Established
1966
City
Chicago
League History
1966 - Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
1966 - Present / Chicago Bulls
Nickname
Bulls - The Chicago Bulls are one of the most iconic teams in the NBA, and their nickname has become an indelible part of basketball culture. But where did this name come from? Let’s look at the origins of this beloved team’s moniker.
Chicago Bulls Origin
The story began in 1966 when Dick Klein wanted a name that evoked Chicago's traditional meatpacking industry and the Chicago Stadium's proximity to the Union Stock Yards. Klein considered names like Matadors or Toreadors but dismissed them, saying, "If you think about it, no team with as many as three syllables in its nickname has ever had much success except for the Montreal Canadiens." Another theory is that Klein admired the strength and toughness of bulls. When Klein considered Matadors and Toreadors, his young son exclaimed, "Dad, that's a bunch of bull!" The rest is history.
Since then, they have achieved tremendous success on and off the court, with six championships since 1991 under legendary players such as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Derrick Rose, among others who have permanently cemented their place in basketball history! This is why so many sports fans worldwide recognize them as one of the greatest franchises ever created – all thanks to Mr.Wirtz's vision back in 1966 when he chose the perfect moniker: The Chicago Bulls!
Championship
NBA Championships 6
1998, 1997, 1996, 1993, 1992, 1991
Arena
1994 - Present / United Center
1967 - 1994 / Chicago Stadium
1966 / International Amphitheatre
Owner
1985 - Present / Jerry Reinsdorf
1983 - 1985 / Bill Wirtz
1972 - 1983 / Arthur Wirtz
1966 - 1972 / Dick Klein
- 1966
- 1984
- 1991 -1992
- 1993
- 1993 -1996
- 1997 -1998
-
Chicago Bulls Team Creation
The Chicago Bulls are the third NBA franchise in Chicago, after the Packers – Zephyrs (now the Washington Wizards) and the Stags (1946 – 1950). The Bulls’ founder, Dick Klein, was the Bulls’ only owner to ever play professional basketball (for the Chicago American Gears). He served as the Bulls’ president and general manager in their beginning years. The team ... -
Drafted Michael Jordan
In the summer of 1984, the Bulls had the third pick of the 1984 NBA Draft, after Houston and Portland. The Rockets selected Hakeem Olajuwon, the Blazers picked Sam Bowie and the Bulls chose shooting guard Michael Jordan. The team, with new management in owner Jerry Reinsdorf and general manager Jerry Krause, decided to rebuild around Jordan. Jordan set franchise ... -
NBA Finals Winner 91′ and 92′
NBA Finals – 1991 The Chicago Bulls of the Eastern Conference took on the Los Angeles Lakers of the Western Conference for the title, with Chicago having home-court advantage. This final was Michael Jordan’s first NBA Finals appearance, Magic Johnson’s last one, and the last NBA Finals trip of the Lakers until 2000. The Bulls would win the series 4-1. ... -
Jordan’s First Retirement
On October 6, 1993, Jordan announced his retirement, citing a loss of desire to play the game. Jordan later stated that the murder of his father earlier in the year also shaped his decision. Jordan’s father was murdered on July 23, 1993, at a highway rest area in Lumberton, North Carolina, by two teenagers, Daniel Green and Larry Martin Demery. ... -
NBA Finals Winner 93′ and 96′
NBA Finals – 1993 The 1993 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1992 – 1993 NBA season, featuring the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, and the Phoenix Suns, winners of 62 games and led by regular season MVP Charles Barkley. The Bulls became the first team since the legendary Boston Celtics of the 1960s to win three ... -
NBA Finals Winner 97′ and 98′
NBA Finals – 1997 The 1997 NBA Finals was the concluding series of the 1997 NBA Playoffs that determined the champion of the 1996 – 1997 NBA season. The Utah Jazz of the Western Conference took on the Chicago Bulls of the Eastern Conference for the title, with the Bulls holding home-court advantage. The series was played under a best-of-seven ...
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.
Chicago Bulls History
The Chicago Bulls history began in 1966 when the team entered the NBA as an expansion franchise. Unlike many new teams, the Bulls found early success, reaching the playoffs in their first season. Under coach Dick Motta, stars like Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, and Chet Walker helped shape the foundation of Chicago Bulls basketball, building a reputation for hard-nosed defense and consistent playoff runs throughout the 1970s.
The 1980s marked a turning point in Chicago Bulls history with the 1984 NBA Draft. The franchise selected Michael Jordan, who quickly became the face of the NBA. Alongside Jordan, the Bulls drafted and developed Scottie Pippen and later added Dennis Rodman, creating one of the most dominant rosters in league history. With this core, Chicago Bulls basketball transitioned from a promising franchise into a global powerhouse. Chicago Bulls on Wikipedia provides further context about these years.
Chicago Bulls Achievements
The Bulls’ greatest achievements came in the 1990s. Guided by coach Phil Jackson, the team captured six NBA championships, including two historic three-peats (1991–1993 and 1996–1998). Michael Jordan’s leadership and unmatched performances cemented the Bulls as one of the most successful dynasties in sports history. These titles not only defined the franchise but also expanded the global reach of the NBA.
After Jordan’s retirement, the franchise faced rebuilding challenges. However, Chicago Bulls history remained alive with the rise of Derrick Rose, who won the NBA MVP award in 2011 and led the Bulls to deep playoff runs. In recent years, stars like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan have carried the torch as the team continues striving for another championship. Fans can also learn about the team’s original identity through the Chicago Stags, another important part of the city’s basketball legacy.
Sports Fan Products
Exploring the Conquering History of the Chicago Bulls
Attention all Bulls sports fans! Are you ready to relive the glory days of the Chicago Bulls? From Michael Jordan's iconic dunks to Scottie Pippen's incredible defense, the Bulls have a history of conquering the basketball world.
Retired Number
4 / Jerry Sloan
10 / Bob Love
23 / Michael Jordan
33 / Scottie Pippen
- / Phil Jackson
- / Johnny Kerr
- / Jerry Krause
*Blue is this team’s history