The San Diego Clippers history traces the franchise’s move from Buffalo to California in 1978. Known for their vibrant style, the team played as the San Diego Clippers basketball squad until 1984. This period built the groundwork for the Clippers’ modern identity, with notable players and fans leaving a lasting mark on the organization.
Established
1970
City
Buffalo – San Diego – Los Angeles
League History
1970 – Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
1984 – Present / Los Angeles Clippers
1978 – 1984 / San Diego Clippers
1970 – 1978 / Buffalo Braves
Nickname
Clippers – For sports fans, the San Diego Clippers are a beloved NBA franchise with decades of history. But where did this team's nickname come from? Let’s look at the origins of one of basketball's most iconic nicknames.
The San Diego Clippers trace their roots back to 1970, founded as part of the American Basketball Association (ABA). At that time, they were known as “the Buffalo Braves” and played in Buffalo, New York, until 1978, when they moved to San Diego and became known as “the San Diego Clippers."
San Diego Clippers Origin
The name was chosen by then-owner Donald Sterling, who wanted something that would reflect his love for sailing and represent his new home city on California’s coast. Thus he chose "Clippers" - an old term for fast sailing ships - due to its connection with maritime history in Southern California.
Since then, the team has undergone many changes, but their nickname has remained constant – even after moving again in 1984 from sunny SoCal up north to Los Angeles!
It stands today as an important reminder about this storied franchise's past and a symbol representing how far professional basketball has come since those early days in ABA almost five decades ago!
Championship
NBA Championships 0
Arena
1999 – Present / Staples Center
1984 – 1999 / Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
*San Diego*
1978 – 1984 / San Diego Sports Arena
*Buffalo*
1970 – 1978 / Buffalo Memorial Auditorium
Owner
2014 – Present / Steve Balmer
1981 – 2014 / Donald Sterling
1978 – 1981 / Irv Levin
1976 – 1978 / John Y. Brown, Jr.
1970 – 1976 / Paul Snyder
- 1978
- 1980
- 1984
-
Relocation to San Diego
In 1978, San Diego welcomed the relocation of the Buffalo Braves franchise because the city had lost their Rockets to Houston seven years earlier. San Diego team officials did not think Braves was a representative nickname for the club. A contest decided on Clippers because the city was known for the great sailing ships that passed through San Diego Bay. ... -
Add Homegrown Bill Walton
The 1979 – 1980 season saw the Clippers begin to struggle despite adding center Bill Walton, a San Diego native who was two years removed from an NBA Championship with the Trail Blazers. Walton missed 68 games due to foot injuries (which he also suffered in his final years in Portland). San Diego finished 35–47 as key players missed games ... -
Leaving San Diego for LA
The 1981 – 1982 season brought changes to the franchise as Irv Levin sold the team to Los Angeles-area real estate developer and attorney Donald Sterling for US$12.5 million. The Clippers’ poor play in the final years in San Diego resulted in averaging only 4,500 fans a game. Sterling lobbied the NBA to relocate the team to his native Los ...
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 Diego Clippers History
The San Diego Clippers history began when the franchise was founded in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves. After several seasons in Buffalo, the team relocated to California in 1978 and became the San Diego Clippers basketball team. They played their home games at the San Diego Sports Arena and quickly became known for their energetic style and promising roster.
During their time in San Diego from 1978 to 1984, the San Diego Clippers history included notable players such as World B. Free, Randy Smith, and Bill Walton. Although the team struggled with injuries and inconsistency, this period helped shape the future identity of the franchise. In 1984, the Clippers moved again, this time to Los Angeles, where they became the LA Clippers and have remained ever since.
The San Diego Clippers history shows that while the team did not achieve major success in its California years, its move laid the groundwork for later achievements. After years of rebuilding, the franchise began to rise under head coach Doc Rivers. By the 2011–12 season, the team had secured multiple playoff berths, marking a new era of competitiveness.
Clippers Achievements
This new era was defined by stars like Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Jordan. Under their leadership, the Clippers posted their first 50+ win season in 2014–15 with a 57–25 record, advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals. These achievements, though earned after the San Diego era, reflect how the foundation built during the San Diego Clippers history contributed to their growth.
Today, the legacy of the San Diego Clippers basketball years remains a key part of the franchise’s identity. From their Buffalo beginnings to their time in San Diego and eventual success in Los Angeles, the team continues striving for its first NBA championship while maintaining the fighting spirit first seen in its earliest seasons.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history