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

San Diego Conquistadors Team History

San Diego Conquistadors
Q's Primary Logo

Established
1972

City
San Diego

League History
1972 – 1975 / American Basketball Association

Team History
1975 / San Diego Sails
1972 – 1975 / San Diego Conquistadors

Nickname
Conquistadors – The San Diego Conquistadors are a professional basketball team based in San Diego, California. The team is part of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and plays home games at the Valley View Casino Center. While many fans know that the team is named after Spanish conquistadors who explored much of Mexico and Central America during the 16th century, few may be aware of how this nickname came to be adopted by a modern-day basketball squad.

The story begins with an entrepreneur from Los Angeles named Dennis Murphy, who wanted to bring professional basketball back to his hometown in 1972. He purchased an ABA franchise for 50,000 dollars. He was looking for a suitable name when he stumbled across some old books about conquistador Hernán Cortés’s expedition into Mexico hundreds of years earlier. This inspired him so much that he decided on “Conquistadors” as his new franchise's name - thus beginning one of the sports' most unique nicknames!

Murphy also found inspiration from another source: pop culture icon Zorro – which means “the fox” in Spanish – whose mask resembled those worn by conquistador soldiers during battles against Native Americans centuries ago! With all these elements combined, it was only natural that Murphy would choose such an evocative moniker for his fledgling organization, something both culturally relevant yet still adventurous enough to capture people's imaginations!

Today, more than four decades later since they first took flight under their original owner/general manager, Dennis Murphy, the San Diego Conquistadores continue making history each time they take the center court– proudly representing not just their city but also our shared heritage as well through its timelessly fitting nickname!

Championship
ABA Championships 0

Arena
1974 – 1975 / San Diego Sports Arena
1973 – 1974 / Golden Hall
1972 – 1973 / Peterson Gym

Owner
1975 / Frank Goldberg
1972 – 1975 / Leonard Bloom

  • 1972
  • 1973
  • San Diego Q's 72-73

    Conquistadors Team Formation

    The franchise was founded by Leonard Bloom as the ABA’s first—and as it turned out, only—expansion team. But a feud between Bloom and Peter Graham, manager of the city-owned 14,400 seats San Diego Sports Arena, led Graham to lock the newborn team out of the facility for two years. By the time the conflict was resolved in the fall of ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Wilt Chamberlian San Diego

    Pulled Off a Coup – Wilt

    After reaching the 1973 ABA Playoffs in their inaugural season, the Q’s seemingly pulled off a coup by paying center Wilt Chamberlain $600,000 to become their player-coach. But the Los Angeles Lakers sued to block their former star from playing for his new team. Relegated to a sideline role, Chamberlain was reduced to an indifferent, 7-foot-1-inch sideshow who once skipped ...
    Read More
    See Full Story

Who is the greatest San Diego Conquistadors?
  • 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 Conquistadors

The San Diego Conquistadors, presently known as San Diego Sails, were a professional basketball team that played in the American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1972 to 1975. The team was founded by Leonard Bloom, who wanted to bring a professional sports franchise to San Diego. The team's name was chosen as an homage to Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, who led an expedition into what is now Panama and became known as "El Conquistador."

During their three-year tenure in the ABA, the Conquistadors had some success on the court. They made it to Western Division Finals during their first season but ultimately fell short against eventual champions Utah Stars. In 1973-74 they finished with a record of 43 wins and 37 losses, earning them third place in division standings, but they lost again in playoffs, this time against Denver Nuggets 4 games out of 7 series length. Despite these successes, however, attendance at home games remained low throughout their existence due largely due poor marketing efforts by the ownership groups and a lack of support from local fans.

Ultimately after 3 seasons playing for ABA, the financial situation became dire; the leading ownership group decided not to renew the contract with the league, thus forcing them to fold before starting the following season. Although brief, San Diego conquistadors left behind a legacy of being one of few teams to play for the American Basketball Association before merging NBA in 1976. Even though most people never heard about this forgotten franchise, today is still remembered fondly among those lucky enough to witness its glory days back early 70s.

