The best basketball games for mobile cover arcade shooters, realistic simulations, and fantasy team managers, giving you a court-side experience wherever you go. Whether you want to dunk like an NBA star or build a championship roster, these basketball games for mobile offer something for every fan.
Best basketball games for mobile: our top 20 picks
This list is split into three categories: arcade and casual games for quick fun, simulation and realistic games for a deeper experience, and fantasy/manager apps for those who love the strategy of team building. Below is a quick-reference table summarizing each game's genre, price, and offline availability.
| Game | Genre | Price | Offline |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBA JAM | Arcade | $4.99 | Yes |
| Bouncy Basketball | Arcade | Free with IAP | Yes |
| Basketball Battle | Arcade | Free with IAP | Yes |
| Dude Perfect 2 | Arcade | Free with IAP | Yes |
| Stickman Basketball 2017 | Arcade | Free with IAP | Yes |
| Blocky Basketball Freestyle | Arcade | Free with IAP | Yes |
| Basketball Mania | Arcade | Free with IAP | Yes |
| Funny Basketball 2 Player | Arcade | Free with IAP | Yes |
| Tap Dunk | Arcade | Free | Yes |
| Free Throw Basketball | Arcade | Free with IAP | Yes |
| NBA LIVE Mobile Basketball | Simulation | Free with IAP | No |
| Real Basketball | Simulation | Free with IAP | Yes |
| DoubleClutch | Simulation | Free with IAP | Yes |
| Jam League Basketball | Simulation | Free with IAP | Yes |
| Street Basketball Association | Simulation | Free with IAP | Yes |
| Yahoo Fantasy Sports | Fantasy/Manager | Free with IAP | No |
| ESPN Fantasy Sports | Fantasy/Manager | Free with IAP | No |
| Rival Stars Basketball | Fantasy/Manager | Free with IAP | No |
| Basketball General Manager 2019 | Fantasy/Manager | Free with IAP | No |
Arcade and casual basketball games
NBA JAM
A flawless port of the 1990s arcade classic, NBA JAM delivers two-on-two basketball with lighter rules. You can shove, steal, and dunk your way to victory. It includes hardware controller support, Android TV support, local and online multiplayer, and a campaign mode. NBA Jam is available in Google Playstore for $4.99.
Bouncy Basketball
With classic 2D pixelated graphics, Bouncy Basketball offers a retro feel reminiscent of older arcade games. You can unlock and customize teams, adjust quarter and game length, shoot 3-pointers, perform spectacular dunks, and play head-to-head against friends. Bouncy Basketball is available right now for Android and iOS devices.
Basketball Battle
This PvP arcade game features two players on one court. The goal is to outscore your opponent before time runs out. Controls are simple, and it supports split-screen multiplayer, though it works best on larger phones or tablets. It is a freemium game with a decent pace and fun premise. Basketball Battle's available for free with IAP's in Google Play Store.
Dude Perfect 2
Based on the world-famous sports accuracy videos, you shoot a basketball through, over, or around obstacles to get the perfect shot. It includes challenges and unlockable characters. It is not a traditional basketball game, but you do shoot a basketball into baskets. Dude Perfect 2 is available for free with IAP's in Google Play Store.
Stickman Basketball 2017
For those who prioritize fast-paced gameplay over graphics, Stickman Basketball 2017 offers pure basketball fun with smooth animations and simple controls. You can choose from 115 different skilled teams, play seasons, cups, and events, or dominate in street basketball. It includes manual or automatic running modes.
Blocky Basketball Freestyle
Full Fat's Blocky Basketball Freestyle features charming block graphics and a cute style. The gameplay is rock solid, and the microtransactions can be easily ignored for the excellent multiplayer mechanics.
Basketball Mania
This game recreates the classic arcade basketball shooting machine experience. You are challenged to hit target scores to move to the next level, with increasing difficulty. The better you play, the longer you can keep going.
Funny Basketball 2 Player
This 1v1 game features out-of-whack physics that lead to weird shots and trickshots. You can bounce the ball so hard it goes to the opposite side of the screen or even play dodgeball instead of basketball. It is perfect for having fun with a friend.
Tap Dunk
An idle game for sports fans, Tap Dunk has you slide and release the ball to score hoops. It is a perfect time passer while waiting for something important to happen. Tap Dunk's available for free in Google Play Store.
Free Throw Basketball
A simple yet addictive basketball shooting game with realistic physics and great graphics. It has two game modes where you shoot basketballs into the basket to get scores. It is a funny time-passing game suitable for anyone who likes basketball shooters. Free Throw Basketball's available for free with IAP's in Google Play Store.
