The NBA and EuroLeague are the only basketball leagues ranked among the most followed sports competitions worldwide, underscoring the sport’s digital influence.
A recent analysis by Sportingpedia assessed the social media reach of major sports leagues and tournaments by evaluating their total follower counts on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok. The findings position the NBA as the second most-followed league globally, with 212.2 million followers, while the EuroLeague ranks 17th with 3.3 million.
The UEFA Champions League leads all sports competitions with 311.8 million followers. The NBA, however, surpasses the English Premier League (204.6 million) as the most-followed domestic sports league. The only other sports organizations exceeding 100 million followers are the FIFA World Cup (150.2 million), UFC (119.1 million), NFL (106.7 million), and the International Cricket Council (104.9 million).
The NBA’s extensive online following reflects its global appeal and continuous efforts to engage fans through social media. With a history dating back to 1946, the league has established itself as a premier basketball competition, featuring 30 teams competing for the championship each season. In 2024, the Boston Celtics secured their record-breaking 18th title by defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.
The EuroLeague, founded in 2000, has also expanded its digital presence despite being far behind the NBA in overall following. The competition features Europe’s top basketball clubs, with Panathinaikos winning the 2024 championship against Real Madrid. Its 3.3 million followers indicate a growing international interest in European basketball.
Basketball’s digital impact is further emphasized by the NBA’s record-breaking engagement in key regions. The league’s 2023-24 regular season was the most viewed across its social and digital platforms in Europe and the Middle East, surpassing 1 billion video views. Similarly, the EuroLeague has experienced increased engagement, reporting a 79% rise in social media impressions, a 27% jump in TV audience, and a 19% growth in attendance.
While basketball remains a dominant force in global sports, football continues to lead social media rankings, with the Champions League, Premier League, and FIFA World Cup occupying three of the top four spots. However, the NBA’s ability to maintain a strong digital presence and surpass major football leagues highlights the sport’s growing influence.
As the NBA and EuroLeague continue expanding their international reach, their position among the most-followed sports leagues underscores basketball’s ongoing global growth.
