How The Chicago bulls became a Worldwide phenomenon

For almost 60 years, the Chicago Bulls have been a staple of Chicago’s culture. The team was founded on January 16, 1966, and since then has been the home for many of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) best players. 

Today, the Bulls are the second most followed team in the NBA on social media, only trailing behind the Los Angeles Lakers. This undoubtedly makes the Bulls one of the most popular franchises in the NBA. The question is… how did they get there?

Rodman, Pippen, Jordan, Harper, and Kukoc

The answer is largely thanks to the dynasty Bulls team of the 90s. It's no secret that having perhaps the greatest NBA player of all time Michael Jordan on their roster certainly helped draw attention to the team. 

Jordan going for a shot during his rookie year

Jordan came into the team in 1984 and had an immediate impact not only on the team but the league as a whole. The team would only get even better with the addition of Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, with whom Jordan dominated the league.

Courtside image of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman

While the team has not been able to replicate anything near the success they had in the 90s or even the early 2010s, the Bulls franchise remains a staple of popular culture, not only in America, but worldwide. 

According to a report by ESPN, the Bulls remain one of the most popular American sports teams across the globe, particularly in Paris, “Despite years of mediocrity and one playoff trip since 2017, Chicago is the third-most popular team in international merchandise sales and among the top five most popular teams on NBA League Pass outside the U.S., according to recent figures provided by the NBA.”

Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons compete in a jump-ball at the Paris 2023 Game

The article argues that during Jordan’s time with the Chicago team, he left a long-lasting legacy that to this day helps maintain the global appeal of the team regardless of what their win-loss record looks like. 

Zach LaVine on offense against Killian Hayes

This is made clear by Zach LaVine, who mentions the outpouring of love the team receives even when traveling outside of the United Center, "Chicago Bulls is one of the biggest brands, franchises in the world, - You play on the road, sometimes it's a home game for us on the road. It's great seeing that you have that fanbase. Not just here in Chicago, but wherever we go to."