The Dallas Chaparrals played a pivotal role in ABA basketball history before becoming the San Antonio Spurs. Known briefly as the Dallas Chaps, the franchise began in 1967 under Lamar Hunt. Their strong early seasons, standout players, and eventual relocation to San Antonio mark an important chapter in professional basketball’s growth across Texas.
Established
1967
City
Dallas – San Antonio
League History
1976 – Present / National Basketball Association
1967 – 1976 / American Basketball Association
Team History
1973 – Present / San Antonio Spurs
1970 – 1971 / Texas Chaparrals
1967 – 1970, 1971 – 1973 / Dallas Chaparrals
Nickname
Chaparrals - The Dallas Chaparrals are one of the original National Basketball Association (NBA) teams. The team was founded in 1967 and played its first season as part of the American Basketball Association (ABA). While many NBA fans may not know it, the team’s nickname has an interesting origin story.
Dallas Chaparrals Origin
They were initially known as “The Texans” after their home state when they were first established. However, due to a trademark dispute with another Texas-based basketball team at that time – also called The Texans – their name had to be changed before playing any games. After much deliberation and brainstorming sessions between ownership and staff members, it was decided that “Chaparral” would become their new official name.
This decision was made because chaparrals are thorny shrubs native to Texas that can withstand extreme temperatures without losing vitality or vigor - qualities reflected what this young franchise wanted to embody on the court during its inaugural season! Then, these same characteristics followed them for over 50 years, making them one of only two ABA franchises still active today, alongside Indiana Pacers, who joined from ABA in 1976 when both leagues merged into the single NBA entity we all enjoy today!
Championship
NBA Championships 0
2014, 2007, 2005, 2003, 1999
ABA Championships 0
Arena
2005 – Present / AT&T Center
2002 – 2005 / SBC Center
1993 – 2002 / Alamodome
1973 – 1993 / HemisFair Arena
*Fort Worth*
1970 – 1971 / Tarrant County Coliseum
*Lubbock*
1970 – 1971 / Lubbock Municipal Coliseum
*Dallas*
1967 – 1973 / Dallas Memorial Auditorium
Owner
1993 – Present / Peter Holt
1988 – 1993 / Red McCombs
1973 – 1988 / Angelo Drossos
1967 – 1973 / Bob Folsom
- 1967
- 1973
Dallas Team Formation
The Dallas Chaparrals were a charter member of the American Basketball Association. The team’s original owners, unable to agree on a name for the franchise during an early organizational meeting at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, named it for the Chaparral Club in which they were meeting. The team suffered from poor attendance and general disinterest in Dallas. They were lucky ...
Sold to San Antonio Businessmen
While the Chaparrals had been modestly successful on the court, they were sinking financially by their third season, largely because the ownership group refused to spend much money on the team. After missing the playoffs for the first time in their existence in the 1972 – 1973 season, nearly all of the owners wanted out. A group of 36 San ...
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.
Dallas Chaparrals History
The Dallas Chaparrals, also called the Dallas Chaps, were a professional basketball team based in Texas. They competed in the American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1967 to 1976 before becoming the San Antonio Spurs. Founded by businessman Don Carter and broadcaster Norm Sonju, the franchise was created to bring professional basketball to Texas. As one of the 11 original ABA teams, the Dallas Chaparrals quickly built a reputation for competitive play. Under coach Cliff Hagan in the early years and later under Hall of Fame coach Tom Nissalke, they became a regular playoff contender before the 1976 ABA–NBA merger.
The Dallas Chaparrals enjoyed early success but also faced challenges. Transitioning from the Dallas Chaps name in promotional efforts to draw more fans, they played some home games in Fort Worth and Lubbock. Yet, this approach did not solve their attendance issues. Nevertheless, the team made the ABA playoffs in five of its nine seasons, showing resilience in a tough league. Strong performances from key players like John Beasley, Cincy Powell, and Donnie Freeman highlighted their competitive spirit.
During the 1970–71 season, the Dallas Chaparrals had one of their most memorable runs, reaching the ABA’s Western Division Finals. However, they lost a hard-fought seven-game series to the Indiana Pacers. In 1972, low attendance forced the franchise to operate as a “regional” team before the ownership group leased the team to San Antonio investors. This pivotal move led to the team’s relocation as the San Antonio Spurs in 1973, beginning a new era.
Chaparrals Achievements
Despite never winning an ABA championship, the Dallas Chaparrals left a lasting mark. They recorded multiple playoff appearances, posted several winning seasons, and helped establish professional basketball in Texas. This foundation set the stage for the Spurs’ later NBA success, including multiple championships. The legacy of the Dallas Chaparrals and the Dallas Chaps continues to be celebrated by basketball historians as the roots of modern pro basketball in Texas.
Furthermore, the Dallas Chaparrals nurtured a passionate fan base and developed talented players who shaped the Spurs’ future. Their journey from Dallas to San Antonio paved the way for the franchise’s eventual dominance, with the Spurs becoming a model NBA team. Today, the contributions of the Dallas Chaparrals are still recognized as a cornerstone in Texas basketball history and an essential chapter in the evolution of the ABA and NBA.
Retired Number
00 / Johnny Moore
6 / Avery Johnson
9 / Tony Parker
12 / Bruce Bowen
13 / James Silas
20 / Manu Ginobili
21 / Tim Duncan
32 / Sean Elliott
44 / George Gervin
50 / David Robinson
*Blue is this team’s history