The Charlotte Bobcats history highlights a unique era in NBA basketball, starting with their 2004 debut as an expansion team. Despite challenges, they built a loyal fan base and shaped the city’s basketball culture. Known for memorable seasons, standout players, and the evolving Charlotte Bobcats record, this chapter remains an important part of Charlotte’s sports identity.
The Charlotte Bobcats or Charlotte Hornets, established in 1988, have a fascinating history. From relocating to rebranding as the Bobcats and back to Hornets in 2014, the team’s evolution is captivating. Noteworthy players like Kemba Walker and LaMelo Ball, along with recent playoff appearances, showcase their impact.
Michael Jordan’s ownership and subsequent changes have influenced the team’s direction. The Hornets’ uniforms, collaborations with Nike, and logo updates reflect a blend of tradition and innovation. Their playoff history, intense rivalries, and competitive spirit highlight their resilience. Discover more about the Hornets’ rich history and exciting evolution.
Established
2004
City
Charlotte
League History
2004 - Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
2014 - Present / Charlotte Hornets
2004 - 2013 / Charlotte Bobcats
Nickname
Bobcats - The Charlotte Bobcats are one of the most iconic teams in the NBA, and their nickname is steeped in history. Fans chose the name during a contest held by then-owner Robert Johnson in 2004 when the team was first established.
When deciding on a new moniker for his team, Johnson wanted something representing North Carolina’s proud basketball heritage and vibrant culture. After much deliberation, he decided to go with “Bobcats” – an homage to the state's wild bobcat population thriving since colonial times.
Charlotte Bobcats Origin
But why did Johnson decide to use this particular animal as his mascot? He said it was because of its fierce spirit and tenacity on defense – two qualities he felt were essential for any successful basketball team! He also liked how it could be used as an acronym (Basketball Of Champions Always Triumphs), further cementing its place among other top sports nicknames like Lakers or Bulls.
In addition to representing North Carolina’s rich wildlife heritage and solid athletic tradition, using “Bobcats” also allowed them to stand out from other teams who had already taken up classic names such as Heat or Spurs - making Charlotte unique within professional sports circles! As time went on, more people began recognizing this fact, too, eventually leading many experts today referring them simply as "the Cats."
Championship
NBA Championships 0
Arena
2017 - Present / Spectrum Center
2008 - 2016 / Time Warner Cable Arena
2005 - 2008 / Charlotte Bobcats Arena
2004 - 2005 / Charlotte Coliseum
Owner
2010 - Present / Michael Jordan
2004 - 2010 / Robert L. Johnson
- 2002
- 2005
- 2010
- 2011
- 2013
-
Expansion in Charlotte
When the original Charlotte Hornets relocated to New Orleans in 2002, the NBA promised Charlotte leaders that the city would be granted an NBA expansion team for the 2004 – 2005 season. On December 18, 2002, a group led by Black Entertainment Television founder Robert L. Johnson was awarded the franchise, allowing him to become the first majority African American ... -
Time Warner Cable Arena
A new arena to host the Bobcats at uptown Charlotte began its construction in July 2003, and the team would play its home games at the Coliseum until the new building was ready. Despite failed attempts at the ballot box to fully fund the arena, city politicians decided to implement a hotel and leisure tax in Charlotte to help pay ... -
Michael Jordan’s Acquisition of the Franchise
In February 2010, it was reported that Jordan was seeking majority ownership of the Bobcats. As February wore on, it emerged that the leading contenders for the team were Jordan and former Houston Rockets president George Postolos. On February 27, the Bobcats announced that Johnson had reached an agreement with Jordan and his group, MJ Basketball Holdings, to buy the ... -
Worst Record in NBA History
In the lockout-shortened season, the Bobcats struggled and posted an NBA worst record of 7-59, losing their last 23 games of the season. In a nationally televised game against the New York Knicks, the Bobcats recorded yet another loss as their win percentage dropped to .106, setting a new record for the worst season by an NBA team in history. ... -
The Hornets Return
All of the Carolina was a buzz, as the Charlotte Hornets were back. A decade after the birth of the Charlotte Bobcats, and much negotiation, things were back to normal as the franchise reclaimed the Hornets’ history and colors from New Orleans who became the Pelicans. Coming off a playoff appearance, their second since 2004’s expansion team to the court ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Charlotte Bobcats History
The Charlotte Bobcats history began in 2004 when the team entered the NBA as an expansion franchise, bringing professional basketball back to the city after the original Hornets relocated to New Orleans. The Bobcats made their debut during the 2004–2005 season with an opening loss to the Washington Wizards but earned their first win against the Orlando Magic soon after, displaying early resilience.
Ownership changes shaped the Charlotte Bobcats history, most notably Michael Jordan becoming the controlling owner in 2010. His leadership influenced roster decisions and long-term planning. In 2014, the team officially reclaimed the Hornets’ name and records from 1988–2002, merging the Bobcats’ story with Charlotte’s original NBA identity while preserving the full Charlotte Bobcats record as part of the city’s basketball timeline.
Bobcats Achievements
During their tenure, the Bobcats had memorable seasons, including the 2009–2010 campaign when they achieved their first playoff appearance under coach Larry Brown. Despite a sweep by the Orlando Magic, the run marked a milestone in the Charlotte Bobcats history and showed the franchise’s growing competitiveness. The team also posted its best Charlotte Bobcats record in the 2013–2014 season, earning a second playoff berth behind the efforts of star players like Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson.
Although the Bobcats struggled with consistency, including a historically poor 7–59 record during the 2011–2012 season, their time in the NBA left a lasting mark. The transformation into the Charlotte Hornets was celebrated with the “Buzz City” campaign, symbolizing a fresh start and linking the Charlotte Bobcats history to the broader story of Charlotte basketball. The Bobcats’ playoff appearances, notable players, and resilience remain key achievements remembered by fans and part of the team’s lasting legacy.
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Retired Number
13 / Bobby Phills
*Blue is this team’s history
