Players Dominating Social Media: The New Faces of Influence
- Kgopotso Msimanga
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
In the 2024–25 NBA season, social media has become a powerful platform for players to connect with fans, build their brands, and shape their legacies. From viral highlights to personal narratives, these athletes have mastered the art of digital engagement, making them the most influential figures in the league's online presence.
Top 10 Most-Viewed NBA Players on Social Media
According to the NBA's official rankings, the following players garnered the most views across the league's digital platforms during the 2024–25 season:
LeBron James – 3.23 billion views
Stephen Curry – 2.56 billion views
Luka Dončić – 1.82 billion views
Victor Wembanyama – 1.47 billion views
Nikola Jokić – 1.20 billion views
Ja Morant – 1.09 billion views
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 1.06 billion views
Giannis Antetokounmpo – 897 million views
Kevin Durant – 850 million views
Bronny James – 508 million views
These figures highlight the growing influence of players in the digital realm, with established stars and emerging talents alike captivating audiences worldwide. (NBA)
Rising Stars Making Waves
While veterans like LeBron James and Stephen Curry continue to dominate, the 2024–25 season saw the emergence of new faces making significant impacts on social media:
Victor Wembanyama: The 7'5" phenom's unique blend of size and skill has made him a must-watch on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, amassing 1.47 billion views and 4.7 million followers. (Sportsnaut)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Known for his smooth playing style and engaging personality, SGA's presence on social media has grown exponentially, with 1.06 billion views this season. (NBA)
Bronny James: LeBron's son has carved out his own niche, garnering 508 million views and building a dedicated following, signaling the next generation's rise in digital influence. (Facebook)
The Power of Personal Branding
Players are increasingly using social media to craft personal brands that extend beyond basketball:
Kevin Durant: Durant's candid and often humorous Twitter presence has kept fans engaged, providing insights into his thoughts and reactions, especially during injury recoveries. (Houston Chronicle)
Luka Dončić: With 10.5 million Instagram followers, Luka's highlight reels and behind-the-scenes content have made him a global sensation. (Sportsnaut)
Giannis Antetokounmpo: The "Greek Freak" shares his journey and family moments, resonating with fans and amassing 897 million views this season. (NBA)
The Shift in Media Consumption
While traditional TV ratings have seen a decline, the NBA's digital platforms have experienced unprecedented growth:
All-Star Weekend: The 2025 NBA All-Star events delivered record social media engagement, with Friday and Saturday night content amassing over 1 billion views, a 17% increase from the previous year. (Reddit)
Global Reach: The league's digital strategy has expanded its audience, especially among young international fans, highlighting the shift towards streaming and bite-sized highlights. (SportsEpreneur)
Looking Ahead
As the 2025–26 season approaches, the influence of NBA players on social media is set to grow even further. With platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube serving as primary sources of content consumption, players will continue to leverage these tools to connect with fans, promote personal brands, and shape the narrative of the league.
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