Ranking: Which city's natives have won the most NBA championships?
hoopshype staff
·6-min read
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Fans wearing Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks jerseys walk outside of the arena ahead of Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on May 14, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Throughout NBA history, New York City natives have won a combined 62 championships, far surpassing any other city worldwide, according to HoopsHype's research. However, 58 of these titles were secured in the 20th century, with only four in the 21st – courtesy of Brendan Haywood, Lamar Odom and Metta World Peace. That tells you all you need to know about New York's decline as the actual basketball mecca.
Led by Kobe Bryant's five championships, Philadelphia comes second, though many of its titles came way back in the day too.
The first international city in the ranking is Melbourne (Australia) at No. 20 with seven titles.
For the full ranking, as always, scroll down below.
1. New York City, New York: 62
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NBA titles: Satch Sanders (8), Bob Cousy (6), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6), Michael Jordan (6), John Salley (4), Mario Elie (3), Kenny Smith (2), Vinnie Johnson (2), Lamar Odom (2), Kevin Stacom (1), Mike Riordan (1), Gerry Ward (1), Jerry Fleishman (1), Ralph Kaplowitz (1), Brendan Haywood (1), Billy Cunningham (1), Chucky Brown (1), Chick Reiser (1), Bobby Wanzer (1), Tiny Archibald (1), Red Holzman (1), Franklin Edwards (1), Charlie Scott (1), Steve Bracey (1), Dolph Schayes (1), Carl Braun (1), Donnie Forman (1), Jack McMahon (1), Billy Hassett (1), Marc Iavaroni (1), Jeff Mullins (1), Metta World Peace (1)
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 29
Apr 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) waves to the Staples Center crowd as he leaves the game against the Utah Jazz in the closing seconds. Bryant scored 60 points in the final game of his career. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: Kobe Bryant (5), Malik Rose (2), Wilt Chamberlain (2), Herm Klotz (1), John Richter (1), Jerry Rullo (1), Phil Walker (1), Earl Monroe (1), Bill Melchionni (1), Matt Guokas (1), Angelo Musi (1), Petey Rosenberg (1), Kyle Lowry (1), Paul Arizin (1), Wali Jones (1), Dion Waiters (1), Matt Guokas, Sr. (1), Markieff Morris (1), Tom Gola (1), Jackie Moore (1), Ernie Beck (1), George Dempsey (1), Rasheed Wallace (1)
3. Los Angeles, California: 27
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: Michael Cooper (5), Klay Thompson (4), Kawhi Leonard (2), Jordan Farmar (2), Jackie Robinson (1), Brook Lopez (1), Nick Young (1), Tracy Murray (1), Greg Ballard (1), Gail Goodrich (1), Kevin Willis (1), Gabe Pruitt (1), Jacque Vaughn (1), Elden Campbell (1), Jordan Bell (1), Tremaine Fowlkes (1), Dorell Wright (1), Richard Jefferson (1)
3. Chicago, Illinois: 27
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 10: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the second half of the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on November 10, 2016 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
NBA titles: Randy Brown (3), Dwyane Wade (3), Juwan Howard (2), Isiah Thomas (2), Mark Aguirre (2), Linton Johnson (1), Nazr Mohammed (1), Talen Horton-Tucker (1), Cazzie Russell (1), Devontae Cacok (1), Tony Allen (1), Emmette Bryant (1), Anthony Davis (1), Darrell Walker (1), Red Kerr (1), Maurice Cheeks (1), Wally Osterkorn (1), Whitey Kachan (1), Johnny Jorgensen (1), Antoine Walker (1)
5. Oakland, California: 15
27 Apr 2000: Brian Shaw #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles down the court during the NBA Western Conference Playoffs Round One Game against the Sacramento Kings at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Kings 113-89.
