The NBA has a rich history with teams that have stood the test of time. Many of these franchises started in small markets or under different names before evolving into the powerhouses we know today. Their origins reflect the changing landscape of professional basketball over the decades. Let’s dive into the history of the oldest NBA teams and explore their journeys.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are the oldest team in the NBA. They began in 1923 as the Rochester Seagrams. They joined the league during its early formation as the Rochester Royals in 1945. The team relocated several times, moving to Cincinnati, Kansas City, and eventually Sacramento in 1985. The Kings are currently based in Sacramento, California. Vivek Ranadivé owns the team today.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors were established in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors. They were one of the charter franchises of the Basketball Association of America, which later merged with the NBA. They relocated to San Francisco in 1962 before moving to Oakland and then back to San Francisco in 2019. The team is currently owned by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber. The Warriors have become one of the most successful teams in modern NBA history.
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons began in 1941 as the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons in Indiana. They joined the NBA in 1948 as part of the league’s expansion. The team moved to Detroit in 1957 to capitalize on the city’s strong sports market. Today, the Pistons play in downtown Detroit at Little Caesars Arena. Tom Gores is the current owner of the franchise.
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks started as the Buffalo Bisons in 1946. The franchise moved to several cities, including Milwaukee and St. Louis, before settling in Atlanta in 1968. The Hawks played their first NBA season in 1949 after joining the league through a merger. The team is owned by Tony Ressler. The Hawks are known for their enduring presence in professional basketball.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. They were founded in 1946 and were part of the league’s inaugural season. The Celtics have always been based in Boston, Massachusetts. They are currently owned by Wyc Grousbeck and the Boston Basketball Partners. With their 17 championships, they remain one of the league’s most successful teams.
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks were also established in 1946 as a founding member of the NBA. The team has always called New York City its home. They played their first season in the league’s inaugural year, 1946-47. Madison Square Garden is their iconic home arena. James Dolan, through Madison Square Garden Sports, owns the team.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers were founded in 1946 as the Syracuse Nationals. They joined the NBA in 1949 when the league merged with the NBL. The team relocated to Philadelphia in 1963 after being purchased by a new ownership group. The Sixers currently play at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. They are owned by Josh Harris and David Blitzer.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers were founded in 1947 as the Minneapolis Lakers. They joined the NBA in its second season and quickly became a dominant force. The team moved to Los Angeles in 1960 to expand its reach in the growing California market. The Lakers are owned by Jeanie Buss through the Buss Family Trust. They are widely regarded as one of the most successful franchises in NBA history.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards began in 1961 as the Chicago Packers, the NBA’s first expansion team. They relocated multiple times, becoming the Baltimore Bullets, then the Capital Bullets, and finally the Washington Bullets in 1974. In 1997, they were renamed the Washington Wizards. The team plays at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Ted Leonsis owns the franchise through Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls were founded in 1966 and joined the NBA as an expansion team. The team made an immediate impact, making the playoffs in their inaugural season. Based in Chicago, Illinois, the Bulls are known for their dominance in the 1990s. They currently play at the United Center, a landmark in the city. Jerry Reinsdorf owns the franchise today.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks entered the NBA in 1968 as an expansion team. The team achieved success quickly, winning an NBA Championship in just their third season. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, remains their home city, with games held at Fiserv Forum. The Bucks are owned by a group led by Wes Edens and Marc Lasry. They are one of the league’s prominent teams in recent years.
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns were established in 1968 as an expansion team. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, they became the first major professional sports franchise in the state. The Suns have had a competitive history, making multiple Finals appearances. They currently play at the Footprint Center. Mat Ishbia owns the team after acquiring it in 2023.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers joined the NBA in 1970 as part of the league’s expansion. The team initially struggled but eventually found success in later decades. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the Cavaliers are most famous for their 2016 NBA Championship. They play at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Dan Gilbert, through his company, owns the franchise.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers were established in 1970 as an expansion team. Based in Portland, Oregon, they quickly built a strong following in the Pacific Northwest. The team won their first and only NBA Championship in 1977. They play their home games at the Moda Center. The franchise is currently owned by Jody Allen, trustee of the Paul G. Allen Trust.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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