NBA Teams: Equal Split Between Eastern and Western Conferences

The NBA's 30 teams are evenly divided: 15 in the Eastern Conference and 15 in the Western Conference. This balance has been maintained since the 2004‑05 season (Charlotte Bobcats expansion). Geographically, the split roughly follows the Mississippi River, though some "Western" teams (Memphis, New Orleans, Minnesota) are east of the river, and some "Eastern" teams (Milwaukee, Chicago) are west of it. The alignment is based on competitive balance and travel, not strict geography.