NBA titles: Jim Pollard (5), Brian Shaw (3), Paul Pierce (1), Eric Fernsten (1), Greg Foster (1), Gary Payton (1), Isaiah Rider (1), Juan Toscano-Anderson (1), Jelani McCoy (1)
6. San Francisco, California: 14
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NBA titles: Jim Loscutoff (7), Herm Fuetsch (1), Jason Kidd (1), Phil Smith (1), Keith Erickson (1), Joe McNamee (1), Bill Calhoun (1), Howie Dallmar (1)
7. Monroe, Louisiana: 12
Bill Russell is arguably the biggest force to play in NBA history. He is an 11-time NBA champ as a player and two-time as a coach. A 12-time All-Star and five-time league MVP, Russell averaged 15-plus points and an insane 22.5 rebounds per game. (Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA titles: Bill Russell (11), Larry Wright (1)
7. Dayton, Ohio: 12
PHOENIX - JUNE 20: John Paxson #5 of the Chicago Bulls makes a pass against the Phoenix Suns during Game Six of the 1993 NBA Championship Finals at America West Arena on June 20, 1993 in Phoenix, Arizona. Chicago won 99-98, taking the Series 4-2. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright 1993 NBAE. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA titles: Ron Harper (5), John Paxson (3), Norris Cole (2), Don May (1), Bill Hosket (1)
7. Washington, DC: 12
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: Quinn Cook (2), Kevin Durant (2), John Thompson (2), Elgin Baylor (1), Johnny Jones (1), Eddie Jordan (1), Adrian Branch (1), Ronnie Watts (1), James White (1)
10. Detroit, Michigan: 11
CHICAGO - MAY 12: BJ Armstrong #10 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a jump shot against the Orlando Magic in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 1995 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on May 12, 1995 in Chicago, Illinois. The Orlando Magic defeated the Chicago Bulls 110-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA titles: BJ Armstrong (3), Earl Cureton (2), Dave DeBusschere (2), PJ Brown (1), Tom LaGarde (1), John Q. Trapp (1), Johnny Davis (1955) (1)
10. St. Louis, Missouri: 11
Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images
NBA titles: Patrick McCaw (3), Jo Jo White (2), Ed Macauley (1), David Lee (1), Otto Porter (1), David Thirdkill (1), Robin Jones (1), Jayson Tatum (1)
12. Wilmington, North Carolina: 10
Unknown date; Cincinnati,OH, USA; Sam Jones of the Boston Celtics in action against the Cincinnati Royals at Cincinnati Gardens. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports copyright By Malcolm Emmons
NBA titles: Sam Jones (10)
13. Akron, Ohio: 9
Mar 22, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) directs a play during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: LeBron James (4), Stephen Curry (4), Charlie Share (1)
13. Union City, New Jersey: 9
1960; FILE PHOTO; Tommy Heinsohn leans on a basketball while taking break from a 1960 workout at the Worcester Academy gym. Heinsohn was in his fifth season with the Boston Celtics after graduating from Holy Cross. Mandatory Credit: Telegram & Gazette-USA TODAY NETWORK
NBA titles: Tommy Heinsohn (8), Hank Finkel (1)
13. San Diego, California: 9
17 Oct 1997: Guard Jud Buechler of the Chicago Bulls in action during a McDonald''s Championship game against PSG Racing at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy in Paris, France. The Bulls won the game 89-82.
NBA titles: Jud Buechler (3), Cliff Levingston (2), Luke Walton (2), Jared Dudley (1), Norman Powell (1)
16. Minneapolis, Minnesota: 8
10 Dec 2000: Devean George #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to move the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Pistons 112-88. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Donald Miralle /Allsport
NBA titles: Devean George (3), Don Carlson (2), Tony Jaros (2), Jeff Lamp (1)
16. Martins Ferry, Ohio: 8
Unknown date; New York, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; Boston Celtics forward John Havlicek (17) in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: John Havlicek (8)
16. Houston, Texas: 8
January 13, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Denver Nuggets center DeAndre Jordan (6) controls the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: Greg Kite (2), McCoy McLemore (1), DeAndre Jordan (1), Eric Moreland (1), Justin Jackson (1), Stephen Jackson (1), John Celestand (1)
16. Dallas, Texas: 8
Jun 11, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) reacts during the first quarter of game three of the 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: Willie Naulls (3), Chris Bosh (2), Terrel Harris (1), Dave Stallworth (1), Micheal Williams (1)
16. Taylor, Texas: 8
Basketball: NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics K.C. Jones (25) in action vs Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Garden. Game 7. Boston, MA 4/15/1965 CREDIT: Walter Iooss Jr. (Photo by Walter Iooss Jr. /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X10705 )
NBA titles: KC Jones (8)
21. Newark, New Jersey: 7
Unknown date; San Antonio, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal (34) dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs at the Alamo Dome. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 30: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on prior to Game Five of the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on May 30, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
NBA titles: Luc Longley (3), Kyrie Irving (1), Andrew Gaze (1), Andrew Bogut (1)
21. Andalusia, Alabama: 7
SAN ANTONIO - JUNE 07: Robert Horry #5 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball in the final moments of the Spurs' win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One of the 2007 NBA Finals on June 7, 2007 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
NBA titles: Robert Horry (7)
21. Fresno, California: 7
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 23: DeShawn Stevenson #92 of the Dallas Mavericks moves the ball while taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Oklahoma City Arena on May 23, 2011 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
NBA titles: Vern Mikkelsen (4), Red Morrison (1), DeShawn Stevenson (1), Bison Dele (1)
21. Berkeley, California: 7
BALTIMORE, MD - CIRCA 1975: Jamaal Wilkes #41 of the Golden State Warriors looks up at the score board during an NBA basketball game against the Washington Bullets circa 1975 at the Baltimore Civic Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Wilkes played for the Warriors from 1974-77. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
NBA titles: Jamaal Wilkes (4), Eddie House (1), Phil Chenier (1), Leon Powe (1)
