How Many Basketball Teams Does California Have?

By Sarah Miller · September 10, 2044

California is home to a total of 14 professional basketball teams across major leagues, including the NBA, WNBA, and G League, making it the U.S. state with the most professional basketball franchises.

NBA Teams in California

California hosts five National Basketball Association (NBA) teams, the highest number among any state. These teams are located in major metropolitan areas and have strong fan bases and championship histories.

Los Angeles Lakers – Founded in 1947, based in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Clippers – Originally founded in 1970, relocated to LA in 1984
Golden State Warriors – Originally the San Francisco Warriors (1962–1971), now based in San Francisco
Sacramento Kings – Moved from Kansas City to Sacramento in 1985
San Diego Clippers – Set to launch in 2024 as a second LA-market team's G League affiliate but playing in San Diego

Historical NBA Presence

While currently at five teams, California previously hosted the San Diego Rockets (1967–1971), who later moved to Houston. The state has consistently been a hub for elite NBA talent and innovation in sports marketing.

WNBA Teams in California

California also supports three Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchises, contributing significantly to women's professional basketball growth.

Los Angeles Sparks – One of the original eight WNBA teams, founded in 1997
Golden State Valkyries – An expansion team set to begin play in 2025
San Diego Mojo – Part of the new Professional Women's Basketball League (PWBL), launching in 2025

Emerging Women's Leagues

The formation of new leagues like the PWBL highlights California's leadership in advancing women's sports. The Golden State Valkyries will play at Chase Center, sharing facilities with the Warriors.

G League and Developmental Teams

The NBA G League serves as a developmental platform for aspiring professionals. California features six G League teams affiliated with NBA franchises.

Santa Cruz Warriors – Affiliated with Golden State Warriors
South Bay Lakers – Affiliated with Los Angeles Lakers
Ontario Clippers – Affiliated with LA Clippers
Stockton Kings – Affiliated with Sacramento Kings
Agua Caliente Clippers – Previously active; operations paused in 2022
San Diego Clippers – New G League team launching in 2024, based in Oceanside

Distribution of Basketball Teams by City and League

City	NBA	WNBA	G League	Total Teams
Los Angeles	2	1	1	4
San Francisco / Oakland	1	1 (incoming)	1	3
Sacramento	1	0	1	2
San Diego	0 (incoming affiliate)	1 (PWBL)	1	2
Santa Cruz	0	0	1	1
Stockton	0	0	1	1
Ontario	0	0	1	1

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table shows that Los Angeles leads in team concentration, hosting four professional teams across leagues. Northern California cities like San Francisco and Sacramento maintain strong representation, while emerging markets like San Diego are expanding their roles in both men's and women's basketball development.

College and Minor League Impact

Beyond professional leagues, California is home to over 30 NCAA Division I basketball programs, including powerhouses like UCLA, USC, Stanford, and Cal. These programs feed talent into the NBA and WNBA and contribute to the state's basketball culture.

Additionally, minor leagues such as The Basketball League (TBL) and independent circuits feature teams like the SoCal Jazz and Bay Area Panthers, further enriching the basketball ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions About California Basketball Teams

How many NBA teams are in California?

California has five NBA teams: the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, and the incoming San Diego Clippers G League team (not an NBA team). As of 2025, there are five NBA franchises based in the state.

Which city in California has the most basketball teams?

Los Angeles has the most professional basketball teams, with two NBA teams (Lakers and Clippers), one WNBA team (Sparks), and one G League team (South Bay Lakers), totaling four.

Are there any new basketball teams coming to California?

Yes. The Golden State Valkyries will join the WNBA in 2025 as an expansion team. Additionally, the San Diego Clippers will begin G League play in 2024, and the San Diego Mojo will debut in the new PWBL in 2025.

Why does California have so many basketball teams?

California's large population, major media markets, strong economy, and deep sports culture make it ideal for professional basketball. Its cities attract investment, global attention, and top-tier talent, supporting multiple franchises across leagues.

Does California have a WNBA team?

Yes, the Los Angeles Sparks are an established WNBA team. Starting in 2025, the Golden State Valkyries will also join the league, increasing California's WNBA presence to two teams.