Basketball

The National Basketball Association (NBA), founded in 1946 as the Basketball Association of America before merging with the National Basketball League in 1949, is the premier professional basketball league in North America. The league currently features 30 teams, including historic franchises like the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, and has showcased legendary players such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. The NBA has been pivotal in popularizing basketball globally through landmark events like the 1992 "Dream Team" Olympic appearance and ongoing international outreach programs. Beyond the court, the NBA influences culture through high-profile collaborations like the Nike Air Jordan line, launched in 1985 with Michael Jordan, and recent partnerships with streetwear brands such as Supreme and Off-White. The league’s digital presence, including NBA League Pass and social media channels, drives fan engagement worldwide, while initiatives like NBA Cares support community development. Complex covers the NBA’s evolving narratives, from draft day prospects and playoff battles to sneaker releases and player activism, highlighting its impact on sports and culture.

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New Basketball League Raises $3.5M in Seed Round
Sports

Brodie Rec League Raises $3.6M to Give Adult Basketball Its Own Big-League Treatment

The Toronto startup is bringing filmed games, career stats, uniforms, and championships to Atlanta, Seattle, New Jersey, and Long Island.

Mikal Bridges, Karl Anthony-Towns Jr., Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart
Life

Jalen Brunson Brings Knicks Players to 'Saturday Night Live' Stage During Monologue

Karl Anthony-Towns Jr., Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart all made cameos.

Trey Alston2 days ago
Royce White Roasts Colin Kaepernick
Sports

Royce White Rips Colin Kaepernick as ‘Corny’ After Once Calling Him ‘Prophetic’

White’s harsh critique marks a stunning reversal from 2020, when he led Minneapolis protesters in taking a knee after George Floyd’s murder.

Royce White Drags Stephen A. Smith for Filth
Sports

Royce White Has Surprising Praise for Stephen A. Smith After WNBA Support

The former NBA player explains why age, fighting and Smith’s defense of his 2027 WNBA Draft protest transformed years of criticism into respect.

A'ja Riyadh Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces looks on during the game Seattle Storm on September 20, 2026 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Sports

A'ja Wilson Accidentally Collided With Arena Staffer While Running Out of Tunnel

A video shows the Las Vegas Aces center colliding with a woman while sprinting out of the tunnel at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Joe Price4 days ago
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(L-R) Adidas and Unrivaled logos.
Style

Adidas and Unrivaled Connect for Women's 3-on-3 Basketball Multi-Year Partnership

In addition to providing the league's on-court uniforms, licensed merchandise will be available to fans beginning at the top of the 2027 season

Brittney Griner's Estranged Wife Wants More Spousal Support
Sports

Brittney Griner’s Estranged Wife Says She Needs Support to Cover Monthly Expenses

Cherelle Griner cites a 'substantial disparity' in income as she seeks financial support in the former couple’s Georgia divorce.

Zion Williamson
Life

Zion Williamson Claims He Was 'Friends With Benefits' With Rape Lawsuit Accuser

He described their relationship as "friendly and casual" in new legal documents.

Trey Alston7 days ago
Tyrese Haliburton Says He Sometimes Shops on Facebook Marketplace to Save Money
Sports

Tyrese Haliburton Has a $244M Contract — And Still Shops Facebook Marketplace for Deals

The NBA All-Star uses a fake Grailed username, sends lowball offers, and even flies Southwest — all because he’s determined to 'keep this money.'

Hands with multiple championship rings hold a book titled "Lakers: An Official History of the Purple & Gold," featuring a Lakers jersey cover.
Sports

Lakers' Legacy Celebrated With 'Official History of the Purple & Gold' Book: Get a Closer Look

LeBron James, Jack Nicholson, and more contributed essays to the 528-page book.

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Matt Barnes Remembers Kobe Bryant
Sports

Matt Barnes Says Kobe Bryant Recruited Him After He ‘Wanted to Fight’ Him

The viral 2010 NBA standoff was no act — and Kobe Bryant saw exactly what he wanted in the fierce Orlando Magic defender.

Montrezl Harrell Calls Enes Kanter Freedom 'Corny,' Says He's Ruining the WNBA Fandom
Sports

Montrezl Harrell Rips Enes Kanter Freedom Over ‘Corny and Lame’ WNBA Campaign

The former NBA Sixth Man says Freedom and Royce White are making a mockery of themselves—not protecting women’s basketball.

Former NBA Star Ron Artest Under Fire for Wanting Cake for Free
Sports

Former NBA Star Ron Artest’s Camp Accused of Trying to Score a Free $300 Birthday Cake

Oh Sweet Day! Bake Shop called out the alleged collaboration pitch, citing the imbalance between a small business and the wealthy NBA champion.

Dameon Morris
Life

Battle of Jollof 2026 Captures Energy of the Diaspora

Wale, Tobe Nwigwe, Angela Yee, Akbar Gbajabiamila and more were in attendance for the food competition and basketball game.

Dwyane Wade Created a 'Safe Space' for His Teammate to Talk About Zaya Wade Before She Came Out
Sports

Dwyane Wade Says He Stopped Laughing at Certain Locker-Room Jokes Before Zaya Came Out

As his family privately navigated Zaya’s identity, Wade began listening differently — and stopped participating in locker-room behavior he once accepted.

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Magic Johnson's Dealings with Embattled Ex-Lakers Owner Are Under Scrutiny
Sports

Magic Johnson’s Money Ties to Ex-Lakers Owner Draw Scrutiny Amid Federal Probe

Investigators are examining billions moved by Mark Walter-controlled insurers, including transactions involving EquiTrust, once controlled by Johnson.

'RHOA' Star Angela Oakley Celebrates 10 Years of Marriage with Knicks Legend Charles Oakley
Pop Culture

‘RHOA’ Star Angela Oakley Marks 10-Year Wedding Anniversary With One Question

Angela Oakley gets candid about a decade with Knicks legend Charles Oakley, from an early separation and trust issues to why 'counseling is forever.'

Mario Chalmers Says It's Time to Hold LeBron James Accountable
Sports

Mario Chalmers Says He Wasn't Afraid to Check LeBron James on the Court

The two-time NBA champion explains why Miami Heat teammates could challenge even the biggest star without letting conflict fracture the locker room.

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