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

Portland Trailblazers Team History

Portland Trailblazers
Blazers Primary Logo
Blazers Alternate Logo
Blazers Wordmark Logo
Blazers Team Merch

Established
1970

City
Portland

League History
1970 – Present / National Basketball Association

Team History
1970 – Present / Portland Trailblazers

Nickname
Trailblazers – It’s no secret that the Portland Trail Blazers are one of the most beloved teams in professional basketball. But do you know where their nickname comes from? The origin story behind this iconic team name is an interesting one, and it dates back to 1970 when they joined the NBA as an expansion franchise.

The original owner of what would become known as “the Blazer” was Harry Glickman, who envisioned creating a unique identity for his new team. He wanted something that reflected Portland's rugged outdoorsy culture and its ties to Native American history – so he decided on "Trail Blazers." This was inspired by Lewis & Clark's exploration of Oregon during their famous expedition across America in 1804-1806, which included blazing trails through uncharted wilderness areas.

Today, fans worldwide still recognize and embrace this name with pride; after all these years, it has come to represent much more than just a basketball team—it stands for courage, resilience, strength, and adventure! Whether you're cheering them on at home or watching them play away games online or on TV broadcasts - show your support by wearing your favorite Trail Blazer gear!

Championship
NBA Championships 1
1977

Arena
2013 – Present / Moda Center
1995 – 2012 / Rose Garden
1970 – 1994 / Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Owner
2018 – Present / Estate of Paul Allen
1988 – 2018 / Paul Allen
1975 – 1988 / Larry Weinberg
1972 – 1975 / Herman Sarkowsky & Larry Weinberg
1970 – 1972 / Herman Sarkowsky, Robert Schmertz, and Larry Weinberg

  • 1970
  • 1977
  • 1984
  • 1988
  • 1995
  • 1995
  • Geoffrey Petrie and Harry Glickman

    Portland Team Formation

    Portland sports promoter Harry Glickman had sought in creating a basketball team in the city as soon as the Memorial Coliseum was opened in 1960, but the NBA board of governors only granted him the rights to a franchise on February 6, 1970. To raise the money for the $3.7 million admission tax, Glickman associated himself with real estate magnates ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Bill Walton and Maurice Lucas - Portland Champs 1977

    NBA Finals Winner 1977

    NBA Finals – 1977 The 1977 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1976 – 1977 NBA season. The Portland Trail Blazers of the Western Conference played against the Philadelphia 76ers of the Eastern Conference, with the 76ers holding home-court advantage. Their four regular-season meetings had been split evenly, 2-2, with neither side winning away from home. ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Sam Bowie - Portland Trailblazers

    Selection of Sam Bowie, Not Jordan

    The Trail Blazers landed the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft. After the Houston Rockets selected Drexler’s college teammate Hakeem Olajuwon, known at that time as Akeem Olajuwon, at No. 1, the Trail Blazers selected Kentucky center, Sam Bowie. Drafting third, the Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan. Many sportswriters and analysts have criticized the selection of the injury-plagued Bowie ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Paul Allen - Portland Trailblazers Owner

    Paul Allen Ownership

    Allen purchased the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team in 1988 from California real estate developer Larry Weinberg for $70 million. He was instrumental in the development and funding of the Moda Center (previously known as the Rose Garden), the arena where the Blazers play. He purchased the arena on April 2, 2007, and stated that this was a major milestone ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Memorial Coliseum - Portland Trailblazers

    End of Sell Out Record

    Starting on April 5, 1977, of that year, the team began a sellout streak of 814 straight games the second-longest in American major professional sports history which did not end until 1995, after the team moved into a larger facility. In the fall of 1995, the team left the Memorial Coliseum for a new home, the 20,000-seat Rose Garden Arena.
    See Full Story
  • Moda Center - Portland Trailblazers

    Moda Center

    Moda Center, formerly known as the Rose Garden, is the primary indoor sports arena in Portland, Oregon, United States. It is suitable for large indoor events of all sorts, including basketball, ice hockey, rodeos, circuses, conventions, ice shows, concerts, and dramatic productions. The arena has a capacity of 19,441 spectators when configured for basketball, fewer for other events. The arena ...
    Read More
    See Full Story

Who is the greatest Portland Trailblazers?
  • Add your greatest 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.

History of the Trailblazers

The Portland Trail Blazers, home to some of the NBA's greatest players, have been a part of the National Basketball Association since 1970 and have had a storied history. The team was founded by Harry Glickman, who saw potential in bringing an NBA franchise to the Pacific Northwest city of Portland, Oregon. Since then, they've become one of the most successful teams in league history, with three trips to the NBA Finals and one championship victory back in 1977. They also boast some of basketball's greatest players, such as Clyde Drexler, Bill Walton, Terry Porter, and Damian Lillard, who helped make them perennial contenders.

