The world of professional sports is marked by its rich history, thrilling rivalries, and passionate fan bases. However, sometimes the dynamics of the sports industry lead to unexpected changes, including teams relocating to new cities or adopting new names.
Here, we explore 10 professional sports teams that have found a home in a new city, sometimes to the delight of fans but often to the chagrin of many.
1. Los Angeles Lakers (Minneapolis to Los Angeles)
Originating in Minneapolis in 1947, the Lakers were named after the state’s nickname, “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” In 1960, the team relocated to Los Angeles, bringing the moniker with them. The name “Lakers” might seem odd in sunny California, but it serves as a historical reminder of the team’s roots.
2. Utah Jazz (New Orleans to Utah)
Similarly, the Utah Jazz’s name has an interesting origin. Founded in New Orleans in 1974, the team’s name was fitting for the city’s vibrant music scene. However, in 1979, the franchise moved to Salt Lake City, a place not immediately associated with jazz. Despite the mismatched name, the team has built a loyal following in Utah.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (Seattle to Oklahoma City)
One of the more recent franchise moves and one of the more heartbreaking for fans. In 2008 the Seattle SuperSonics moved to OKC and became the Thunder. They were the oldest Seattle sports team and had just drafted Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russel Westbrook, ready to push for another championship… then they were gone.
4. Atlanta Braves (Boston to Milwaukee to Atlanta)
The Atlanta Braves journey took them from Boston to Milwaukee and finally to Atlanta. Originally established in Boston in 1871, the team shifted to Milwaukee in 1953 before settling in Atlanta in 1966. Their name has remained consistent, even as their location changed.
5. Las Vegas Raiders (Oakland to Los Angeles to Oakland to Las Vegas)
Football’s Raiders have had quite the nomadic history. Originating in Oakland in 1960, the team moved to Los Angeles in 1982, then returned to Oakland in 1995. However, in 2020, the Raiders packed their bags again, this time heading to Las Vegas, where they now play as the Las Vegas Raiders. There was a lot of buzz with this move as fans hated to see the team leave Oakland for the second time, but a lot of betting sites in the US started to showcase some serious betting bonuses for new users after they reworked the team, ready to bring a Super Bowl to the Strip.
6. Winnipeg Jets (Winnipeg to Phoenix, then Atlanta to Winnipeg)
The Winnipeg Jets, a hockey team, initially flew south to become the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996 due to financial troubles. However, in 2011, the franchise made its way back to its Canadian home, reinstating the original name, the Winnipeg Jets, much to the delight of fans, but it was actually a different team that moved to the Atlanta Thrashers. So really more of a three-team flip-flop.
7. Charlotte Hornets (Charlotte to New Orleans to Charlotte)
Basketball’s Charlotte Hornets experienced a unique series of moves. Starting in Charlotte in 1988, the team temporarily relocated to New Orleans from 2002 to 2007 as the New Orleans Hornets. Afterward, they returned to Charlotte and reclaimed their original name, the Charlotte Hornets.
8. Baltimore Ravens (Cleveland Browns to Baltimore Ravens)
The NFL’s Baltimore Ravens have a connection to the former Cleveland Browns. In 1996, the Browns moved to Baltimore and were renamed the Ravens, inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.” But it wasn’t a pleasant move, as fans set fire to the stadium in protest; good thing they got a team back a few years later when The Browns restarted in Cleveland in 1999.
9. Indianapolis Colts (Baltimore to Indianapolis)
The iconic Indianapolis Colts didn’t actually start out in Indy; the franchise started in Baltimore before Bob Irsay famously relocated the team in 1984, where they have been ever since. But there was a lot of history and prestige for the team before leaving Baltimore, winning two championships before the NFL/AFL merger and then Super Bowl V.
10. Dallas Stars (Minnesota to Texas)
If this NHL franchise move confuses you, you wouldn’t be alone. Minnesota is the home of hockey in America, and the North Stars spent 26 years in the Twin Cities before they left for Dallas in 1993. It was a big slap in the face to Minnesota fans as they ended up winning the Stanley Cup in ’99, only a few years after moving south.
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports, the movement of teams across cities and changes in team names can evoke strong emotions among fans. These shifts often arise from financial, logistical, or strategic reasons, and they highlight the delicate balance between preserving tradition and adapting to new circumstances.
