Before he was one of the most powerful people in sports media, Shams Charania was breaking news in between college classes. Revisit his origin story with our 2016 feature.
Aaron C. MansfieldBasketball
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.
Featured
Basketball continues to grow in popularity in the UK, and video games play an integral role in that growth. The question now is: how long until we see a British player on the cover of the world’s biggest basketball game?
Mo Mooncey
Courtesy of the Esports World Cup, Complex UK’s Mo Mooncey flew out to Paris to speak with the hilarious but highly disciplined NBA champion.
Mo Mooncey
Sports
Knicks Championship Parade: What Went Down During Celebration of Team's First Title in 53 Years
In a perfect world, there would be a Knicks parade in every city.
Trace William CowenLatest Stories
Penny Hardaway Says Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Move to Miami Has a ‘Shaq Vibe’
The former Orlando Magic star explains why the two-time NBA MVP’s championship chase echoes Shaquille O’Neal’s blockbuster move to the Lakers.
Bernadette Giacomazzo1 hour ago
Dylan Harper Says Spurs’ NBA Finals Run ‘Went Downhill’ After Courtside Encounter
After a painful five-game Finals defeat, the No. 2 pick is turning heartbreak into motivation while looking ahead to his second season.
Bernadette Giacomazzo24 hours ago
A'ja Wilson Hit With Technical After Confronting Fever Fan: 'You Will Respect Me'
The four-time WNBA MVP drew a line after a spectator stood and pointed at her during the Aces' playoff loss to the Indiana Fever.
Bernadette Giacomazzo1 day ago
Phoenix Suns' Dillon Brooks Hit With DUI Charge Following Arrest Earlier This Year
The Phoenix Suns player was arrested in Arizona earlier this year in March.
Joe Price1 day ago
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.
Bernadette Giacomazzo2 days ago
Advertisement
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 Alston4 days ago
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.
Bernadette Giacomazzo5 days ago
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.
Bernadette Giacomazzo6 days ago
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 Price6 days ago
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
Jaelani Turner-Williams8 days ago
Advertisement
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.
Bernadette Giacomazzo8 days ago
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 Alston9 days ago
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.'
Bernadette Giacomazzo9 days ago
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.
Trace William Cowen9 days ago
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.
Bernadette Giacomazzo13 days ago
Advertisement
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.
Bernadette Giacomazzo14 days ago
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.
Bernadette Giacomazzo14 days ago
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.
Jaelani Turner-Williams15 days ago