SPORTS TEAM HISTORY

Sports Team HistorySports Logo History
  • Sports History
    • Baseball History – MLB
    • Basketball History – ABA, NBA, WNBA
    • College History – Divison I Conferences
    • Football History – AAF, CFL, NFL, USFL, XFL
    • Hockey History – NHL
    • Soccer History. – MLS, Premier League
  • Hall of Fame
    • MLB
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • NHL
  • Greatest Player Polls
    • CFL Greatest Player
    • MLB Greatest Player
    • MLS Greatest Player
    • NBA Greatest Player
    • NFL Greatest Player
    • NHL Greatest Player
    • Premier League Greatest Player
    • WNBA Greatest Player
  • More…
    • Sports Team News
    • Latest Sports Videos
      • General Sports Videos
      • MLB Sports Videos
      • NBA Sports Videos
      • NCAA Sports Videos
      • NFL Sports Videos
      • NHL Sports Videos
      • Soccer Sports Videos
      • WNBA Sports Videos
    • YouTube Channel
    • Sports Team History Products
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages

Cleveland Rebels Team History

Cleveland Rebels
Rebels Primary Logo

Established
1946

City
Cleveland

League History
1946 - 1947 / Basketball Association of America

Team History
1946 - 1947 / Cleveland Rebels

Nickname
Rebels - Sports fans in Cleveland are sure to be familiar with their hometown's NBA team's beloved nickname: The Cleveland Rebels. But where did this name come from? In this blog post, we'll explore the origins of The Cleveland Rebels and how it has become such an essential part of sports culture in the city.

The origin story for The Cleveland Rebels started in 1970 when a group of local businessmen purchased an expansion franchise for the National Basketball Association (NBA). They wanted a name that would capture both the spirit and history associated with their new team, so they looked to one particular event from World War II as inspiration – Operation Market Garden. This daring Allied mission involved paratroopers being dropped behind enemy lines into Nazi-occupied Holland in September 1944. It’s said that these brave soldiers were referred to as “rebels” by some Dutch citizens who saw them as heroes fighting against tyranny and oppression – which resonated strongly with many people at home in America too!

The nickname stuck, becoming even more popular following its use on merchandise items like t-shirts or hats sold around town before games began or after wins were celebrated. Over time it became synonymous with basketball and other teams playing out of Quicken Loans Arena, such as hockey's Lake Erie Monsters (now known simply as ‘the Monsters’) - further cementing its place within sports culture locally in Ohio!

Today, no matter what game you attend at Quicken Loans Arena, you will see plenty of supporters wearing apparel adorned proudly displaying 'Cleveland' alongside 'Rebels.' There is now even an official mascot named Rebel Man whose job is to fire up crowds before tipoff each night - genuinely making him one modern-day embodiment embodying all those heroic WWII paratroopers who inspired his namesake decades ago!

Championship
NBA Championships 0
BAA Championship 0

Arena
1946 - 1947 / Cleveland Arena

Owner
1946 – 1947 / Unknown

Retired Number

*Blue is this team’s history

  • 1946
  • 1946
  • 1947
  • 1947
  • Cleveland Rebels 1946

    Rebels Team Formation

    The Cleveland Rebels were among the 11 teams in the newly established Basketball Association of America. The new basketball league had a distinct advantage over two other established professional basketball leagues, in that it had the backing of major arena owners looking to fill their buildings. Playing at the Cleveland Arena, the Rebels hosted the Toronto Huskies in their first ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Cleveland Rebels

    The Rebels play their first regular season game

    In November 1946: The Rebels play their first regular season game, defeating the Toronto Huskies 71-60 at home. The Rebels are led by rookie forward Leo Mogus, who averages 14.3 points per game in his first season.
    See Full Story
  • Cleveland Rebels

    Roy Clifford as the head coach

    In February 1947: The Rebels fire Dehnert and replace him with Roy Clifford as the head coach.
    See Full Story
  • Cleveland Rebels

    The Rebels disband after their only season

    In May 1947: The Rebels disband after their only season, along with three other teams from the BAA. Cleveland would not have another NBA team until the Cavaliers joined the league in 1970.
    See Full Story

History of the Rebels

The Cleveland Rebels were a professional basketball team that played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1946 to 1947. The team was founded by Al Sutphin, who had been involved with various other teams in the NBA since its inception. They played their home games at Cleveland Arena and finished with an overall record of 8-45 during their two seasons.

