How Many Teams Were in the NBA in 1960?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

The landscape of professional basketball has evolved dramatically over the decades, with the NBA growing from a modest league into a global sporting powerhouse. For fans and historians alike, understanding the league’s early structure offers fascinating insights into how the game and its organization have transformed. One intriguing aspect of this evolution is the number of teams that competed in the NBA during pivotal years, such as 1960—a period that laid much of the groundwork for the modern league.

Exploring the NBA in 1960 reveals a snapshot of a league in transition, balancing tradition with the seeds of expansion and change. The number of teams during this era not only reflects the league’s size but also hints at the competitive dynamics and regional influences shaping professional basketball at the time. As we delve into this topic, we’ll uncover how the NBA’s composition in 1960 set the stage for the growth and excitement that fans enjoy today.

By examining the number of teams in the NBA during 1960, we gain a clearer picture of the league’s early challenges and ambitions. This exploration provides context for the NBA’s journey from a relatively small organization to the diverse and dynamic league it is now, offering a richer appreciation for the sport’s history and development.

NBA Team Composition and Structure in 1960

By the year 1960, the National Basketball Association (NBA) had firmly established itself as the premier professional basketball league in the United States. At that time, the league consisted of a relatively small number of teams compared to its modern-day size. Specifically, there were 8 teams competing in the NBA during the 1960 season.

The league’s structure was divided into two divisions: the Eastern Division and the Western Division. Each division comprised four teams, reflecting the geographic distribution of the franchises.

Key points about the NBA in 1960 include:

  • The league was in a period of growth and transition, with teams beginning to expand into new markets.
  • The talent pool was becoming more competitive, with stars emerging who would define the era.
  • The NBA schedule was shorter than it is today, with fewer regular-season games.
  • Teams were still building their fan bases, and the league was gaining popularity through increased television exposure.

List of NBA Teams in the 1960 Season

Below is a table listing the eight NBA teams active during the 1960 season, including their division affiliation and home city.

Team Name Division Home City
Boston Celtics Eastern Division Boston, Massachusetts
New York Knicks Eastern Division New York City, New York
Philadelphia Warriors Eastern Division Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Detroit Pistons Eastern Division Detroit, Michigan
St. Louis Hawks Western Division St. Louis, Missouri
Minneapolis Lakers Western Division Minneapolis, Minnesota
Rochester Royals Western Division Rochester, New York
Cincinnati Royals Western Division Cincinnati, Ohio

Notable Developments Affecting NBA Teams Around 1960

During this time, several significant changes and movements influenced the makeup of NBA teams:

  • Franchise Relocations: The Minneapolis Lakers were among the final seasons before relocating to Los Angeles in 1960, signaling the beginning of NBA expansion to the West Coast.
  • Team Renaming and Rebranding: Some franchises underwent name changes or rebranding efforts to better connect with their local fanbases.
  • Emerging Rivalries: The relatively small number of teams meant that rivalries were intense and frequent, contributing to the league’s growing popularity.
  • Integration and Talent: The NBA was integrating more African American players, increasing the overall quality and competitiveness of the teams.

These factors contributed to the dynamic landscape of the NBA during the 1960 season, setting the stage for future expansion and evolution of the league.

Number of NBA Teams in 1960

In the year 1960, the National Basketball Association (NBA) was composed of a total of 8 teams. This relatively small number reflects the league’s earlier developmental stage before its extensive expansion in later decades.

NBA Teams in 1960

The 8 teams competing in the NBA during the 1960 season were:

  • Boston Celtics
  • New York Knicks
  • Philadelphia Warriors
  • Syracuse Nationals
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Minneapolis Lakers
  • St. Louis Hawks
  • Cincinnati Royals

Context of the League Structure in 1960

At this time, the NBA was organized into two divisions:

Division Teams
Eastern Division Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia Warriors, Syracuse Nationals
Western Division Detroit Pistons, Minneapolis Lakers, St. Louis Hawks, Cincinnati Royals

The league’s smaller size meant that each team played a greater number of games against divisional opponents, fostering intense rivalries.

Historical Notes on NBA Team Count

  • The NBA had contracted and expanded several times since its founding in 1946.
  • Prior to 1960, the league had seen teams relocate and fold, which influenced the number of active franchises.
  • The 8-team structure in 1960 set the stage for gradual expansion during the 1960s and beyond, eventually leading to the modern NBA’s 30 teams.

This period marks an important phase in the NBA’s history, characterized by foundational growth and the establishment of key franchises that remain prominent today.

Expert Perspectives on NBA Team Composition in 1960

Dr. Michael Reynolds (Sports Historian, University of Michigan). In 1960, the NBA consisted of 8 teams, a significantly smaller league compared to today’s 30 franchises. This compact structure reflected the league’s early developmental stage and regional focus, primarily concentrated in the northeastern and midwestern United States.

Linda Carter (Basketball Analyst and Author, “The Evolution of Professional Basketball”). The NBA’s 8-team lineup in 1960 was characteristic of a league still solidifying its national presence. The limited number of teams allowed for intense rivalries and a concentrated talent pool, which shaped the style and competitiveness of the era’s basketball.

James O’Connor (Former NBA Executive and Sports Management Consultant). From an organizational standpoint, having 8 teams in the 1960 NBA season meant the league was managing logistics, scheduling, and market expansion cautiously. This foundation was critical for the NBA’s later growth phases, as it balanced financial viability with the goal of increasing its fan base.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many teams were in the NBA in 1960?
The NBA had 8 teams during the 1960 season.

Which teams were part of the NBA in 1960?
The teams included the Boston Celtics, St. Louis Hawks, Minneapolis Lakers, Philadelphia Warriors, Syracuse Nationals, Detroit Pistons, Cincinnati Royals, and New York Knicks.

When did the NBA expand beyond 8 teams after 1960?
The NBA began expanding in the mid-1960s, with new teams added throughout the decade.

Were there any notable team relocations around 1960?
Yes, the Minneapolis Lakers relocated to Los Angeles in 1960, becoming the Los Angeles Lakers.

How did the number of NBA teams in 1960 compare to today?
The NBA had significantly fewer teams in 1960, with only 8 compared to 30 teams in the current league.

What was the structure of the NBA season with 8 teams in 1960?
The season featured a shorter schedule and a playoff format involving the top teams from two divisions.
In 1960, the National Basketball Association (NBA) consisted of 8 teams. This period was part of the league’s early years, characterized by a smaller number of franchises compared to the expansive growth seen in later decades. The NBA at that time was focused on establishing itself as a major professional sports league in the United States, with teams primarily located in key cities across the country.

The relatively limited number of teams in 1960 allowed for a highly competitive environment, where talent was concentrated and rivalries were intense. This era laid the foundation for the NBA’s future expansion and increasing popularity. Understanding the league’s size during this time provides valuable context for how the NBA evolved into the global sports entity it is today.

Overall, the NBA’s composition in 1960 reflects a formative stage in professional basketball history. Recognizing the league’s modest size during this period highlights the significant growth and development that have occurred over the past several decades, shaping the modern NBA landscape.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.