21. Baton Rouge, Louisiana: 7
the San Antonio Spurs the Los Angeles Clippers during Game Five of the Western Conference quarterfinals of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 28, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Spurs won 111-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
NBA titles: Don Chaney (2), Damian Jones (2), Bob Pettit (1), Tim Breaux (1), Glen Davis (1)
21. Lansing, Michigan: 7
Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Lakers guard Magic Johnson (32) reacts as Boston Celtics guard Dennis Johnson points at The Forum. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: Magic Johnson (5), Bryn Forbes (1), Sam Vincent (1)
21. Little Rock, Arkansas: 7
Mar. 24, 2010; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard (2) Derek Fisher against the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: Derek Fisher (5), Bobby Portis (1), Moses Moody (1)
21. Corydon, Kentucky: 7
1950: Frank Ramsey #23 of the Boston Celtics dribbles for a mock action portrait circa 1950's. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by NBA Photo Library/ NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA titles: Frank Ramsey (7)
21. Miami, Florida: 7
Apr 9, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) reacts after entering the game during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: James Jones (3), Udonis Haslem (3), Trevor Ariza (1)
21. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: 7
Nov 16, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) reacts to being called for a foul by referee Natalie Sago (9) during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: Kevon Looney (3), Fred Brown (1), Jeff Webb (1), Mike Wilks (1), Jordan Poole (1)
32. Trenton, New Jersey: 6
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NBA titles: Dennis Rodman (5), Dahntay Jones (1)
32. Hamburg, Arkansas: 6
DALLAS - MAY 4: Scottie Pippen #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers walks in Game seven of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Dallas Mavericks during the 2003 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 5, 2003 in Dallas, Texas. The Mavericks won 107-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
NBA titles: Scottie Pippen (6)
32. Toronto (Canada): 6
LOS ANGELES - JUNE 4: Rick Fox #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass against Detlef Schrempf #12 of the Portland Trail Blazers during Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals at Staples Center on June 4, 2000 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 98-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
NBA titles: Rick Fox (3), Andrew Wiggins (1), Cory Joseph (1), Oshae Brissett (1)
32. Toledo, Ohio: 6
LOS ANGELES - 1990: Dennis Hopson #2 of the New Jersey Nets stretches before the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, California in 1990. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice : Copyright 1990 NBAE. (Photo by Ken Levine /Getty Images)
NBA titles: Bob Harrison (3), Paul Seymour (2), Dennis Hopson (1)
32. Shreveport, Louisiana: 6
INGLEWOOD, CA- JUNE 13: Joe Dumars #4 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during Game Four of the NBA Finals at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California on June 13, 1989. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1989 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. BernsteinNBAE via Getty Images)
NBA titles: Robert Parish (4), Joe Dumars (2)
32. Seattle, Washington: 6
.
NBA titles: James Edwards (3), Clint Richardson (1), Jason Terry (1), Gary Payton II (1)
38. St. Croix, Virgin Islands: 5
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
NBA titles: Tim Duncan (5)
38. Atlanta, Georgia: 5
Apr 07, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (12) during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Magic defeated the Sixers 88-82. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: Walt Frazier (2), Dwight Howard (1), Reggie Johnson (1), Shandon Anderson (1)
38. Shelby, Ohio: 5
BOSTON, MA - 1968: Larry Siegfried #20 of the Boston Celtics shoots against the Detroit Pistons circa 1968 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1968 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA titles: Larry Siegfried (5)
38. Elmina, Texas: 5
.
NBA titles: Slater Martin (5)
38. Salt Lake City, Utah: 5
May 5, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) celebrates after hitting a three point basket during the first half against the Orlando Magic in game seven of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: Arnie Ferrin (2), Sam Merrill (1), Travis Knight (1), Devin Brown (1)
38. Joliet, Illinois: 5
NBAE Photos/ NBAE/ Getty Images
NBA titles: George Mikan (5)
38. Saginaw, Michigan: 5
Nov 30, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) walks off the court at half time against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: Draymond Green (4), Darvin Ham (1)
38. Richmond, Virginia: 5
AUBURN HILLS, MI - 1990: Gerald Henderson #13 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles up court during a game played in 1990 at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1990 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA titles: Gerald Henderson Sr (3), Bob Dandridge (2)
38. Merced, California: 5
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 03: Ray Allen #34 of the Seattle SuperSonics drives by Smush Parker #1 of the of the Los Angeles Lakers as Parker runs through a screen in the fourth quarter on November 3, 2006 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
NBA titles: Bruce Bowen (3), Ray Allen (2)
38. Baltimore, Maryland: 5
ALLSPORT USA
NBA titles: Sam Cassell (3), Damion Lee (1), Keith Booth (1)
38. Beirut (Lebanon): 5
4 Jun 1997: Guard Steve Kerr of the Chicago Bulls tries to pass the ball as guard Howard Eisley of the Utah Jazz covers him during a playoff game at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls won the game 97-85.
NBA titles: Steve Kerr (5)
38. Augusta, Georgia: 5
.
NBA titles: Horace Grant (4), Phil Hankinson (1)
38. Montreal (Canada): 5
Oct 29, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Detroit Pistons center Joel Anthony (50) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 89-79. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
NBA titles: Bill Wennington (3), Joel Anthony (2)
38. Muskegon, Michigan: 5
March 17, 1973; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Boston Celtics forward Don Nelson (19) in action against the Atlanta Hawks at The Omni. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
