The San Antonio Spurs history showcases one of the NBA’s most successful franchises, known for consistency and excellence. Originating in the ABA before joining the NBA in 1976, the team has built a winning culture. Over the years, San Antonio Spurs basketball has produced championships, legendary players, and a global fan base that reflects its sustained success.
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
Spurs – The San Antonio Spurs History have been a staple in the NBA since their inception in 1967. They are one of the most successful teams in league history, with five championships and numerous playoff appearances. But many fans don’t know that there is an interesting story behind how they got their nickname - The Spurs!
San Antonio Spurs Origin
It all began with a contest held by local media outlets to create a name for the new team. After much deliberation, “Spurs” was chosen as it represented Texas heritage and military prowess – which were very important to San Antonio residents. The logo was also designed around this concept, featuring an image of five spur points arranged like stars on top of a basketball surrounded by ten white circles signifying each player on the court during playtime!
The Spurs nickname has become synonymous with success over its long tenure within professional sports leagues and even internationally, where it's often seen when referring to any type or level of competition involving horses (especially horse racing). It also serves as a reminder that hard work can pay off no matter how big or small your goals may be - look at what happened for these beloved NBA franchises from South Texas!
Championship
NBA Championships 5
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
- 1973
- 1976
- 1988
- 1999
- 2003
- 2005
- 2007
- 2014
-
Coming to San Antonio
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 ... -
ABA-NBA Merge
Even though playoff success would elude the team, the Spurs had suddenly found themselves among the top teams in the ABA. Moreover, their gaudy attendance figures made them very attractive to the NBA, despite the size of the market. Although San Antonio had over 650,000 people at the time and has since grown to become the seventh-largest city in the ... -
Red McCombs Ownership
McCombs’ first entry into sports came in 1972 when he joined Angelo Drossos and several other San Antonio businessmen in leasing the struggling Dallas Chaparrals of the American Basketball Association and moving them to San Antonio as the Spurs. The Spurs proved to be a runaway hit, leading Drossos and McCombs to tear up the lease agreement and buy the ... -
NBA Finals Winner 1999
NBA Finals – 1999 The 1999 NBA Finals was the championship round of the shortened 1998 – 1999 NBA season or the 1999 season. The San Antonio Spurs of the Western Conference took on the New York Knicks of the Eastern Conference for the title, with the Spurs holding home-court advantage. The series was played under a best-of-seven format, with ... -
NBA Finals Winner 2003
NBA Finals – 2003 The 2003 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2002 – 2003 NBA season. The San Antonio Spurs of the Western Conference took on the New Jersey Nets of the Eastern Conference for the title, with the Spurs holding home-court advantage. The series was played under a best-of-seven format. The Spurs won the series 4 ... -
NBA Finals Winner 2005
NBA Finals – 2005 The 2005 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 2004 – 2005 National Basketball Association season. The San Antonio Spurs of the Western Conference faced the Detroit Pistons of the Eastern Conference for the title, with the Spurs holding home-court advantage and the Pistons as defending champions. The series was played under a best-of-seven format. ... -
NBA Finals Winner 2007
NBA Finals – 2007 The 2007 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2006 – 2007 National Basketball Association season and was the conclusion of the 2007 NBA Playoffs. The best-of-seven series was played between the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs and the Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers. This was Cleveland’s first trip to the NBA Finals in ... -
NBA Finals Winner 2014
NBA Finals – 2014 The 2014 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2013 – 2014 season of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the conclusion of the season’s playoffs. The Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs defeated the Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat in five games (4–1) for the Spurs’ fifth NBA championship in the franchise’s history. The ...
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.
San Antonio Spurs History
The San Antonio Spurs history traces back to 1967 when the team began as the Texas Chaparrals in the ABA before joining the NBA in 1976. Over time, they built a reputation for excellence and became one of the league’s model franchises. Known for disciplined play and star talent, the San Antonio Spurs basketball legacy reflects sustained success, loyalty, and stability unmatched in modern sports.
Throughout their journey, the Spurs have featured some of the NBA’s greatest players. Icons like Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili helped transform the franchise into a perennial contender. Under head coach Gregg Popovich—who replaced Bob Hill in 1996—they established a culture of teamwork, trust, and consistency that still shapes the organization today.
San Antonio Spurs Achievements
The San Antonio Spurs history includes remarkable achievements. The team has captured five NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014) and made multiple Finals appearances, creating one of the most respected dynasties in basketball. They also hold an impressive streak of 21 consecutive playoff appearances from 1998 to 2019, an era defined by smart drafting, player development, and championship-caliber coaching.
Beyond titles, San Antonio Spurs basketball represents loyalty and long-term vision. Under the leadership of owner Peter Holt and general manager R.C. Buford, the franchise became a model for stability in professional sports. Fans at the AT&T Center continue to support a team known for adapting while maintaining excellence. For more on their complete legacy, you can learn about their ABA beginnings with the Texas Chaparrals.
Sports Fan Products
How San Antonio Spurs Dynasty Shaped the Modern NBA
This video is thrilling at the San Antonio Spurs' legendary franchise, highlighting their journey as an NBA dynasty. From their iconic championships to unforgettable Spurs highlights, it showcases the team's dominance in the playoffs and their rich history in the league...
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