As the NBA season begins, we highlight some exciting players ready to take the league by storm. The NBA has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade, becoming a global sports powerhouse valued at over $90 billion. With millions of followers across social media platforms, its popularity transcends borders. Emerging stars like LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards are captivating younger audiences, expanding the league’s appeal beyond established markets. These athletes not only perform on the court but also influence culture and consumer trends off it. Listed below are some of the most exciting players in the league. Brands eager to tap into this engaged audience can connect with these stars through OpenSponsorship, which facilitates partnerships with NBA players. By leveraging athlete endorsements, companies can boost visibility, engagement, and brand loyalty, maximizing their marketing impact in the highly competitive sports industry.
Top 10 NBA Athletes
Charlotte Hornets
Instagram Followers - 10.1m
Playing for the Charlotte Hornets, LaMelo won NBA Rookie of the Year in 2021 and is known for his court vision and flashy passes. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged over 23 points and 8 assists per game, solidifying his role as a franchise cornerstone. LaMelo is a human highlight reel who has been a social media sensation since high school, which is why he has such a large following.
Orlando Magic
Instagram Followers - 201k
Wagner plays for the Orlando Magic and stands out for his versatility and high basketball IQ. In 2023-24, he averaged over 18 points per game, showcasing his scoring ability, and helped Germany win the 2023 FIBA World Cup. As a German national, Wagner has immense marketing potential as the game and league grow yearly.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Instagram Followers - 3.8m
Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star guard Mitchell scored a career-high 71 points in a single game in 2023. Known for his explosive scoring and elite athleticism, he averaged 28 points per game during the 2023-24 season, helping the Cavs reach the playoffs. A former dunk contest winner and perennial All-Star, Mitchell is firmly on the ascendancy and at 28 years old, he is entering his prime.
Miami Heat
Instagram Followers - 2.2m
Miami Heat shooting guard Herro won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2022. Herro carries himself with a level of swagger and is renowned for being a versatile player with great shot-making ability. He has been part of some of the biggest games, being a two-time NBA finalist and the youngest player to play in the Finals back in 2020.
Atlanta Hawks
Instagram Followers - 5.1m
The Atlanta Hawks’ star point guard, Young is known for his deep-range shooting and playmaking. He’s a two-time All-Star and averaged 26 points and 10 assists in the 2023-24 season, making him one of the league’s top offensive threats. His marketability has risen with his “Ice Trae” nickname and his famous celebration. When firing, Young is must-see TV.
Sacramento Kings
Instagram Followers - 1.4m
Fox, playing for the Sacramento Kings, made his first All-Star appearance in 2023. His speed and clutch scoring abilities were instrumental in the Kings' playoff return breaking a 16-year drought where he averaged over 25 points per game. He won the inaugural NBA Clutch Player of the Year award and led the league in steals in 2024.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Instagram Followers - 4.2m
A rising star with the Minnesota Timberwolves, known for his athleticism and scoring prowess, he averaged over 24 points per game in 2023-24, with many seeing him as a future MVP candidate. During that time, he got a signature shoe and was part of the U.S. Olympic team that won gold in Paris this summer. “Ant-Man” is destined to be a future face of the league.
Philadelphia 76ers
Instagram Followers - 769k
Maxey, of the Philadelphia 76ers, has quickly become one of the league's best young guards. His unique combination of speed and scoring led him to average over 20 points per game in 2023-24. The 2024 season saw him pick up three awards, All-Star, Most Improved Player and something which exemplifies his character, the NBA Sportsmanship Award.
Portland Trailblazers
Instagram Followers - 215k
Drafted in 2018 straight out of high school, Simons was one of the youngest players in the league, foregoing any college experience. Simons is one of the league's top young offensive talents. As the centrepiece on a young team, Simons has seen a lot of attention dedicated to him on a nightly basis, but with the evolution of the Trailblazers' young core, he is poised for a breakout season.
New York Knicks
Instagram Followers - 710k
It was not until joining the New York Knicks in 2022 that Brunson became considered one of the league's premier players. Becoming an All-Star in 2024, Brunson led the Knicks to the playoffs and solidified himself and his team as a leading contender heading into this season. The face of one of the biggest franchises in a massive market, Brunson is a desirable partner, with his development expected to continue as he leads the Knicks into a new era.
Conclusion
With the continuous growth of the NBA as a league and a product, its stars present more significant marketing potential. Although the NFL may be seen as the biggest sports product in America, NBA players themselves have a far larger following across social media due to their popularity worldwide, as well as the fact they are more visible simply because they do not wear helmets. As these athletes grow their personal brands, they bring unparalleled engagement potential. OpenSponsorship bridges the gap for businesses, providing a platform to easily connect with these influential players for sponsorships. By aligning with NBA stars, brands can amplify their reach, drive consumer engagement, and build stronger customer relationships, creating a winning combination in today’s marketing landscape.
