The Orlando Magic history began in 1989 when the team joined the NBA as an expansion franchise. Over the years, Orlando Magic basketball has showcased stars like Shaquille O’Neal, Penny Hardaway, and Dwight Howard. Known for thrilling playoff runs and passionate fans, the Magic continue to shape their place in the league’s modern era.
Established
1989
City
Orlando
League History
1989 – Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
1989 – Present / Orlando Magic
Nickname
Magic – The Orlando Magic are one of the most beloved teams in the NBA, and their nickname has a long and storied history. The team was founded 1989 as an expansion franchise, joining the league alongside Minnesota Timberwolves. When it came time to choose a name for this new team, Orlando's ownership wanted something that would capture both its local flavor and its basketball heritage. After much deliberation, they settled on "Magic" – but why?
Orlando Magic Origin
As it turns out, there is quite a bit of symbolism behind this choice! “Magic” pays homage to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom theme park located just outside of town – making them not only Florida's first professional sports franchise but also tying them closely with one of America's most iconic destinations. Additionally, “magic” has been used throughout basketball culture since at least 1976, when Julius Erving famously coined his signature move -the ‘Dr. J Slam Dunk'- as being 'magical.' This connection further strengthens their ties to basketball while simultaneously creating an exciting visual image for fans around the world who love watching highlight reel plays from some of today's best players like Dwight Howard or Aaron Gordon, wearing blue-and-white pinstripes emblazoned with stars above each shoulder blade that reads: MAGIC!
Finally - perhaps more than anything else - choosing "Magic" gave hope to those living in Central Florida during tough times, giving people something positive to rally around while inspiring during trying moments through sheer determination & hard work against all odds (which could be seen night after night inside Amway Center).
All these elements combined make Orlando Magic so special today: A unique blend between local pride & national recognition fueled by passion & dedication from every member on board...all underlined by three simple letters: M-A-G-I-C.
Championship
NBA Championships 0
Arena
2010 – Present / Amway Center
1989 – 2010 / Amway Arena
Owner
1991 – Present / Richard DeVos
1989 – 1991 / William du Pont III, James Hewitt and Robert Hewitt
- 1987
- 1992
- 1996
- 2004
- 2010
- 2012
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Orlando Team Formation
The Magic were one of the four new expansion franchises awarded by the NBA in 1987 along with the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Initially, the NBA was planning to expand by three teams, with one franchise going to Florida; however, when both Miami and Orlando ownership groups made successful pitches, the expansion committee decided to expand by ... -
Drafted Shaquille O’ Neal
The Magic history was changed on May 17, 1992, when the franchise won the first pick in the 1992 NBA Draft Lottery. The Magic selected big-man Shaquille O’Neal from Louisiana State University, the biggest prize in the draft since the Knicks won Patrick Ewing. O’Neal, a 7-foot 1-inch center, made an immediate impact on the Magic, leading the club to ... -
Shaq Leaves for Los Angeles
In the 1996 offseason, O’Neal left as a free agent to the Los Angeles Lakers, dealing a huge blow to the Magic franchise. In the middle of the season, urged by player discontent, management fired coach Brian Hill and named Richie Adubato as interim coach for the rest of the season. Under Adubato, the Magic went 21–12 to compile a ... -
Dwight Howard Drafted #1
With the number one draft pick, the Magic selected high-school phenomenon and future All-Star and franchise cornerstone Dwight Howard and traded for point guard Jameer Nelson. Nelson, who most scouts speculated to be a top-10 pick, fell to the 20th pick, and the Magic traded a future first-round draft pick to the Denver Nuggets for Nelson. -
Amway Center Opens
The team’s new state of the art home arena, the Amway Center officially opened on October 1, 2010. The Orlando Magic hosted their first preseason game at Amway Center on October 10 against the New Orleans Hornets. The 2010 – 2011 regular-season home opener was on October 28 against the Washington Wizards, and the Magic won both games. -
Howard Traded to Lakers
On August 9, 2012, ESPN reported that a four-team trade would send Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers. ESPN.com’s Marc Stein was told the Lakers were to acquire Howard, Chris Duhon, and Earl Clark, the Denver Nuggets were to acquire Andre Iguodala, the Philadelphia 76ers were to acquire Andrew Bynum and Jason Richardson, and the Magic were to acquire ...
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.
Orlando Magic History
The Orlando Magic history began in 1989 when the franchise joined the National Basketball Association (NBA) as an expansion team based in Orlando, Florida. From the start, Orlando Magic basketball brought excitement to the league, quickly becoming a competitive team with passionate fans and a reputation for high-energy play.
During the 1990s, the team drafted superstar Shaquille O’Neal and paired him with Penny Hardaway. Together, they led the Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals, an iconic moment in the Orlando Magic history, although they fell to Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. This era established the Magic as a serious contender and helped them secure five division titles and two Eastern Conference championships.
The franchise entered another strong period in the mid-2000s. Dwight Howard, Grant Hill, and other talented players guided the team back to prominence. In 2009, Howard led Orlando Magic basketball to its second NBA Finals appearance, where they battled Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers. This run confirmed the Magic’s ability to rebuild and contend across eras.
In the 2010s, the Magic faced rebuilding years but continued drafting and developing new talent. Under various coaches, they returned to the playoffs in 2019, signaling a fresh chapter in the Orlando Magic history. With a young core featuring Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Markelle Fultz, the team has renewed hope for deeper postseason success.
Orlando Magic Achievements
The Orlando Magic history includes five division titles (1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2019) and two Eastern Conference championships (1995 and 2009). The franchise also boasts multiple playoff appearances across its decades-long journey, cementing its status as one of the NBA’s most resilient organizations.
Looking ahead, Orlando Magic basketball shows strong potential for another championship run. The combination of young stars, veteran leadership, and a passionate fan base continues to drive the franchise. With its strong foundation, the Magic remain one of the NBA’s most exciting teams to watch for future success.
Sports Fan Products
Orlando Magic Team History Decoded: Journey to Glory!
Delve deep into the world of Orlando Magic Team History with our exclusive video! Discover the journey, triumphs, and setbacks of this legendary NBA team. Explore the untold stories behind the magic, from its humble beginnings to its prominence. 🏀
Retired Number
6 / Orlando Fans “The Sixth Man”
*Blue is this team’s history