Bulls top NBA in attendance over the past decade

October 28, 2009— According to a Street & Smith's Sports Business Daily article, the Chicago Bulls have led the league in attendance over the past decade. The Daily reported that in the 10 years following the departure of Michael Jordan, the team ranked first with an average attendance of 20,891 fans per game.

"This is a tremendous tribute to Bulls fans and a testament to their passion for the Chicago Bulls," said Steve Schanwald, who has served as Executive Vice President of Business Operations for the Chicago Bulls for the past 23 seasons. "We appreciate their great and unwavering support through thick and thin. We have always said that we have the greatest fans in the NBA and this proves it."

The NBA average over the past decade was 16,437 fans per game.

The chart below lists average attendance for NBA teams over the past ten years.

NBA average attendance: '99-00 through '08-09 season:

NOTES: * = Team opened new arena during past 10 seasons. ! = Sonics left to become the Oklahoma City Thunder for the '08-09 season. The Thunder averaged 18,704 fans per game last season. ^ = The Hornets moved to New Orleans for the '02-03 season. From '99-00 through '01-02, the Charlotte Hornets averaged 14,724 fans per game. # = The Bobcats began play in the '04-05 season. ^^ = The Grizzlies moved to Memphis for the '01-02 season. From '99-00 through '00-01, the Vancouver Grizzlies averaged 13,818 fans per game.

SOURCE: Sports Business Daily