List of NBA Champions by Year
The NBA Finals represent the ultimate showdown in professional basketball — a battle between the best teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences for the coveted championship title. Since its inception in 1947, the Finals have not only crowned champions but also written some of the most iconic chapters in sports history.
In this article, you’ll find a complete NBA champions list, year by year, from 1947 to 2024. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a trivia enthusiast, or a sports blogger doing research, this definitive guide offers everything you need in one place — from legendary dynasties to underdog triumphs.
As of 2025, the Boston Celtics lead all franchises with 18 NBA championships, followed closely by the Los Angeles Lakers with 17 titles. This rivalry remains the most iconic in NBA history and continues to shape the league’s legacy.
Explore the full NBA Finals winners list below, broken down by year, along with historical trends, franchise records, and unforgettable moments that define each era of championship basketball.
NBA Finals Winners List 1947-2024
| Year | Champion | Runner-up | Series Result | Finals MVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Boston Celtics | Dallas Mavericks | 4-1 | Jayson Tatum |
| 2023 | Denver Nuggets | Miami Heat | 4-1 | Nikola Jokic |
| 2022 | Golden State Warriors | Boston Celtics | 4-2 | Stephen Curry |
| 2021 | Milwaukee Bucks | Phoenix Suns | 4-2 | Giannis Antetokounmpo |
| 2020 | Los Angeles Lakers | Miami Heat | 4-2 | LeBron James |
| 2019 | Toronto Raptors | Golden State Warriors | 4-2 | Kawhi Leonard |
| 2018 | Golden State Warriors | Cleveland Cavaliers | 4-0 | Kevin Durant |
| 2017 | Golden State Warriors | Cleveland Cavaliers | 4-1 | Kevin Durant |
| 2016 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Golden State Warriors | 4-3 | LeBron James |
| 2015 | Golden State Warriors | Cleveland Cavaliers | 4-2 | Andre Iguodala |
| 2014 | San Antonio Spurs | Miami Heat | 4-1 | Kawhi Leonard |
| 2013 | Miami Heat | San Antonio Spurs | 4-3 | LeBron James |
| 2012 | Miami Heat | Oklahoma City Thunder | 4-1 | LeBron James |
| 2011 | Dallas Mavericks | Miami Heat | 4-2 | Dirk Nowitzki |
| 2010 | Los Angeles Lakers | Boston Celtics | 4-3 | Kobe Bryant |
| 2009 | Los Angeles Lakers | Orlando Magic | 4-1 | Kobe Bryant |
| 2008 | Boston Celtics | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-2 | Paul Pierce |
| 2007 | San Antonio Spurs | Cleveland Cavaliers | 4-0 | Tony Parker |
| 2006 | Miami Heat | Dallas Mavericks | 4-2 | Dwyane Wade |
| 2005 | San Antonio Spurs | Detroit Pistons | 4-3 | Tim Duncan |
| 2004 | Detroit Pistons | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-1 | Chauncey Billups |
| 2003 | San Antonio Spurs | New Jersey Nets | 4-2 | Tim Duncan |
| 2002 | Los Angeles Lakers | New Jersey Nets | 4-0 | Shaquille O’Neal |
| 2001 | Los Angeles Lakers | Philadelphia 76ers | 4-1 | Shaquille O’Neal |
| 2000 | Los Angeles Lakers | Indiana Pacers | 4-2 | Shaquille O’Neal |
| 1999 | San Antonio Spurs | New York Knicks | 4-1 | Tim Duncan |
| 1998 | Chicago Bulls | Utah Jazz | 4-2 | Michael Jordan |
| 1997 | Chicago Bulls | Utah Jazz | 4-2 | Michael Jordan |
| 1996 | Chicago Bulls | Seattle SuperSonics | 4-2 | Michael Jordan |
| 1995 | Houston Rockets | Orlando Magic | 4-0 | Hakeem Olajuwon |
| 1994 | Houston Rockets | New York Knicks | 4-3 | Hakeem Olajuwon |
| 1993 | Chicago Bulls | Phoenix Suns | 4-2 | Michael Jordan |
| 1992 | Chicago Bulls | Portland Trail Blazers | 4-2 | Michael Jordan |
| 1991 | Chicago Bulls | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-1 | Michael Jordan |
| 1990 | Detroit Pistons | Portland Trail Blazers | 4-1 | Isiah Thomas |
| 1989 | Detroit Pistons | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-0 | Joe Dumars |
| 1988 | Los Angeles Lakers | Detroit Pistons | 4-3 | James Worthy |
| 1987 | Los Angeles Lakers | Boston Celtics | 4-2 | Magic Johnson |
| 1986 | Boston Celtics | Houston Rockets | 4-2 | Larry Bird |
| 1985 | Los Angeles Lakers | Boston Celtics | 4-2 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar |
| 1984 | Boston Celtics | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-3 | Larry Bird |
| 1983 | Philadelphia 76ers | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-0 | Moses Malone |
| 1982 | Los Angeles Lakers | Philadelphia 76ers | 4-2 | Magic Johnson |
| 1981 | Boston Celtics | Houston Rockets | 4-2 | Cedric Maxwell |
| 1980 | Los Angeles Lakers | Philadelphia 76ers | 4-2 | Magic Johnson |
