We take a look at the best NBA arenas which had the charm of old school versus new school masterpieces.
Some arenas on our list are historical landmarks whilst others are modern marvels with all the technological perks but finding their soul. Which NBA teams have the best arenas? Here’s our top:
10. Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia 76ers)
Wells Fargo Center was built in 1996 but underwent a seven-year staged full renovation completed in 2024 at a cost of $400 million, which effectively gives the 76ers a brand new arena and capacity of 21,000 seats.
Philadelphia fans at Wells Fargo Center provide one of the most electrifying and most intimidating atmospheres in the NBA, not only for away teams but even for the 76ers when they’re not doing well.
9. Kaseya Center (Miami Heat)
Opening in 1999 at a cost of $213 million, Miami Heat’s Kaseya Center seats 19,600 and its waterfront location overlooking Biscayne Bay is typical of the vibrancy of Miami and epitomizes “Heat Culture”.
Miami Heat fans provide one of the most ferocious experiences of any fan base and the “Courtside Club” nightclub that kicks on post-game is the sort of vibe only Miami can provide and is why Kaseya Center is one of the best NBA arenas.
8. Scotiabank Arena (Toronto Raptors)
Scotiabank Arena opened in 1999 after demolition of the original building which served as the Toronto Postal Delivery Building since 1941. Renovations began in 2023 totaling $350 million over multiple phases.
Home to the Toronto Raptors, Scotiabank Arena is Canada’s premier entertainment venue and the atmosphere is matched by the pedigree of superfan Drake who often sits courtside.
7. Fiserv Forum (Milwaukee Bucks)
The $524 million Fiserv Forum opened in 2018 as the new home for the Milwaukee Bucks. Had the Bucks not moved to a new arena to replace the Bradley Center it’s like the franchise would be located.
Bucks games at the Fiserv Forum are often a sellout with tickets hard to get. Those lucky to get tickets are rewarded with a gigantic center-hung scoreboard display and an electric “Fear the Deer” atmosphere.
6. Crypto.com Arena (LA Lakers)
Crypto.com is still commonly known as Staples Center by many because of its 22-year past under its former name, and the $375 million arena’s revered history is summed up by statues of Kobe and Shaq among others at the outside Star Plaza.
The renaming of Staples Center to Crypto.com Arena hasn’t gone down well with many, but the hallowed court has been home to some of history’s greatest NBA players and hosted the greatest A-List Hollywood stars among the 19,079 capacity arena.
5. United Center (Chicago Bulls)
It doesn’t matter that the United Centre is somewhat outdated. Built in 1994 at a cost of $175 million is the largest arena in the NBA with a capacity of 20,917. More importantly it’s “The House That Jordan Built”.
The constant reminder of the six championship banners that Michael Jordan brought back to Chicago hangs from the rafters of the United Center, continuing to inspire the next generation of fans as the Bulls remain one of the most popular NBA teams.
4. TD Garden (Boston Celtics)
Built in 1995 at a cost of $160 million, TD Garden has a capacity of 19,156. The atmosphere on game day is one of the most electric, which is what you’d expect for any sports team in New England.
Walking into TD Garden via the massive entryway gives you a feel that you’re walking into something special which is matched by the 4k centre-hung scoreboard called “Hub Vision” which more than doubled the size of the original display as part of $100 million renovations.
3. Madison Square Garden (New York Knicks)
Madison Square Garden opened in its current location in 1968 at a cost of over $1 billion in today’s dollars. With a capacity of 19,812 a further $1 billion was spent on further renovations finishing up in 2013 to bring the arena into the modern era and maintain its status as one of the best NBA arenas.
The oldest arena in the NBA and also one of the best NHL arenas, Madison Square Garden is one of the grandest entertainment precincts in the entire world which is expected for New York City. Even when the Knicks are playing bad the atmosphere created by fans at MSG is still energetic and passionate.
2. Chase Center (Golden State Warriors)
The Golden State Warriors left the old school charm of Oracle Arena and Oakland for the modern marvels of San Francisco, moving into the 18,064 Chase Center in 2019 which had cost over $1.4 billion.
Sitting next to San Francisco Bay the state-of-the-art Chase Center is much brighter and open than Oracle Arena, and fans won’t miss a thing with the mammoth 9,699 square-foot LED scoreboard.
1. Intuit Dome – Los Angeles Clippers
A $2 billion budget will get you the Intuit Dome, what’s set to be the best NBA arena. The 18,000 will be able to watch more basketball than ever before thanks to 1,100 toilets and urinals, more than three times the league average.
Clippers fans will be stacked up along “The Wall”, revolutionizing how arenas are built with almost 5,000 seats along 51 uninterrupted rows behind one of the baskets. A 360-degree, 38,375-square-foot scoreboard called “The Halo” also wraps around internally.
