Texas supports a dense basketball landscape, hosting a significant number of teams across amateur, collegiate, and professional levels. Understanding the exact count requires looking beyond simple headlines and examining the specific leagues and divisions operating within the state. The total number fluctuates based on franchise stability, league classifications, and the continuous emergence of new organizations.
Professional Basketball Teams
At the pinnacle of competition, Texas is home to three active teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA). These franchises represent major metropolitan areas and contribute significantly to the state's sports economy. Each club maintains a full ecosystem of minor league affiliates for player development, adding to the overall basketball infrastructure.
NBA Teams
Dallas Mavericks
Houston Rockets
San Antonio Spurs
Women's Professional Basketball
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) also has a strong presence in Texas, with four teams calling the state home. This presence highlights the robust talent pool and fan engagement for women's basketball across different regions of the state, from the Gulf Coast to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
WNBA Teams
Dallas Wings
Houston Comets
Las Vegas Aces (Previously located in San Antonio)
Minnesota Lynx (Previously located in Dallas)
Minor League and Alternative Professional Teams
Below the NBA and WNBA, Texas hosts numerous teams in the NBA G League and other professional circuits. These organizations provide essential development pathways for athletes and entertainment for local communities. The G League, in particular, has seen significant growth in Texas cities looking to establish a year-round basketball identity.
G League and Other Professional Leagues
Texas Legends (Frisco)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Edinburg)
College Park Skyhawks (College Park, GA - but historically linked to Texas development)
San Diego Clippers (Formerly played in Texas)
College Basketball Programs
College basketball is a major pillar of Texas sports culture, featuring a high concentration of Division I programs. The state boasts intense rivalries and a passionate fanbase that fills arenas for regular season and conference tournament games. These universities serve as talent incubators for the professional ranks.
Major NCAA Division I Programs
University of Texas at Austin (Longhorns)
Texas A&M University (Aggies)
Baylor University (Bears)
University of Houston (Cougars)
Texas Tech University (Red Raiders)
University of North Texas (Mean Green)
High School and Amateur Basketball
At the grassroots level, Texas basketball participation is immense. High school basketball drives community identity in many towns and cities, producing the future stars of the sport. The state consistently ranks among the top producers of NCAA talent and professional players, thanks to this deep amateur foundation.
Recreational leagues, church leagues, and local tournaments ensure that basketball remains accessible to citizens of all ages. This widespread participation is the reason Texas continues to be a basketball powerhouse, sustaining the hundreds of teams that operate within its borders every year.
