NBA Team Roots and Franchise History

The National Basketball Association's history stretches beyond the modern NBA. Several franchises existed before the NBA adopted its present name in 1949, while others originated in the American Basketball Association or relocated from cities that no longer have NBA teams.

The league traces its official history to the Basketball Association of America, which began play in 1946. In 1949, the BAA and National Basketball League consolidated their operations under the NBA name. Some NBL franchises joined the NBA, while other early professional teams disappeared.

The franchise histories below preserve the names, locations and leagues associated with the teams, including lesser-known organizations from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Historical predecessors and related organizations are identified where appropriate.

Many of the teams that helped establish professional basketball no longer exist. Some disappeared after just one season, while others spent years competing in the NBL, BAA or NBA before folding.

The following clubs are maintained separately from the 30 active NBA franchises. Their histories are important for understanding how professional basketball expanded, contracted and eventually developed into today's league.

Seattle and Las Vegas have been prominent candidates in discussions about future NBA expansion. However, prospective expansion teams should not be included in historical franchise lists as established NBA members until the league formally approves their admission.

Las Vegas

Original projection: 2029 onward — NBA Las Vegas.

Seattle

Original projection: 2029 onward — NBA Seattle.

Projected expansion dates are not official franchise histories. Any future teams, names and starting seasons should be updated only after formal NBA confirmation.

Why Are There Two Denver Nuggets Franchises?

Denver has been home to two separate professional basketball organizations using the Nuggets name. The original Nuggets played in the NBL in 1948-49 and the NBA in 1949-50, with roots in earlier Denver amateur basketball organizations. The modern Nuggets originated as the Denver Rockets in the ABA in 1967, adopted the Nuggets name in 1974 and joined the NBA in 1976.

What Happened to the Original Charlotte Hornets?

The original Charlotte Hornets began play in 1988 and relocated to New Orleans in 2002. Charlotte received a new expansion team, the Bobcats, in 2004. When New Orleans adopted the Pelicans name in 2013, the Hornets name became available. Charlotte reclaimed the Hornets name in 2014, along with the original Charlotte franchise's historical records from 1988 through 2002.

Why Do Some NBA Teams Have NBL Histories?

The National Basketball League operated before the modern NBA was established. Teams such as the Fort Wayne Pistons, Minneapolis Lakers, Syracuse Nationals, Rochester Royals and Tri-Cities Blackhawks had connections to the NBL before entering the BAA or NBA. Their histories illustrate how several professional basketball leagues contributed to the NBA's development.

Which ABA Teams Joined the NBA?

Four American Basketball Association franchises joined the NBA in 1976: the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, New York Nets and San Antonio Spurs. All four remain active NBA franchises, although the Nets have since relocated and changed names.

What Happened to the Seattle SuperSonics?

The Seattle SuperSonics played in the NBA from 1967 until 2008, winning the 1979 NBA championship. The organization relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder. The Seattle settlement preserved important rights connected to the SuperSonics identity and historical legacy.

Why Are Some Teams Listed Under Multiple Leagues?

Professional basketball's early history included frequent changes in league membership, franchise names and ownership. Teams such as the Anderson Packers, Sheboygan Red Skins and Waterloo Hawks competed in the NBL, NBA and NPBL within a relatively short period. Listing each league separately helps preserve the complete historical record.

National Basketball League (NBL): An important predecessor to the modern NBA, particularly in the Midwest, where industrial and company-sponsored basketball teams helped establish professional competition.

Basketball Association of America (BAA): Established in 1946, the BAA included teams in major arenas and cities. The NBA officially traces its founding to the BAA's first season.

American Basketball Association (ABA): A rival professional league that operated from 1967 through 1976. Its influence included the three-point shot, a more open style of play and four franchises that joined the NBA.

National Professional Basketball League (NPBL): A short-lived league formed after several smaller-market teams departed the NBA in 1950. Its history includes the Anderson Packers, Sheboygan Red Skins and Waterloo Hawks.

Midwest Basketball Conference (MBC): A predecessor of the NBL, featuring several important Midwestern professional basketball organizations.

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