The Minnesota Pipers history tells the story of a short-lived but dynamic team that competed in the Minnesota Pipers ABA. Originally known as the Pittsburgh Pipers, the franchise relocated to Minnesota in 1968. Though their time there was brief, the Pipers made a lasting impression on fans through their strong play and talented roster.
Established
1967
City
Pittsburgh – Minneapolis – Pittsburgh
League History
1967 – 1972 / American Basketball Association
Team History
1970 – 1972 / Pittsburgh Condors
1969 – 1970 / Pittsburgh Pipers
1968 – 1969 / Minnesota Pipers
1967 – 1968 / Pittsburgh Pipers
Nickname
Pipers – The Minnesota Pipers is a professional basketball team that has been part of the American Basketball Association (ABA) since 1967. The team's nickname, "Pipers," originates in the city of Minneapolis' longstanding association with music and culture.
Minnesota Pipers Origin
Minneapolis was known as one of America’s most influential music centers during the 1950s and 1960s when jazz musicians such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Charles Mingus performed regularly at local clubs like The Flame Show Bar or The Purple Onion. It was also home to musical innovators like Prince, who helped popularize funk-rock fusion in the 1980s. With this strong connection to music, it's no surprise that Minneapolis would be chosen as a fitting name for an ABA franchise—the Minnesota Pipers!
The original owner of the franchise wanted his new basketball team to have a unique name that reflected both his hometown’s rich musical history and its vibrant cultural scene; thus, he chose “Pipers” after seeing some traditional Scottish bagpipes being played on television by members of Scotland Yard Pipe Band outside Buckingham Palace during Queen Elizabeth II coronation parade in 1953. From then out, they were officially known as “Minnesota Pipers."
Today fans still embrace their beloved mascot, Pee Wee Piper – an anthropomorphic pipe-playing character dressed up in kilts while cheering on their favorite ABA squad from courtside seats! Whether you are attending games at Target Center or just watching them from your couch – show your support for our beloved Minnesota Pipers history by donning some blue & gold gear today!
Championship
ABA Championships 0
1967
Arena
*Pittsburgh*
1967 – 1968, 1969 – 1973 / Pittsburgh Civic Arena
*Minnesota*
1968 – 1969 / Bloomington’s Met Center
Owner
1970 – 1972 / Metro Sports Haven Industries
1967 – 1969 / Gabe Rubin
- 1969
-
Pittsburgh to Minnesota
Despite the championship and strong attendance figures in Pittsburgh, the Pipers franchise left Pittsburgh after their 1968 ABA Championship and moved to Minnesota in 1968, becoming the Minnesota Pipers. Minnesota was left vacant when the Minnesota Muskies had trouble drawing people in the league’s first season and moved to Miami to become the Miami Floridians. The ABA league office was ...
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.
Minnesota Pipers History
The Minnesota Pipers history is one of excitement, transition, and short-lived success in the Minnesota Pipers ABA era. Originally founded in 1967 by Bill Erickson, the team became one of the eleven charter members of the American Basketball Association. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Pipers quickly built a reputation for their competitive spirit and strong team chemistry during their early seasons.
In their inaugural Minnesota Pipers ABA season, the team impressed fans with fast-paced basketball and consistent performances. Led by standout players like Connie Hawkins and Chico Vaughn, the Minnesota Pipers basketball squad dominated the regular season and advanced to the ABA Finals. They captured the 1968 ABA Championship, becoming one of the few teams in history to win the title in their first year — a rare accomplishment for any new franchise.
However, financial challenges soon took a toll on the organization. The Minnesota Pipers relocated to Pittsburgh for the 1968–69 season, becoming the Pittsburgh Pipers. Despite their relocation, they struggled with attendance and management instability, which eventually led to another rebranding as the Pittsburgh Condors. Their absence left Minnesota fans without a professional basketball team for several years, though the Pipers’ brief time in the city remains a memorable part of Minnesota Pipers history.
Pipers Achievements
Even with their struggles off the court, the Minnesota Pipers ABA legacy lives on. Their energetic play style helped popularize modern basketball’s fast tempo and offensive creativity. Fans continue to recognize the Minnesota Pipers basketball team as one of the ABA’s early success stories and a team that paved the way for future franchises in the region.
1968 ABA Championship Victory
The greatest achievement in Minnesota Pipers history came in 1968 when they won the ABA Championship. Led by Connie Hawkins, the Minnesota Pipers basketball team defeated the New Orleans Buccaneers in a thrilling seven-game series. This victory not only marked a milestone for the Minnesota Pipers ABA franchise but also established them as one of the most successful early teams in ABA history.
Coaches
1971 – 1972 / Jack McMahon and Mark Binstein
1970 – 1971 / Jack McMahon
1969 – 1970 / John Clark and Buddy Jeanette
1968 – 1969 / Jim Harding and Vern Mikkelsen
1967 – 1968 / Vince Cazzetta
*Blue is this team’s history