The New Orleans Pelicans history traces the rise of this young NBA franchise from its relocation to Louisiana to becoming a competitive team. Since 2013, fans have watched the growth of New Orleans Pelicans basketball through key players, memorable moments, and steady development that reflects the city’s passion for the sport.
Established
1988
City
Charlotte – New Orleans
League History
1988 – Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
2013 – Present / New Orleans Pelicans
2007 – 2013 / New Orleans Hornets
2005 – 2007 / New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets
2002 – 2005 / New Orleans Hornets
1988 – 2002 / Charlotte Hornets
Nickname
Pelicans – The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the most iconic teams in the NBA, and their nickname has a fascinating history. The team was initially known as the Charlotte Hornets when they joined the league in 1988. After relocating to New Orleans for the 2002-03 season, owner George Shinn wanted to honor Louisiana’s state bird by changing their name to “Pelicans.”
New Orleans Pelicans Origin
The brown pelican is an integral part of Louisiana culture and wildlife, having been featured on its state flag since 1912 and even appearing on some currency issued by banks before World War II. The species was almost driven into extinction during this period due to overhunting but has since made a strong comeback thanks mainly in part due environmental protection laws enacted throughout North America during the 1970s & 80s, making it more than fitting that this resilient bird be used as a mascot for New Orleans NBA franchise!
In addition, Pelicans have also become popular among fans because of how closely associated they are with the city itself – from being seen flying around local waterways or perched atop buildings downtown- making them the perfect symbol for both the basketball team & larger community alike!
Championship
NBA Championships 0
Arena
2014 – Present / Smoothie King Center
2002 – 2013 / New Orleans Arena
*Oklahoma City*
2005 – 2007 / Ford Center
*Norman*
2006 / Lloyd Noble Center
*Baton Rouge*
2005 / Pete Maravich Assembly Center
*Charlotte*
1988 – 2002 / Charlotte Coliseum
Owner
2018 – Present / Gayle Benson
2012 – 2018 / Tom Benson
2010 – 2012 / National Basketball Association
2007 – 2010 / Shinn and Gary Chouest
1988 – 2007 / George Shinn
- 2012
- 2012
- 2012
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Tom Benson Owner of Saints and the Hornets
Saints owner Tom Benson has officially gained control of the New Orleans Hornets from the NBA. The completion Friday of the $338 million sale of the NBA club comes two days after the league’s board of governors approved the decision to sell to Benson. As part of the deal, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has approved the Hornets’ lease extension at ... -
Reborn as the Pelicans
New owner Tom Benson had indicated early in his ownership that he wished to change the team’s name to something more local. He preferred that the Utah Jazz, who had been founded in New Orleans in 1974 and played there until 1979, give up the “Jazz” nickname. However, the Jazz indicated they had no interest in returning the name due ... -
Drafting Anthony Davis #1
Davis declared for the 2012 NBA draft alongside the rest of the national championship team starting five: fellow freshmen Kidd-Gilchrist and Teague, and sophomores Jones and Doron Lamb. At the 2012 NBA Draft Combine, Davis measured at 6 feet 9.25 inches (2.06 m), 221.8 pounds (100.6 kg), and had the second-longest wingspan—7 feet 5.5 inches (2.27 m) of any player ...
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.
New Orleans Pelicans History
The New Orleans Pelicans history began when the Charlotte Hornets relocated to New Orleans in 2002. The team played as the New Orleans Hornets and, due to Hurricane Katrina, spent two seasons in Oklahoma City before returning home. In 2013, the franchise embraced its regional identity and rebranded as the Pelicans, shedding its Hornets past.
The New Orleans Pelicans basketball era kicked off with returning to the playoffs in 2008, fueled by a standout season from Chris Paul and a franchise-record 56 wins, leading to their only division title to date. Anthony Davis rose to stardom after being drafted at No. 1 in 2012. Under his leadership, the team returned to the playoffs in 2015 and won its first postseason series in the Davis era in 2018.
The New Orleans Pelicans history continues with exciting new chapters. In 2019, the team drafted Zion Williamson first overall, adding a generational talent to their core. Alongside Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, the Pelicans are forging a new identity in New Orleans Pelicans basketball.
Pelicans Achievements
The New Orleans Pelicans history reflects a modest but meaningful list of accomplishments. The team has yet to win an NBA championship or conference title, but it has secured one division championship (2008) and achieved multiple playoff appearances since relocating. Across 22 seasons since 2002, the franchise has made the playoffs nine times and notched two playoff series victories—still striving for deeper postseason success.
The New Orleans Pelicans basketball legacy now hinges on the promise of its young stars and renewed leadership. Zion Williamson’s arrival and the team’s core outlook have sparked fan optimism for what’s next. With stability in management and growing momentum, the Pelicans look poised to build on their history and sustain success in the years ahead.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
7 / “Pistol” Pete Maravich
*Blue is this team’s history