Entrance themes and chants too! Classic songs and background music that hype up NBA games [2026]
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.
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Entrance themes and chants too! Classic songs and BGM that hype up NBA games [2026] (21–30)
I Don’t Want to Miss a ThingAerosmith
This power ballad, crafted by Diane Warren, expresses a powerful desire to cherish moments with a loved one through grand orchestration and a moving melody.
Aerosmith’s commanding sound blends perfectly with Steven Tyler’s emotive vocals, stirring the listener’s heart.
Released in 1998 as the theme song for the film Armageddon, the track topped the U.S.
singles chart for four consecutive weeks.
In 2025, it was chosen as the theme song for the NBA Playoffs’ global campaign “Don’t Miss a Thing,” and was featured in promotional videos starring some of the league’s biggest players, including Nikola Jokić and Jayson Tatum.
Its majestic sound is especially impactful in moments that heighten the tension and excitement of the games.
When it plays during NBA Playoffs or Championship broadcasts, it has the power to transform the atmosphere.
DRAFT9Diggy-MO’, SWEEP, TSUYOSHI, SNoW, Riki Ebisawa, Kana Kurimoto, TORANOSUKE
The song “DRAFT9,” used for a mic relay sending musical cheers to NBA player Rui Hachimura, features an all-star relay lineup: Diggy-MO’, SWEEP, TSUYOSHI, SNoW, Riki, Ebisawa, Kana Kurimoto, and TORANOSUKE.
The bits of Diggy-MO’s rap flow that pop in here and there are insanely good—it’s been crafted into a super groovy piece of Black music.
Hold on I’m comingSam & Dave
As a fan, you can’t help but be curious about the music that plays during NBA player introductions, right? It goes without saying that the NBA has strong ties with Black music like hip-hop and R&B, but for the 2000 player introductions they used the classic hit “Hold On, I’m Comin’” by the legendary soul/R&B duo Sam & Dave.
Released in 1966, it’s one of their signature songs, widely covered by many artists and frequently used in TV shows and commercials, so you’ll probably recognize it the moment you hear it.
Watching footage from back then when the song was actually used, you can really feel how it amps up the atmosphere!
Jump AroundHouse Of Pain
House of Pain, a hip-hop group active until the mid-1900s, is well known as one of the groups that spread Westside hip-hop worldwide.
Their track “Jump Around” is their biggest hit.
It’s frequently played in Japanese MC battles, so many of you may recognize it.
Released in 1989, the song won a Grammy Award in the rap category.
In the NBA, it’s a staple track used for the opening tip-off.
SIRIUSAlan Parsons Project
Alan Parsons, founder of The Alan Parsons Project, is an engineer who originally worked behind the scenes on releases by superstar bands like The Beatles and Pink Floyd.
The works he released under the name The Alan Parsons Project—his own musical endeavor—have all been highly acclaimed.
“Sirius,” known as the background music used to introduce the Chicago Bulls’ starting lineup from 1991 to 1998, is a classic instrumental track that opens the 1982 album Eye in the Sky, which reached No.
7 on the U.S.
charts.
With its dramatic build from the intro, this song surely brings back memories of the Chicago Bulls in their prime for many listeners.
The Next EpisodeDr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate Dogg
In recent years, hip-hop has surpassed rock to become the most in-demand music genre in the United States.
Hip-hop has long been a beloved genre in America.
The country also has its three major sports, one of which is basketball.
At halftime of the basketball and football championship games, famous artists perform and thrill the audience.
This song is a representative hip-hop track performed by Dr.
Dre and Snoop Dogg, who enjoy overwhelming support from the American public.
You Make MeRaphael Lake
“You Make Me,” which was used as the opening song for NBA Rakuten, is a track from the 2013 release “Miami Pop.” While it isn’t Latin music per se, the melody carries a subtle Latin vibe.
Rather than being a hyped-up party tune, it leans more toward a stylish feel.
The groove is tight, which further enhances that sleek atmosphere.
If you like upbeat, feel-good tracks, definitely give it a listen!