| 1979 | Seattle SuperSonics | Washington Bullets | 4-1 | None |
| 1978 | Washington Bullets | Seattle SuperSonics | 4-3 | None |
| 1977 | Portland Trail Blazers | Philadelphia 76ers | 4-2 | None |
| 1976 | Boston Celtics | Phoenix Suns | 4-2 | None |
| 1975 | Golden State Warriors | Washington Bullets | 4-0 | None |
| 1974 | Boston Celtics | Milwaukee Bucks | 4-3 | None |
| 1973 | New York Knicks | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-1 | None |
| 1972 | Los Angeles Lakers | New York Knicks | 4-1 | None |
| 1971 | Milwaukee Bucks | Baltimore Bullets | 4-0 | None |
| 1970 | New York Knicks | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-3 | None |
| 1969 | Boston Celtics | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-3 | Jerry West |
| 1968 | Boston Celtics | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-2 | None |
| 1967 | Philadelphia 76ers | San Francisco Warriors | 4-2 | None |
| 1966 | Boston Celtics | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-3 | None |
| 1965 | Boston Celtics | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-1 | None |
| 1964 | Boston Celtics | San Francisco Warriors | 4-1 | None |
| 1963 | Boston Celtics | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-2 | None |
| 1962 | Boston Celtics | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-3 | None |
| 1961 | Boston Celtics | St. Louis Hawks | 4-1 | None |
| 1960 | Boston Celtics | St. Louis Hawks | 4-3 | None |
| 1959 | Boston Celtics | Minneapolis Lakers | 4-0 | None |
| 1958 | St. Louis Hawks | Boston Celtics | 4-2 | None |
| 1957 | Boston Celtics | St. Louis Hawks | 4-3 | None |
| 1956 | Philadelphia Warriors | Ft. Wayne Pistons | 4-1 | None |
| 1955 | Syracuse Nationals | Ft. Wayne Pistons | 4-3 | None |
| 1954 | Minneapolis Lakers | Syracuse Nationals | 4-3 | None |
| 1953 | Minneapolis Lakers | New York Knicks | 4-1 | None |
| 1952 | Minneapolis Lakers | New York Knicks | 4-3 | None |
| 1951 | Rochester Royals | New York Knicks | 4-3 | None |
| 1950 | Minneapolis Lakers | Syracuse Nationals | 4-2 | None |
| 1949 | Minneapolis Lakers | Washington Capitols | 4-2 | None |
| 1948 | Baltimore Bullets | Philadelphia Warriors | 4-2 | None |
| 1947 | Philadelphia Warriors | Chicago Stags | 4-1 | None |
Reference: Wikipedia
📝 Notable Championship Eras & Dynasties
The NBA Finals winners list isn’t just a timeline — it’s a story of legendary teams, rivalries, and dynasties that have defined generations of basketball. Let’s take a look at the most dominant championship runs in league history.
🟢 Boston Celtics Dynasty (1957–1969): 11 Titles in 13 Seasons
The Boston Celtics built the greatest dynasty in NBA history, winning 11 championships between 1957 and 1969 under legendary coach Red Auerbach and led by Bill Russell, a towering defensive force with 11 rings to his name. This era set the standard for dominance in team sports.
🏆 Key Players: Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek
🟣 Lakers vs. Celtics Rivalry (1980s): Showtime vs. Tradition
The 1980s brought a golden era of basketball, defined by the Lakers–Celtics rivalry. The teams met in the Finals three times in the decade (1984, 1985, 1987). The Lakers’ “Showtime” offense, led by Magic Johnson, squared off against Larry Bird and Boston’s grit, creating one of the most iconic rivalries in sports.
🏆 Combined Titles in the 1980s: Lakers (5), Celtics (3)
🔴 Michael Jordan’s Bulls (1991–1998): 6 Titles in 8 Seasons
The Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan and coach Phil Jackson, dominated the 1990s with two separate three-peats (1991–1993 and 1996–1998). Their cultural impact extended beyond basketball, turning the NBA into a global phenomenon.
🏆 Finals MVP (all 6 titles): Michael Jordan
⚫ San Antonio Spurs Consistency (1999–2014): 5 Titles in 15 Years
While not a dynasty in the traditional sense, the Spurs were the model of sustained excellence. With Tim Duncan as the anchor, the franchise won titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014. Their unselfish, fundamental style set them apart.
🏆 Coach: Gregg Popovich | Key Players: Duncan, Parker, Ginóbili, Kawhi Leonard
🟡 Golden State Warriors Era (2015–2019): 3 Titles in 4 Years
The Warriors, powered by the Splash Brothers — Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson — along with Draymond Green and Kevin Durant, revolutionized modern basketball. They captured titles in 2015, 2017, and 2018, reaching five straight Finals from 2015 to 2019.
