Top 10 Basketball Leagues in the World 

Country: United States

Founded: 1946

Teams: 30

Team Players: Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal

The NBA is the most famous basketball league on the planet. It features the best players, the most fans, and the biggest TV deals. 

Established in 1946, it has grown into a multi-billion-dollar sports organization with fans across every continent. The league is famous for its exciting games, advanced use of technology, and strong presence in global media and entertainment. If you’re exploring fantasy sports APIs, the NBA is usually the first league supported.

Country: Europe 

Founded: 2000

Teams: 18

Team Players: Luka Dončić, Dražen Petrović, Theo Papaloukas, Dejan Bodiroga, Arvydas Sabonis

The EuroLeague is the best basketball league in the world. It brings together the best teams from countries like Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Serbia. The games are very competitive, and the fans are loud and passionate. 

Many great NBA players have started their careers in the EuroLeague. The style of play is focused on teamwork, defense, and smart passing.

Country: China

Founded: 1995

Teams: 20

Team Players: Yao Ming, Stephon Marbury, Yi Jianlian, Wang Zhizhi, Lester Hudson

The CBA (Chinese Basketball Association) is the most popular basketball league in Asia. It has millions of fans, full stadiums, and big money from sponsors. Many foreign players join the CBA because it pays well and gives them a chance to play in front of huge crowds. 

Many apps and websites use API-Basketball to show live scores, team stats, and player info from the CBA, making it easy for fans around the world to follow the league.

Country: Spain

Founded: 1983

Teams: 18

Team Players: Sergio Llull, Ricky Rubio, Nicolás Laprovíttola, Willy Hernangómez

Spain’s Liga ACB is often considered the best domestic basketball league in Europe, famous for producing world-class players and strong team systems. Spanish clubs dominate European competitions, and players from this league frequently join the NBA. 

The rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid continues in basketball, and the league’s focus on coaching, youth training, and tactical play makes it a true talent factory.

Country: Turkey

Founded: 1966

Teams: 16

Team Players: Shane Larkin, Scottie Wilbekin, Tarik Biberović

Turkey’s Basketball Super League has become one of the best basketball leagues in Europe, offering great salaries and attracting top international players. 

With passionate fans, electric match-day energy, and teams that consistently perform well in the EuroLeague, the BSL plays a key role in European basketball. Its strong player development and growing global viewership are helping it expand every year.

Country: France

Founded: 1921

Teams: 18

Team Players: Nando de Colo, Elie Okobo, Victor Wembanyama (until 2023)

The LNB Pro A is the best fantasy basketball league in France and is becoming more popular thanks to the rise of French stars in the NBA, like Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert. 

The league focuses on player development and athletic performance, and many young talents use it as a launchpad to Europe’s top clubs or the NBA. With government support and strong youth academies, French basketball is growing fast.

Country: Australia

Founded: 1979

Teams: 10

Team Players: Bryce Cotton, Xavier Cooks, Will McDowell-White

Australia’s NBL is one of the fastest-growing basketball leagues in the world, known for its fun, high-speed games and increasing global exposure. The league has become a popular place for rising stars to gain experience before entering the NBA. Young players like LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey used the NBL to prepare for the big stage, which has attracted even more attention to Australian basketball. 

Fans can now follow NBL scores, stats, and game alerts using apps that run on the best basketball API in the market.

Country: Russia & Eastern Europe

Founded: 2008

Teams: 10

Team Players: Alexey Shved, Nikita Kurbanov, Thomas Heurtel

The VTB United League combines the top teams from Russia and neighboring countries like Belarus and Kazakhstan, offering a unique mix of physical strength and skilled European play. 

Known for its defensive style and experienced rosters, the league has produced strong clubs like CSKA Moscow, which has made deep EuroLeague runs. It plays a major part in the basketball scene across Eastern Europe.

Country: Italy

Founded: 1920

Teams: 16

Team Players: Marco Belinelli, Tornike Shengelia, Nicolò Melli

Italy’s Serie A is one of Europe’s oldest basketball leagues, filled with storied clubs and historic players. While Italy has a long track record of success and many fans, Italian basketball is also keeping itself relevant with smart team construction, strong coaching, and local stars. 

It also provides teams for Europe’s elite international competitions, such as the EuroCup and EuroLeague.

Country: Germany

Founded: 1966

Teams: 18

Team Players: Isaac Bonga, Johannes Thiemann, Nick Weiler-Babb

Germany’s BBL is developing quickly and is characterized by a strong setup, modern arenas, and emphasis on building German talent. With large clubs investing more in basketball, like Bayern Munich, the BBL is producing stars who are competing in Europe and the NBA. 

The BBL is a large reason why basketball in Germany is drawing attention more and more worldwide.