Despite their poor performance on the court, the Rebels did make history when they became one of only three teams to sign African American players during this era; Chuck Cooper was signed as part of a multi-team trade, and Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton joined them shortly after that. This made them pioneers for racial integration within professional sports leagues, leading to further progress throughout subsequent decades.

Ultimately, however, it wasn't enough for success on or off the court: after just two years in operation due to financial difficulties caused by low attendance rates at games - despite having talented players like Allie McGuire and Otto Graham -the franchise folded before ever making it into post-season play. Despite not achieving much success while active, the legacy left behind by these trailblazers is still remembered today as a crucial moment for inclusion within sports leagues across North America.

Sports Fan Products

Ultra Game Men's NBA Official Super Soft Supreme T-Shirt
4.7 out of 5 stars(47517285)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Clothing x NFL - Bold Logo - Short Sleeve Fan Shirt for Men and Women - Officially Licensed NFL Apparel
4.6 out of 5 stars(4655546)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game Men's NBA Official Soft Air Mesh Ultimate Basketball Shorts - OG Fit
4.7 out of 5 stars(47517644)
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Sport Shorts, Moisture Wicking, Athletic Shorts, Gym Shorts (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.6 out of 5 stars(46517900)
Buy on Amazon
Team Vintage Style Men's T-Shirt for Baseball Fans
4.6 out of 5 stars(465990)
Buy on Amazon
47 MLB Men's Team Color Distressed Imprint Primary Logo Wordmark Short Sleeve Baseball T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(4651104)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Team Helmet NFL Shirt
4.7 out of 5 stars(4754708)
Buy on Amazon
Xtreme Apparrel Cityscape Skyline Men's T-Shirt for Baseball Fans
4.6 out of 5 stars(4654226)
Buy on Amazon
Campus Colors NCAA Adult Gameday Cotton T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(46516080)
Buy on Amazon
MLB Men's Imprint Match Team Color Primary Logo Word Mark T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(465881)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Clothing x NFL - Team Spotlight - Short Sleeve Fan Shirt for Men and Women - Officially Licensed NFL Apparel
4.6 out of 5 stars(4653918)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Girls' NFL Team Jersey Dress and Diaper Cover
4.8 out of 5 stars(4855431)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber NFL Unisex Baby Nfl Team Jersey Onesie Bodysuit
4.8 out of 5 stars(4853676)
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Fleece Comfortable Hoodie, Sweatshirt for Men (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.7 out of 5 stars(47562104)
Buy on Amazon
Champion, Lightweight Lounge, Casual Jersey Knit Men's, Weekend Shorts (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.4 out of 5 stars(44563372)
Buy on Amazon
Barnesmith Spirit Logo Adult Unisex Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(4652194)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Baby NFL Team 3 Pack Short Sleeve Onesie Bodysuit
4.7 out of 5 stars(475151)
Buy on Amazon
47 MLB Men's Union Arch Franklin Team Color Primary Logo Word Mark Short Sleeve T-Shirt
4.5 out of 5 stars(455647)
Buy on Amazon
Team Fan Apparel NFL Adult Gameday T-Shirt - Cotton Blend - Tagless - Semi-Fitted - Unleash Your Team Spirit During Game Day
4.6 out of 5 stars(4659351)
Buy on Amazon
WNBA Indiana Fever Logo T-Shirt
4.1 out of 5 stars(41529)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Clothing x NFL - Team Helmet - Kids Short Sleeve Fan Shirt for Boys and Girls - Officially Licensed NFL Apparel
4.7 out of 5 stars(4751608)
Buy on Amazon
Icon Sports Offically Licensed Adult Soccer Game Day Shirt Jersey-Like Inspired Shirt
4.8 out of 5 stars(485112)
Buy on Amazon
MLB Kids Youth 4-20 Official City Headline Arch Logo Team T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(465223)
Buy on Amazon
Barnesmith Hooded Sweatshirt, Unisex, Cotton/Poly Blend, Heritage Logo
4.6 out of 5 stars(4657215)
Buy on Amazon
H2H Mens Casual Slim Fit Short Sleeve T-Shirts Soft Lightweight V-Neck/Crew-Neck Size XS to 3XL
4.3 out of 5 stars(4354037)
Buy on Amazon
Auto Amazon Links

STH Greatest Player Polls Banner image NBA Logo

Sports History Group Videos

Sports History Group Videos

Sports News History

Sports News Worth Knowing

RSS NBA Headline News

  • OKC THUNDER ARE NBA CHAMPIONS 🏆
  • Send Devin to the Knicks I don’t see why not 🤷‍♂️
  • GET UP | Kevin Durant is going to Timberwolves! – ESPN gives major UPDATE on Suns-Wolves trade talks
  • Ace Bailey CANCELS PreDraft meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers – Locked On 76ers
  • The Orlando Magic Are GENIUSES…

Sports Store History

Sports Team Marketplace of Champions!