Simulation and realistic basketball games
NBA LIVE Mobile Basketball
The official NBA game on mobile by EA features excellent graphics, decent controls, every NBA team and player, online multiplayer, various play modes, and live events. It is a freemium game with many microtransactions, but it is the best option for an official NBA experience. NBA LIVE Mobile Basketball is available for free with IAP's on Google Play Store.
Real Basketball
From Casual Monster, Real Basketball is a shooter game with nice mechanics, decent graphics, six diverse game modes, character customization, and an OK multiplayer.
DoubleClutch
A 3D basketball game with a simplified look but smooth, buttery gameplay. Despite some flaws, it offers a fun experience that hardcore basketball fans will love.
Jam League Basketball
A 3D version of Stickman Basketball, Jam League Basketball features various locales and 3v3 multiplayer, allowing you to play with and against friends.
Street Basketball Association
This street-style basketball game includes online and local multiplayer, a quick game mode, league games, special events, and a training mode. It offers half-court ball with simple mechanics and various difficulty levels. Street Basketball Association's available for free with IAP's in Google Play Store.
Fantasy and manager basketball apps
Yahoo Fantasy Sports
Yahoo Fantasy Sports supports all major American sports. You can conduct your draft, change lineups, trade, pick up free agents, and set your roster. It includes an integrated chat for trash talk. Yahoo Fantasy Sports is available for free with IAP's in Google Play Store.
To add a player in Yahoo Fantasy Sports:
- From the Fantasy app home screen, tap the Fantasy Home icon.
- Tap a sport at the top or view all sports.
- Tap the league.
- Tap Players.
- Search or browse players.
- Tap the Add Player icon.
- If needed, select a player to drop.
- Tap Add & Drop or Next.
- Tap Confirm or Submit.
To drop a player:
- From your team page, tap a player.
- Tap Drop Player.
- Tap Yes, do it! or Drop from Roster to confirm.
ESPN Fantasy Sports
One of the biggest fantasy basketball platforms, ESPN Fantasy Sports lets you play with friends or join random leagues. You can edit your lineup, add/drop players, customize your team, and communicate with other managers. There are a few bugs, so checking your team on a computer occasionally is recommended.
Rival Stars Basketball
This game is a gacha game with a basketball aesthetic. You draft extraordinary basketball players, plan your strategy, and unleash your team in thrilling multiplayer card battles. At pivotal moments, you are thrown into 3D on-court action to make decisions like passing or going for a 3-pointer. Rival Stars Basketball available for free with IAP's in Google Play Store.
Basketball General Manager 2019
For the managerial type, this game lets you manage your own NBA team, drafting, training, and taking care of your players. You can pit your team against other managers' teams.
How to choose the right mobile basketball game for you
If you want quick arcade sessions, choose from games like NBA JAM, Bouncy Basketball, or Basketball Battle. For a deeper simulation experience, go with NBA LIVE Mobile Basketball or DoubleClutch. If you enjoy team management, Yahoo Fantasy Sports, ESPN Fantasy Sports, or Basketball General Manager 2019 are your best bets. Consider your device compatibility and tolerance for in-app purchases, as many free games include microtransactions.
For more popular mobile game recommendations, check out our curated lists. If you enjoy competitive multiplayer, you might also like our list of 15 best games like League of Legends you should play. And for fans of anime aesthetics, we have 15 best anime games to play right now on Android and iOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these basketball games free to play?
Most of the games listed are free with in-app purchases. The only paid game is NBA JAM, which costs $4.99. Free games like Tap Dunk and Free Throw Basketball offer full experiences without mandatory purchases.
Can I play these basketball games offline?
Many arcade and casual games like Bouncy Basketball, Basketball Battle, and Stickman Basketball 2017 support offline play. Simulation games like NBA LIVE Mobile Basketball and fantasy apps like Yahoo Fantasy Sports require an internet connection.
Which basketball game has the best graphics?
NBA LIVE Mobile Basketball offers the most realistic graphics with official NBA teams and players. For a different style, Freestyle Mobile features an anime art style, while Bouncy Basketball uses retro pixelated graphics.
Do these games support multiplayer?
Yes, many games support multiplayer. NBA JAM includes local and online multiplayer, Basketball Battle offers split-screen PvP, and Jam League Basketball provides 3v3 multiplayer. Fantasy apps like Yahoo Fantasy Sports and ESPN Fantasy Sports allow you to compete in leagues with friends.
What is the best basketball game for managing a team?
Basketball General Manager 2019 is the best option for managing an NBA team, including drafting, training, and player care. For fantasy basketball, Yahoo Fantasy Sports and ESPN Fantasy Sports offer comprehensive league management features.
