Since its inaugural season in 1947, the NBA has crowned champions that defined eras, inspired dynasties, and captivated fans across generations. From Bill Russell’s dominant Celtics in the 1960s to Michael Jordan’s Bulls of the ’90s and the more recent reigns of Golden State and Milwaukee, each title tells a story of grit, greatness, and unforgettable moments.
The 2025 NBA Finals promise to be a clash for the ages, as the underdog Indiana Pacers-making their first Finals appearance since 2000-go head-to-head with the powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder, led by MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
With momentum swinging back and forth and both squads digging deep in clutch moments, this series has all the makings of a classic: two contrasting styles, star power, and an intense battle for premier bragging rights-and the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Below is the definitive list of every team that has etched its name in NBA history as a champion.
Here is the complete list of all the NBA champions:
- 2025: Oklahoma City Thunder
- 2024: Boston Celtics
- 2023: Denver Nuggets
- 2022: Golden State Warriors
- 2021: Milwaukee Bucks
- 2020: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2019: Toronto Raptors
- 2018: Golden State Warriors
- 2017: Golden State Warriors
- 2016: Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2015: Golden State Warriors
- 2014: San Antonio Spurs
- 2013: Miami Heat
- 2012: Miami Heat
- 2011: Dallas Mavericks
- 2010: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2009: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2008: Boston Celtics
- 2007: San Antonio Spurs
- 2006: Miami Heat
- 2005: San Antonio Spurs
- 2004: Detroit Pistons
- 2003: San Antonio Spurs
- 2002: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2001: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2000: Los Angeles Lakers
- 1999: San Antonio Spurs
- 1998: Chicago Bulls
- 1997: Chicago Bulls
- 1996: Chicago Bulls
- 1995: Houston Rockets
- 1994: Houston Rockets
- 1993: Chicago Bulls
- 1992: Chicago Bulls
- 1991: Chicago Bulls
- 1990: Detroit Pistons
- 1989: Detroit Pistons
- 1988: Los Angeles Lakers
- 1987: Los Angeles Lakers
- 1986: Boston Celtics
- 1985: Los Angeles Lakers
- 1984: Boston Celtics
- 1983: Philadelphia 76ers
- 1982: Los Angeles Lakers
- 1981: Boston Celtics
- 1980: Los Angeles Lakers
- 1979: Seattle SuperSonics
- 1978: Washington Bullets
- 1977: Portland Trail Blazers
- 1976: Boston Celtics
- 1975: Golden State Warriors
- 1974: Boston Celtics
- 1973: New York Knicks
- 1972: Los Angeles Lakers
- 1971: Milwaukee Bucks
- 1970: New York Knicks
- 1969: Boston Celtics
- 1968: Boston Celtics
- 1967: Philadelphia 76ers
- 1966: Boston Celtics
- 1965: Boston Celtics
- 1964: Boston Celtics
- 1963: Boston Celtics
- 1962: Boston Celtics
- 1961: Boston Celtics
- 1960: Boston Celtics
- 1959: Boston Celtics
- 1958: St. Louis Hawks
- 1957: Boston Celtics
- 1956: Philadelphia Warriors
- 1955: Syracuse Nationals
- 1954: Minneapolis Lakers
- 1953: Minneapolis Lakers
- 1952: Minneapolis Lakers
- 1951: Rochester Royals
- 1950: Minneapolis Lakers
- 1949: Minneapolis Lakers
As the league continues to evolve with rising stars and new contenders, each NBA Finals adds another chapter to the league’s rich legacy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, this complete list of champions is a testament to decades of excellence, fierce competition, and the pursuit of basketball immortality.
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