years of champions and discover what made each one unforgettable.
2020s NBA Champions
The 2020s have marked a dramatic shift in the NBA’s power structure. After nearly two decades dominated by a handful of dynasties, the early part of the decade ushered in an era of parity and fresh blood. Teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets captured their first championships in decades or in franchise history, thanks to transcendent performances by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic. The Golden State Warriors also reclaimed their spot atop the league with a 2022 title run, proving their dynasty still had legs. The Los Angeles Lakers secured the 2020 title in the Orlando bubble, with LeBron James capturing his fourth Finals MVP and leading the team to its 17th championship, tying the Celtics for most all-time.
What stands out most about the 2020s is how wide open the title race has been year after year. Unlike previous decades where the same teams made repeat appearances in the Finals, the league has seen a revolving door of contenders, including teams like the Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and most recently, the Indiana Pacers. Young superstars have emerged, rewriting narratives and carrying their teams to the game’s biggest stage. This shift has not only made the NBA more unpredictable but also more exciting, as fans across the country now feel their team has a legitimate shot at glory. The 2020s are still unfolding, but they’re already one of the most competitive and refreshing chapters in NBA history.
2010s NBA Champions
The 2010s were defined by superstar-driven dynasties and dramatic shifts in team-building strategy. The decade opened with the formation of the Miami Heat’s “Big Three,” as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh joined forces and delivered two championships in four straight Finals appearances. But as the decade progressed, the Golden State Warriors rose to dominance. With a core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green and eventually Kevin Durant, the Warriors captured three titles in four years and redefined modern basketball with their three-point-heavy offense and elite ball movement. The San Antonio Spurs also added to their legacy in 2014, showcasing the value of team chemistry and fundamentals in a blowout Finals win over Miami.
While a handful of franchises won titles, the 2010s were ultimately about superteams, player mobility, and star power. LeBron James appeared in eight consecutive NBA Finals from 2011 to 2018, across two different teams. Meanwhile, the league witnessed memorable underdog stories and breakthrough moments like Dirk Nowitzki’s Mavericks defeating Miami in 2011, and the Toronto Raptors winning their first-ever title in 2019 behind Kawhi Leonard’s heroics. The 2010s cemented the NBA’s place as a global spectacle, fueled by bold front-office moves, elite talent consolidation, and unforgettable Finals matchups that captured fans’ attention around the world.
2000s NBA Champions
The 2000s were a golden age for sustained dominance by elite franchises. The decade began with the Los Angeles Lakers, led by the unstoppable duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, capturing three straight championships from 2000 to 2002. Their combination of size, skill, and star power overwhelmed opponents and cemented their place as one of the league’s great dynasties. As the decade continued, the San Antonio Spurs emerged as a model of consistency and excellence. With Tim Duncan at the helm, supported by Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili under the guidance of coach Gregg Popovich, the Spurs won titles in 2003, 2005, and 2007. Their disciplined, team-first approach stood in contrast to the flashier styles of their rivals, yet proved just as effective.
By the late 2000s, a new generation began to rise. The Boston Celtics, after forming their own Big Three with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, won the 2008 title and reignited the legendary Celtics–Lakers rivalry. The Lakers, retooled around a more mature Kobe Bryant, responded by winning back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, giving Bryant five rings in total. Throughout the 2000s, NBA champions were defined by strong cores, elite coaching, and a clear identity. It was a decade where dynasties thrived and rivalries intensified, setting the stage for the player empowerment and superteam era of the 2010s.
1990s NBA Champions
The 1990s were synonymous with one name: Michael Jordan. The Chicago Bulls, led by Jordan and supported by Scottie Pippen, coach Phil Jackson, and a rotating cast of elite role players, won six championships in eight years. Their two separate three-peats from 1991 to 1993 and again from 1996 to 1998 defined basketball excellence and globalized the NBA. Jordan’s unmatched dominance in the Finals, where he earned Finals MVP honors each time, made him the face of a generation and arguably the greatest player of all time. His brief retirement in the mid-90s allowed other teams to taste glory, but his return reminded the league who it belonged to.
