NBA Team Guide
Miami Heat: History, Championships & Facts
The Miami Heat joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1988. They have won three NBA titles, in 2006, 2012 and 2013.
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Updated live from ESPN.
Quick facts
| Founded | 1988, as an NBA expansion team |
|---|---|
| Arena | Kaseya Center, Miami (home since January 2000; originally AmericanAirlines Arena) |
| NBA titles | 3 (2006, 2012, 2013) |
| NBA Finals appearances | 7 (2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2020, 2023) through the 2025–26 season |
| Former arena | Miami Arena (1988–1999) |
Championship history
Miami won its first NBA title in 2006 and back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. Through the 2025–26 season it has reached the Finals seven times.
- 2006 NBA Finals: beat the Dallas Mavericks 4–2
- 2012 NBA Finals: beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 4–1
- 2013 NBA Finals: beat the San Antonio Spurs 4–3
- Also reached the NBA Finals in 2011, 2014, 2020 and 2023
Franchise history
- 1988: Began play as an expansion team at Miami Arena.
- 1995: Pat Riley joined as team president and head coach.
- 2000: Moved into AmericanAirlines Arena, later renamed Kaseya Center.
- 2003: Dwyane Wade began his Heat career.
- 2006: Won the franchise's first NBA title, over the Dallas Mavericks.
- 2010: Signed LeBron James and Chris Bosh to join Wade.
- 2013: Won a second straight title, over the San Antonio Spurs.
Franchise record holders
| Points | Dwyane Wade, 21,556 |
|---|---|
| Assists | Dwyane Wade, 5,310 |
| Blocks | Alonzo Mourning, 1,625 |
Retired numbers
- 1Chris Bosh
- 3Dwyane Wade
- 6Bill Russell (retired across the NBA)
- 10Tim Hardaway
- 23Michael Jordan (honorary; never played for Miami)
- 32Shaquille O'Neal
- 33Alonzo Mourning
- 40Udonis Haslem
Hall of Famers
Dwyane Wade, Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, Chris Bosh, Pat Riley.
Biggest rivalries
- New York Knicks: six playoff series between 1997 and 2023, four of them in a row from 1997 to 2000.
- Boston Celtics: seven playoff series between 2010 and 2024, including Eastern Conference finals in 2012, 2020, 2022 and 2023.
- Orlando Magic: the in-state "Sunshine State Rivalry", with a 3–2 Miami win in the 1997 first round.
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How many NBA titles have the Miami Heat won?
Three: 2006, 2012 and 2013.
Who did the Heat beat in the NBA Finals?
The Dallas Mavericks in 2006, the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012 and the San Antonio Spurs in 2013.
Why is Michael Jordan's No. 23 retired by the Heat?
Miami retired it in 2003 to honor his impact on the game. Jordan never played for the Heat.
Who is the Heat's all-time leading scorer?
Dwyane Wade, with 21,556 regular-season points. He also leads the team in assists.
What was Kaseya Center's original name?
AmericanAirlines Arena. The Heat have played there since January 2000.
Sources
Facts checked September 23, 2026. Live figures above come from ESPN.