How Many Basketball Teams Are in California? Full List

By Sarah Miller · September 6, 2042

There are 16 professional and major collegiate basketball teams based in California, including 5 NBA teams, 2 WNBA teams, and 9 prominent NCAA Division I programs.

NBA Teams in California

California is home to five National Basketball Association (NBA) franchises, the most of any U.S. state. These teams represent major metropolitan areas and have a significant impact on the national basketball landscape.

Golden State Warriors – Based in San Francisco, play at Chase Center
Los Angeles Lakers – Based in Los Angeles, play at Crypto.com Arena
Los Angeles Clippers – Also in Los Angeles, share Crypto.com Arena (until 2024; moving to Intuit Dome)
Sacramento Kings – Based in Sacramento, play at Golden 1 Center
San Diego Clippers – NBA G League affiliate of the LA Clippers, based in Oceanside

Recent Developments

The LA Clippers are constructing the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, set to open in 2024, marking the first privately funded arena in the NBA in over two decades. This expansion highlights California's growing influence in professional basketball infrastructure.

WNBA Teams in California

California hosts two Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) teams, contributing to the growth of women's professional sports in the U.S.

Los Angeles Sparks – Founded in 1997, one of the original WNBA teams
Golden State Valkyries – An expansion team set to begin play in 2025, based in San Francisco

The addition of the Valkyries marks the league's first expansion since 2008 and underscores California's role in advancing women's basketball.

Top NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Programs

California boasts several elite college basketball programs competing in the NCAA Division I, particularly within powerhouse conferences like the Pac-12 (transitioning in 2024) and the West Coast Conference.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – 11-time national champion
University of Southern California (USC)
Stanford University
University of California, Berkeley (Cal)
University of Arizona (partial games in California due to proximity)
Saint Mary's College
Gonzaga University (frequent competitor in California tournaments)
San Diego State University
University of Oregon (regularly plays in-state rivals)

Conference Realignment Impact (2024–2025)

As of 2024, USC and UCLA are transitioning to the Big Ten Conference, bringing high-level college basketball to a new national audience while maintaining their California roots.

Detailed Overview of Basketball Teams in California

Team	League	City	Venue	Founded	Championships
Golden State Warriors	NBA	San Francisco	Chase Center	1946	7
Los Angeles Lakers	NBA	Los Angeles	Crypto.com Arena	1947	17
Los Angeles Clippers	NBA	Los Angeles	Crypto.com Arena (to 2024), Intuit Dome (2024+)	1970	0
Sacramento Kings	NBA	Sacramento	Golden 1 Center	1945	1
San Diego Clippers	NBA G League	Oceanside	Frontwave Arena	2017	0
Los Angeles Sparks	WNBA	Los Angeles	Crypto.com Arena	1997	3
Golden State Valkyries	WNBA	San Francisco	Chase Center	2024	0
UCLA Bruins	NCAA D-I	Los Angeles	Pauley Pavilion	1919	11 (NCAA)
USC Trojans	NCAA D-I	Los Angeles	Galens Center	1907	0 (NCAA)
Stanford Cardinal	NCAA D-I	Stanford	Maples Pavilion	1892	0 (NCAA)

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4

The table above lists the primary professional and collegiate basketball teams in California with verified locations, venues, and historical data. Notably, the state combines historic franchises like the Lakers and Warriors with emerging entities like the Valkyries, reflecting both legacy and innovation in basketball.

California dominates in championship pedigree, with the Lakers' 17 titles being the most in NBA history and UCLA's 11 NCAA championships setting the standard for collegiate success. The inclusion of G League and upcoming WNBA expansion teams highlights the state's investment in player development and gender equity in sports.

FAQ About Basketball Teams in California

How many NBA teams are in California?

There are currently four NBA teams in California: the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings. A fifth team, the San Diego Clippers (G League), operates as a developmental squad.

Which city has two NBA teams?

Los Angeles is the only city in California with two NBA teams: the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. Starting in 2024, the Clippers will move to their new Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

Are there any WNBA teams in California?

Yes, there are two WNBA teams: the Los Angeles Sparks, founded in 1997, and the Golden State Valkyries, an expansion team beginning play in 2025 in San Francisco.

What is the most successful basketball team in California?

The Los Angeles Lakers are the most successful professional team with 17 NBA championships. In college basketball, the UCLA Bruins lead with 11 NCAA national titles.

Which California university has the best men's basketball program?

UCLA has the most accomplished men's basketball program in California history, with 11 national championships, largely under legendary coach John Wooden. They remain a consistent contender in the NCAA tournament.

Is the Golden State Warriors' name related to California?

Yes, the "Golden State" refers to California itself, not just San Francisco. The team represents the entire state, distinguishing it from city-specific branding used by other franchises.