Longest title droughts in NBA

Winning an NBA championship is the ultimate validation, a moment of champagne-soaked clarity that erases years of heartbreak and “what-ifs”. For some franchises, however, that golden Larry O’Brien Trophy has become more of a ghost than a goal, haunting fanbases for generations. The league’s history is littered with dynasties like the Celtics and Lakers, yet on the flip side of that dominance lies a collection of teams stuck in a perpetual state of waiting. These aren’t just dry spells; they are historic droughts that have spanned multiple decades, across different cities and countless roster overhauls.

For the teams on this list, the “next year” mantra has been passed down from grandparents to grandchildren without a single parade to show for it. Whether it’s a matter of cursed lottery luck, superstar departures at the worst possible time, or simply the misfortune of running into a Michael Jordan or LeBron James-led juggernaut, these droughts have become part of the team’s identity. From the Pacific Northwest to the heart of the Midwest, the weight of these empty trophy cases only grows heavier with each passing June. We are counting down the ten fanbases currently enduring the longest waits to finally reach the mountaintop once again.

Washington Wizards

Dec 18, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Washington Wizards forward Marvin Bagley III (35) draws a foul from San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The Wizards have been searching for the magic they last found in the late 70s, back when they were known as the Bullets. Since that lone title, the franchise has struggled to even return to the Eastern Conference Finals, leaving D.C. fans in a decades-long holding pattern.
Stat: 46 years without a title

MORE: City championship counts in the Big Four leagues since 2000

Trail Blazers

Jan 27, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) takes a shot over Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (22) during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Portland hasn’t tasted championship glory since the Bill Walton era in 1977. Despite legendary runs from players like Clyde Drexler and Damian Lillard, the Blazers have consistently hit a ceiling in the competitive Western Conference.
Stat: 47 years without a title

Indiana Pacers

Feb 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) warms up before a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Since joining the NBA from the ABA, the Pacers have been a model of consistency, but that elusive ring remains out of reach. From Reggie Miller’s heroics to the modern era, Indy has come agonizingly close only to see its championship dreams deferred.
Stat: 48 years without a title

Brooklyn Nets

Jan 23, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (88) brings the ball up court against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during double overtime at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Despite bringing in some of the biggest names in basketball history over the last few years, the Nets are still looking for their first NBA championship. Their drought dates back to their time as a New York-based ABA powerhouse before the 1976 merger.
Stat: 48 years without a title

Utah Jazz

Feb 7, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (8) passes during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

The Jazz are one of the winningest franchises in NBA history to have never won a title, a bittersweet reality for fans in Salt Lake City. After the heartbreak of the Stockton-to-Malone years, the franchise is still searching for the right combination to break through.
Stat: 50 years without a title

New York Knicks

Feb 8, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after his three point basket against the Boston Celtics in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Basketball’s most famous arena has been waiting over half a century for another banner to hang from the rafters. The echoes of the 1973 championship team still ring through Madison Square Garden, serving as a reminder of how long it’s been since the Knicks sat on the throne.
Stat: 51 years without a title

KEEP READING: Every deal that happened at the 2026 NBA trade deadline

Los Angeles Clippers

Feb 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) celebrates with forward John Collins (20) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

For decades, the Clippers lived in the massive shadow of their cross-hall rivals, the Lakers. While they have recently shed their “lovable loser” status to become a perennial playoff threat, they are still chasing that first-ever trip to the championship podium.
Stat: 54 years without a title

Phoenix Suns

Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jamaree Bouyea (17) controls the ball against Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Saraf (77) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Phoenix has come closer than almost anyone on this list without actually winning it all, including three trips to the NBA Finals. Whether it was the Barkley era or the “Seven Seconds or Less” years, the Valley of the Sun has endured a heatwave of heartbreak.
Stat: 56 years without a title

Atlanta Hawks

5. Dyson Daniels Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) passes the ball against the Utah Jazz in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Hawks haven’t celebrated a title since the franchise was located in St. Louis in the 1950s. Since moving to Georgia, the team has featured Hall of Famers like Dominique Wilkins, but has yet to find the winning formula for a modern championship run.
Stat: 66 years without a title

DON’T MISS: Top 10 NBA players who never won a championship

Sacramento Kings

Jan 27, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) brings the ball up court against New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Kings hold the dubious honor of the league’s longest drought, dating back to their 1951 win as the Rochester Royals. It is a wait that has tested the loyalty of one of the NBA’s most passionate fanbases as they look to finally crown a new champion.
Stat: 73 years without a title

Chasing the light at the end of the tunnel

Every year, one of these fanbases enters the season convinced that this is the year the “curse” finally lifts. While the Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks carry the heaviest historical burdens, the NBA’s current parity means a drought can end in the blink of an eye. Whether it’s through a lucky lottery bounce or a blockbuster trade, the journey from the bottom of this list to the top of the podium is the ultimate sports story. Until then, these ten teams will keep grinding, hoping to trade their decades of patience for one night of championship glory.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

OLYMPICS: 2026 Winter Olympics medal count, standings entering February 17

NFL: Tyreek Hill makes hilarious first move after Dolphins release

CBB: 2026 college basketball rankings, updated AP Top 25 after Week 15

MLB: Tigers infielder from Taiwan apologizes to Koreans after trash talk goes viral

SPORTS MEDIA: College Hall of Famer, father of Chicago Bulls coach, dies

VIRAL: Chloe Kim ‘obsessed’ with $100k gift from NFL star Myles Garrett after Olympics