MLB Greatest Player

NBA Logo Battle

SLH Prodcut Sale

NBA Teams
Menu
  • Atlanta Hawks
    • St. Louis Hawks
    • Milwaukee Hawks
    • Tri-City Blackhawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
    • New Jersey Nets
    • New York Nets
    • New Jersey Americans
  • Charlotte Hornets
    • Charlotte Bobcats
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
    • Denver Rockets
  • Detroit Pistons
    • Fort Wayne Pistons
    • Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
    • San Francisco Warriors
    • Philadelphia Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
    • San Diego Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
    • San Diego Clippers
    • Buffalo Braves
  • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Minneapolis Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Vancouver Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New Orleans Hornets
    • Charlotte Hornets
  • New York Knickerbockers
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Seattle Supersonics
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Syracuse Nationals
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trailblazers
  • Sacramento Kings
    • Kansas City Kings
    • Cincinnati Royals
    • Rochester Royals
  • San Antonio Spurs
    • Texas Chaparrals
    • Dallas Chaparrals
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
    • New Orleans Jazz
  • Washington Wizards
    • Washington Bullets
    • Capital Bullets
    • Baltimore Bullets
    • Chicago Zephyrs
    • Chicago Packers
  • Past Teams
    • Baltimore Bullets 1949
    • Chicago Stags
    • Cleveland Rebels
    • Denver Nuggets 1948
    • Detroit Falcons
    • Pittsburgh Ironmen
    • Providence Steamrollers
    • St. Louis Bombers
    • Toronto Huskies
    • Washington Capitols
STH - SHG YT Videos Banner
STH - SHG Rumble Videos Banner




Greatest Player Poll 350
National Football League LogoNational Basketball Associations LogoMajor League Baseball Logo 2019National Hockey League LogoNCAA Primary Logo

Greatest Player Poll: Cast your vote!

Join the debate and help decide who stands tall in the annals of sports history. Whether it's a legendary NFL's powerful action, the NBA's athletic prowess, or the unyielding spirit of an MLB player, we want to hear your thoughts. Who, in your opinion, has left an indelible mark on their sport? Who has transcended the boundaries of their game to become a symbol of excellence? Who has inspired generations of athletes and fans with their performances, character, and legacy? This is your chance to have your say. Cast your vote, share your thoughts, and celebrate the greatest in sports history together.

NFL Greatest Player
NBA Greatest Player
NHL Greatest Player
MLB Greatest Player
MLS Greatest Player
WNBA Greatest Player
CFL Greatest Player
Premier Greatest Player
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages

STH News

Latest Sports Team History News

Top 5 NFL Quarterbacks To Watch In 2025

July 10, 2025

Iconic Team Hats: The Evolution of Team Headwear Through the Decades

July 1, 2025

Canada’s Most Influential Sports Teams: Champions, Legends, and Lasting Impact

June 30, 2025

Top 4 Boston Red Sox Catchers Who Left a Lasting Legacy

June 30, 2025

Sports History Group 350
Sports Logo History
Sports News History
Sports Store History 200
Image

Complete Histories of Your Favorite Sports Team!


  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy




© 2013 - 2025 Sports History Group LLC - All Rights Reserved
  • Sports History
    • Baseball History – MLB
    • Basketball History – ABA, NBA, WNBA
    • College History – Divison I Conferences
    • Football History – AAF, CFL, NFL, USFL, XFL
    • Hockey History – NHL
    • Soccer History. – MLS, Premier League
  • Hall of Fame
    • MLB
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • NHL
  • Greatest Player Polls
    • CFL Greatest Player
    • MLB Greatest Player
    • MLS Greatest Player
    • NBA Greatest Player
    • NFL Greatest Player
    • NHL Greatest Player
    • Premier League Greatest Player
    • WNBA Greatest Player
  • More…
    • Sports Team News
    • Latest Sports Videos
      • General Sports Videos
      • MLB Sports Videos
      • NBA Sports Videos
      • NCAA Sports Videos
      • NFL Sports Videos
      • NHL Sports Videos
      • Soccer Sports Videos
      • WNBA Sports Videos
    • YouTube Channel
    • Sports Team History Products
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.