New Google data reveals the states most passionate about NBA games

New Google data reveals the states most passionate about NBA games

• Despite its distance from the mainland, Hawaii outperforms other states in terms of NBA-related searches, boasting a score of 94.24.
• With its deep basketball roots, Mississippi ranks second, underscoring its long-standing love for the sport.
• Southern states like Mississippi, Georgia, and Louisiana lead the charge, reflecting a strong regional passion for basketball.

With the NBA playoffs just around the corner, the fervor surrounding the league is palpable across the U.S. A new study by SportsMillions has uncovered which states are really obsessed with the NBA, analyzing Google search data to highlight basketball’s reach in every corner of the country.

The study analyzed over 15K search terms such as “Watch NBA,” “NBA live stream,” “Live football game,” and “NBA streaming.” In addition, the number of search terms for each state was gathered and calculated for 1,000 people.

Surprising to many, Hawaii tops the list with a staggering score of 94.24, revealing just how much residents of the Aloha State are immersed in NBA culture. While geographically distant from the mainland, the state’s passion for the sport, paired with the global reach of NBA games, means Hawaii residents are keen to catch every game. The high score highlights that basketball fandom runs deep in Hawaii, with strong community support for the league.

Mississippi secures second place with an impressive 81.58. Known for its basketball legacy, the state’s fervent love for the game is well-established. Local leagues, youth tournaments, and passionate fan clubs make Mississippi one of the most NBA-obsessed places in the country. With a long history of producing talent, Mississippi’s basketball culture is alive and well, and it’s no surprise that it ranks so highly in NBA interest.

Home to the entertainment capital, Nevada ranks third, with Las Vegas adding to the state’s NBA craze. The arrival of professional teams like the Las Vegas Aces has boosted sports enthusiasm across Nevada. With more and more top-tier sports events, including NBA games, finding a home in Las Vegas, it’s clear that basketball is part of the state’s sports fabric.

Georgia’s basketball tradition runs deep, bolstered by the Atlanta Hawks and its extensive network of high school and college basketball programs. With a score of 71.88, Georgia shows that it has a robust fan base that passionately follows the NBA. The state’s sports culture remains one of the most active in the country, making Georgia a natural top contender in NBA-related searches.

California is home to some of the NBA’s most successful teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. With a search index of 57.83, California’s basketball obsession reflects its sports ecosystem, from the rich history of the Lakers’ dominance to the rise of the Warriors as a powerhouse. The state’s love for basketball runs deep, contributing to its place in the top five.

Louisiana ranks sixth, with a score of 51.76, showing a state that has produced basketball legends like Karl Malone. Known for its strong sports culture, Louisiana’s ranking reflects the importance of basketball, both on a professional and local level. From high school leagues to NBA glory, Louisiana’s passion for basketball continues to grow.

With the Phoenix Suns representing the state, Arizona has a solid basketball fan base, securing seventh place with a score of 46.08. Arizona’s love for the NBA has been growing in recent years, particularly with the Suns’ strong performances, pushing the state to new levels of NBA engagement.

Texas lands in eighth place with a score of 43.90, showcasing the state’s deep connection to basketball. The presence of three NBA teams, the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs, fuels this obsession. Texas is known for its vast sports culture, and basketball is at the heart of it.

Home to Madison Square Garden and the iconic New York Knicks, New York’s basketball passion is evident in its ranking. Despite the Knicks’ recent struggles, the state maintains a strong basketball following, securing ninth place with a score of 43.24. The city’s basketball culture remains unrivaled, even if their home team hasn’t won an NBA title in a while.

Florida rounds out the top ten with a score of 43.09, benefiting from the presence of the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic. Known for its sunny disposition and lively sports culture, Florida’s basketball obsession is evident, especially in cities like Miami, where basketball is an integral part of the sports scene.

The full list of states most obsessed with NBA games: 

Methodology

The study analyzed over 15K search terms for each state to determine which states in the Us have the highest obsession with NBA games.

The study looked at specific keywords and phrases that were searched on Google, such as  ‘Watch NBA,’ ‘NBA live stream,’ ‘Live football game,’ and ‘NBA streaming.’

The team then created an index score for each state, ranging from 0 to 100 per 1,000 population, based on the data collected.

Sources

Google Trends