The Trail Blazers were able to reach success early on due to their strong draft picks throughout the 70s, which included Hall-of-Famers like Drexler and Walton as well as other key contributors like Maurice Lucas or Lionel Hollins that made up what became known as "The Trailblazers." This nucleus would lead them all through until 1992, when they won 59 games during regular season play before falling short against Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls dynasty during the playoffs run, even after making it past two previous rounds without losing any games!

In recent years, however, things haven't gone relatively smoothly for this once proud franchise, missing out on playoff action several times while having only limited success when they manage to get into postseason play - but there is still hope! With current stars Lillard & McCollum leading the charge alongside young talents Anfernee Simons & Nassir Little, plus veteran presence Hassan Whiteside off the bench, this could start something special brewing within Rose City again very soon...

Sports Fan Products

Ultra Game Men's NBA Official Super Soft Supreme T-Shirt
4.7 out of 5 stars(17090)
Buy on Amazon
Barnesmith Spirit Logo Adult Unisex Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(2098)
Buy on Amazon
Campus Colors NCAA Adult Gameday Cotton T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(16018)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game Men's NBA Official Soft Air Mesh Ultimate Basketball Shorts - OG Fit
4.7 out of 5 stars(17718)
Buy on Amazon
Barnesmith Hooded Sweatshirt, Unisex, Cotton/Poly Blend, Heritage Logo
4.6 out of 5 stars(7126)
Buy on Amazon
NBA New York Knicks Officially Licensed T-Shirt
4.3 out of 5 stars(93)
Buy on Amazon
Team Vintage Style Men's T-Shirt for Baseball Fans
4.5 out of 5 stars(910)
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(917)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Team Helmet NFL Shirt
4.7 out of 5 stars(4493)
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(3774)
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(5379)
Buy on Amazon
Barnesmith Short Sleeve T-Shirt, Unisex, Heritage Logo, NCAA Colleges
4.6 out of 5 stars(8332)
Buy on Amazon
Xtreme Apparrel Cityscape Skyline Men's T-Shirt for Baseball Fans
4.6 out of 5 stars(4159)
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Sport Shorts, Moisture Wicking, Athletic Shorts, Gym Shorts (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.6 out of 5 stars(15189)
Buy on Amazon
NBA - New York Knicks Logo Arch T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(33)
Buy on Amazon
Campus Colors Long Sleeves NCAA Adult Arch & Logo Gameday Unisex Hooded Sweatshirt
4.7 out of 5 stars(14708)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Baby NFL Team 3 Pack Short Sleeve Onesie Bodysuit
4.7 out of 5 stars(143)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game Youth NBA Official 2 Piece T-Shirt & Lounge Pants Pajama Set
4.8 out of 5 stars(1986)
Buy on Amazon
MLB Men's Imprint Match Team Color Primary Logo Word Mark T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(847)
Buy on Amazon
Barnesmith Short Sleeve T-Shirt with Classic Arch Logo, Adult Unisex
4.6 out of 5 stars(5339)
Buy on Amazon
Champion, Powerblend, Fleece Comfortable Hoodie, Sweatshirt for Men (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.7 out of 5 stars(61831)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber NFL Unisex Baby Nfl Team Jersey Onesie Bodysuit
4.8 out of 5 stars(3616)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Clothing x NFL - Team Helmet - Kids Short Sleeve Fan Shirt for Boys and Girls - Officially Licensed NFL Apparel
4.6 out of 5 stars(1532)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Girls' NFL Team Jersey Dress and Diaper Cover
4.8 out of 5 stars(5380)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game Men's NBA Official Soft Air Mesh Slam Basketball Shorts-Classic Fit
4.6 out of 5 stars(347)
Buy on Amazon
Auto Amazon Links

STH Greatest Player Polls Banner image NBA Logo

Retired Number
1 / Larry Weinberg
13 / Dave Twardzik
14 / Lionel Hollins
15 / Larry Steele
20 / Maurice Lucas
22 / Clyde Drexler
30 / Bob Gross
30 / Terry Porter
32 / Bill Walton
36 / Lloyd Neal
45 / Geoff Petrie
77 / Jack Ramsay
– / Bill Schonely

*Blue is this team’s history

Sports History Group Videos

Sports History Group Videos

Sports News History

Sports News Worth Knowing

RSS NBA Headline News

  • YOU KNOW THE PISTONS WON AGAIN #pistons #nba
  • #4 NUGGETS at #5 CLIPPERS | FULL GAME 4 HIGHLIGHTS | April 26, 2025
  • #1 CAVALIERS at #8 HEAT | FULL GAME 3 HIGHLIGHTS | April 26, 2025
  • All-Access: Season in the books | Season refections Chicago Bulls
  • Nico Harrison End of Season Press Conference

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

Kansas City Chiefs: From AFL Origins to NFL Dynasty

May 16, 2025

The Evolution of Denver Broncos Quarterbacks: From John Elway to Nix

May 15, 2025

Why It’s Time to Make Pete Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson Eligible for the Hall of Fame

May 14, 2025

International Influence: The Rising Impact of Global Players in the 2025 NBA Draft

May 13, 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.OkPrivacy policy