🏀 Known for: Elite 3-point shooting, ball movement, and team defense
These dominant runs have shaped the NBA champions list over the decades, and each tells a unique story of resilience, reinvention, and greatness on the biggest stage.
🏆Franchises with the Most NBA Championships
📈 NBA Teams Ranked by Total Championships
When reviewing the NBA champions list, a few franchises stand out for their consistent dominance across decades. Below are the top five NBA teams with the most championships, updated through the 2024 season:
- 🟢 Boston Celtics – 18 titles
- Last title: 2024
- Legendary eras: Bill Russell (1950s–60s), Larry Bird (1980s), Tatum era (2020s)
- 🟣 Los Angeles Lakers – 17 titles
- Last title: 2020
- Notable eras: Showtime Lakers (1980s), Shaq-Kobe (2000s), LeBron-AD (2020s)
- 🟡 Golden State Warriors – 7 titles
- Last title: 2022
- Known for: Splash Brothers dynasty (2015–2019)
- 🔴 Chicago Bulls – 6 titles
- Last title: 1998
- Michael Jordan-led dominance in the 1990s
- ⚫ San Antonio Spurs – 5 titles
- Last title: 2014
- Tim Duncan’s reign of consistency with Coach Popovich
These franchises don’t just lead the NBA Finals records in wins — they also define eras, set trends, and shape basketball history.
🧠 Records, Facts & Fun Trivia about NBA Champions
Beyond the rings and banners, the NBA champions list is packed with fascinating stats, surprising streaks, and historical oddities. Here are some of the most intriguing records and fun facts that make NBA history so unforgettable:
❌ Team with the Most NBA Finals Losses
The Los Angeles Lakers hold the record for the most NBA Finals appearances (32) — but they’ve also lost the most, with 15 Finals defeats.
Despite the losses, their consistent presence underscores their status as one of the league’s elite franchises.
🕰️ Longest Active Championship Droughts
Some franchises have gone decades without a title, while others are still chasing their first.
- Sacramento Kings – Last (and only) title in 1951 as the Rochester Royals
- Atlanta Hawks – Last championship in 1958 as the St. Louis Hawks
- New York Knicks – Haven’t won since 1973
These long droughts add layers of heartbreak and hope for loyal fanbases.
🏆 Only Team to 3-Peat Twice: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are the only franchise to complete two separate 3-peats:
- 1952–1954: Led by George Mikan (Minneapolis Lakers)
- 2000–2002: Dominated by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant
This feat remains unmatched and a hallmark of sustained dominance.
🌎 First Non-U.S. Team to Win: Toronto Raptors (2019)
The Toronto Raptors became the first and only non-American team to win an NBA title in 2019, defeating the Warriors in six games.
Led by Kawhi Leonard, this historic win was a defining moment for international basketball.
🕳️ NBA Teams That Have Never Won a Championship
Several franchises have yet to taste Finals glory, despite decades of effort:
- Phoenix Suns
- Brooklyn Nets
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Charlotte Hornets
- Indiana Pacers
- Memphis Grizzlies
- New Orleans Pelicans
These teams remain hungry and hopeful — and could eventually make history.
These trivia nuggets help bring the NBA Finals winners list to life — showing not just who won, but the stories and legacies behind the numbers.
🔎 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Who has the most NBA championships?
The Boston Celtics hold the record for the most NBA championships with 18 titles, just ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers, who have won 17.
❓ How many different NBA teams have won a title?
As of 2024, 21 different NBA franchises have won at least one championship. This includes historic teams like the Celtics and Lakers, as well as newer champions like the Toronto Raptors (2019) and Denver Nuggets (2023).
❓ Which team won the first NBA Finals?
The Philadelphia Warriors won the very first NBA Finals (then called the BAA Finals) in 1947, defeating the Chicago Stags 4–1.
❓ When was the last time [Team] won the NBA Finals?
Here’s a quick reference for notable teams:
- Golden State Warriors – 2022
- Los Angeles Lakers – 2020
- Toronto Raptors – 2019
- Cleveland Cavaliers – 2016
- Chicago Bulls – 1998
- New York Knicks – 1973
- Sacramento Kings – 1951 (as Rochester Royals)
For a complete list, refer to the full NBA champions list by year above.
❓ Has any team won back-to-back titles recently?
Yes — the last team to win consecutive NBA championships was the Golden State Warriors, who won in 2017 and 2018. Before that, the Miami Heat went back-to-back in 2012 and 2013.
🏁 Conclusion
From the earliest champions in 1947 to the latest victory by the Boston Celtics in 2024, this comprehensive NBA champions list captures nearly eight decades of basketball excellence. Whether you’re exploring the NBA Finals winners list to trace dynasties, check a specific year, or fuel your fan debates, this guide brings the full history to your fingertips.
We’ve covered iconic teams, legendary players, unforgettable rivalries, and the records that continue to shape the NBA’s legacy. Bookmark this page and return after each season to stay up-to-date with the evolving NBA champions story.
🏀 The legacy lives on. Who will write the next chapter?