During Jordan’s absence, the Houston Rockets, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, seized the opportunity and captured back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995. Olajuwon’s masterful footwork and leadership earned him Finals MVP honors both years and elevated his legacy among the all-time greats. The decade also featured the physical, defensive-minded Detroit Pistons winning in 1990 and the Knicks, Pacers, and Jazz all falling just short of championship glory. The 1990s weren’t just the era of Jordan. They were a showcase of iconic rivalries, physical basketball, and unforgettable Finals moments that still fuel debates today.
1980s NBA Champions
The 1980s were a golden era for the NBA, fueled by the legendary rivalry between Magic Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers and Larry Bird’s Boston Celtics. These two teams combined to win eight of the decade’s ten championships and squared off in three iconic NBA Finals. The Lakers captured five titles (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988) behind Magic’s playmaking, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s dominance, and the fast-paced “Showtime” offense. Meanwhile, the Celtics, built on Bird’s all-around brilliance and a rugged frontcourt featuring Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, claimed three championships (1981, 1984, and 1986). Their battles not only elevated the league’s popularity but also redefined how basketball was played and marketed.
The 1980s also featured historic moments from teams outside the traditional powerhouses. The Philadelphia 76ers, led by Moses Malone and Julius Erving, broke through in 1983 with a dominant championship run punctuated by Malone’s famous “Fo’, Fo’, Fo’” playoff prediction. The Detroit Pistons closed out the decade with their first title in 1989, powered by Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, and the Bad Boys’ bruising defense. From individual greatness to unforgettable team identities, the 1980s laid the foundation for the global NBA explosion that followed and remain one of the league’s most celebrated decades.
1970s NBA Champions
The 1970s were one of the most unpredictable and diverse decades in NBA history. Eight different teams won championships during this ten-year span, highlighting a rare level of parity across the league. The decade opened with the New York Knicks winning titles in 1970 and 1973 behind the steady leadership of Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, and a deep, intelligent roster. The Milwaukee Bucks also won their first title in 1971 thanks to the legendary duo of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor) and Oscar Robertson, while the Golden State Warriors, Washington Bullets, and Portland Trail Blazers all captured championships by mid-decade. Each title felt unique, with different styles of play and roster constructions defining each winner.
A pivotal moment in NBA history came in 1976, when the league officially merged with the American Basketball Association (ABA), adding four new teams and an influx of talent. That same year, the Boston Celtics won the NBA Finals in a thrilling seven-game series against the Phoenix Suns — a series still remembered for its dramatic triple-overtime Game 5. The late 1970s also saw the rise of new powers, including the Seattle SuperSonics, who won their first and only title in 1979. Though sometimes overshadowed by flashier decades, the 1970s laid essential groundwork for the NBA’s future through its diverse champions and the post-merger transformation that would reshape the league.
Most NBA Titles by Franchise
A look at which teams have claimed the most titles in NBA history.
NBA Finals MVP List (1976–2025)
Discover every Finals MVP since the ABA-NBA merger. Organized by year and player.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which NBA team has the most championships?
The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are tied with 17 championships each.
Who won the 2025 NBA Championship?
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals.
How many titles did Michael Jordan win?
Michael Jordan won six championships with the Chicago Bulls.
Who has the most NBA Finals MVP awards?
Michael Jordan holds the record with 6 NBA Finals MVP awards, all earned with the Bulls in the 1990s.
Which franchises have never won an NBA championship?
As of 2025, teams like the Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Los Angeles Clippers have never won an NBA title.
What was the first NBA champion after the ABA-NBA merger?
The Portland Trail Blazers won the first post-merger championship in 1977, led by Bill Walton.
How many different teams won titles in the 1970s?
Eight different franchises won NBA titles in the 1970s — the most balanced decade in league history.
Which team dominated the 2010s in the NBA?
The Golden State Warriors dominated the 2010s with three titles and five straight Finals appearances between 2015 and 2019.
Who won the NBA title during the 2020 bubble season?
The Los Angeles Lakers won the 2020 NBA Championship inside the Orlando bubble, with LeBron James named Finals MVP.
What team broke a long title drought in the 2020s?
The Milwaukee Bucks ended a 50-year drought by winning the 2021 NBA Championship behind Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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