Entrance themes and chants too! Classic songs and background music that hype up NBA games [2026]

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

The NBA is one of the most popular sports leagues in the United States.

As the pinnacle of basketball, many hoops fans keep a close eye on every game.

In recent years, the spotlight has grown even brighter thanks to the success of Japanese players.

Essential to the NBA experience are the chants—team anthems and in-game background music.

If you’ve watched NBA games on streaming platforms, you’ve probably found yourself curious about them.

In this article, we’ll introduce music associated with the NBA!

We’ll keep the latest information updated while also featuring plenty of classic NBA tracks that have been loved for decades, so be sure to check them out.

Entrance songs and chants too! Classic tracks and BGM that hype up NBA games [2026] (51–60)

ThunderstruckAC/DC

AC/DC – Thunderstruck (Official Video)

ThunderstruckAC/DC

AC/DC is a legendary band from Australia.

They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, and their total album sales exceed 200 million, making them an extremely popular band.

Their classic song “Thunderstruck” was released in 1990 as the lead single from the album The Razors Edge.

The track is famous for being a staple played during NBA games.

It has a melody that just feels so quintessentially American—though they’re an Australian band (lol).

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Down For My NiggasC-Murder

C-Murder- Down For My Niggas

Down For My NiggasC-Murder

C-Murder is a rapper from Louisiana, USA, who released the timeless classic “Down For My Niggas” in 1999.

The track features Snoop Dogg and Magic and centers on themes of strong loyalty and brotherhood.

It has become an anthem symbolizing unity and fighting spirit, especially through its use at NBA games, notably during the Miami Heat’s player introductions.

For Miami Heat fans and anyone taking on challenges together, this song is particularly empowering.

It clearly continues to prove its value as a song that represents team sports.

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Tank!Kanno Yōko

Tank!

Tank!Kanno Yōko

When it comes to the masterpiece animated series Cowboy Bebop, it’s well known for its strong popularity overseas—most recently seen in 2021 with its American live-action TV adaptation on Netflix.

The music by Yoko Kanno has also received high acclaim.

Did you know that in 2020, an homage/parody of Cowboy Bebop’s memorable opening sequence was released to announce the start of the NBA Playoffs, titled “NBA 2020 Playoffs x Cowboy Bebop Intro”? The video uses the iconic track Tank! as-is, and its perfect fit makes it feel as if it were created for the NBA from the start—sure to surprise fans of both worlds!

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Yes YawlAndy Cooper

Andy Cooper -Yes Yawl

Yes YawlAndy Cooper

NBA Rakuten, provided by the Rakuten Group, is a service that, as the name suggests, live-streams every game of the regular season and the playoffs—familiar to any NBA fan.

It seems quite a few people, however, are having trouble figuring out the opening, ending, and insert songs used on NBA Rakuten.

One of them is Andy Cooper’s “Yes Y’all,” which isn’t exactly a hit song and the artist himself isn’t all that widely known, but for viewers of the program it’s a catchy track with enough impact that just mentioning the distinctive “ah-ha-ha” chorus will make them recognize it.

If you’re into artists like Kid Rock, you’ll probably like it.

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Don’t Stop Believin’Journey

Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Official Audio)

Don't Stop Believin'Journey

The globally popular band Journey released their iconic ballad “Don’t Stop Believin’” in 1981.

It’s so well known that it was even used as the title of the band’s documentary film, and many people can’t help but feel a surge of emotion the instant its intro starts.

It’s a perfect song to amplify the energy of the moment, and naturally, it’s also frequently played during NBA games.

During the 2008 NBA Finals, Boston Celtics fans sang the song in celebration of their championship, and Kobe Bryant of the defeated Los Angeles Lakers reportedly came to dislike “Don’t Stop Believin’” because he couldn’t get that chorus out of his head.

Even so, he said he deliberately kept listening to it for two years so he wouldn’t forget that bitter feeling.

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