Sports Fan Products

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(4655573)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game Men's NBA Official Super Soft Supreme T-Shirt
4.7 out of 5 stars(47517310)
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Sport Shorts, Moisture Wicking, Athletic Shorts, Gym Shorts (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.5 out of 5 stars(45517942)
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(4651111)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Team Helmet NFL Shirt
4.7 out of 5 stars(4754737)
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(4653943)
Buy on Amazon
Team Vintage Style Men's T-Shirt for Baseball Fans
4.6 out of 5 stars(4651004)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game Men's NBA Official Soft Air Mesh Ultimate Basketball Shorts - OG Fit
4.7 out of 5 stars(47517602)
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Fleece Comfortable Hoodie, Sweatshirt for Men (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.7 out of 5 stars(47562139)
Buy on Amazon
MLB Men's Imprint Match Team Color Primary Logo Word Mark T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(465889)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Girls' NFL Team Jersey Dress and Diaper Cover
4.8 out of 5 stars(4855443)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber NFL Unisex Baby Nfl Team Jersey Onesie Bodysuit
4.8 out of 5 stars(4853685)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Baby NFL Team 3 Pack Short Sleeve Onesie Bodysuit
4.7 out of 5 stars(475151)
Buy on Amazon
Campus Colors NCAA Adult Gameday Cotton T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(46516091)
Buy on Amazon
Xtreme Apparrel Cityscape Skyline Men's T-Shirt for Baseball Fans
4.6 out of 5 stars(4654240)
Buy on Amazon
Barnesmith Spirit Logo Adult Unisex Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(4652212)
Buy on Amazon
47 MLB Men's Union Arch Franklin Team Color Primary Logo Word Mark Short Sleeve T-Shirt
4.5 out of 5 stars(455657)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Clothing x NFL - Team Helmet - Kids Short Sleeve Fan Shirt for Boys and Girls - Officially Licensed NFL Apparel
4.7 out of 5 stars(4751627)
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Classic Jersey Muscle Tee, Script Logo
4.5 out of 5 stars(45520769)
Buy on Amazon
MLB Kids Youth 4-20 Official City Headline Arch Logo Team T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(465231)
Buy on Amazon
Messi Boys' Lifestyle Short Sleeve Top, Slim-fit Shirt with Logo, Comfortable
4.7 out of 5 stars(47587)
Buy on Amazon
Team Fan Apparel NFL Adult Gameday T-Shirt - Cotton Blend - Tagless - Semi-Fitted - Unleash Your Team Spirit During Game Day
4.6 out of 5 stars(4659372)
Buy on Amazon
Nike Mens Dri-FIT Short Sleeve Polo Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(4656220)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Baby Girls' NFL Team 3 Pack Short Sleeve Onesie Bodysuit
4.8 out of 5 stars(48561)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food NFL Classic Team Logo T-Shirt
4.5 out of 5 stars(455867)
Buy on Amazon
Auto Amazon Links

STH Greatest Player Polls Banner image NBA Logo

Coaches
1975 / Bill Musselman
1974 – 1975 / Alex Groza and Beryl Shipley
1973 – 1974 / Wilt Chamberlain
1972 – 1973 / K.C. Jones

*Blue is this team’s history

Sports History Group Videos

Sports History Group Videos

Sports News History

Sports News Worth Knowing

RSS Headline News

  • Padres vs. Phillies Game Highlights (6/30/25) | MLB Highlights
  • FC Dallas vs. San Diego FC | Full Match Highlights | Stoppage Time Winner!
  • Reviewing the First Round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft
  • Braves vs. Mets Game Highlights (6/25/25) | MLB Highlights
  • Can the Eagles Repeat? Cam Ward a Natural Leader & More! | The Insiders

Sports Store History

Sports Team Marketplace of Champions!

CFL Logo Battle

STH Prodcut Sale

ABA Teams
Menu
  • Baltimore Claws
    • Memphis Sounds
    • Memphis Tams
    • Memphis Pros
    • New Orleans Buccaneers
  • Denver Nuggets
    • Denver Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Kentucky Colonels
  • New York Nets
    • New Jersey Americans
  • Pittsburgh Condors
    • Minnesota Pipers
    • Pittsburgh Pipers
  • San Antonio Spurs
    • Texas Chaparrals
    • Dallas Chaparrals
  • San Diego Sails
    • San Diego Conquistadors
  • Spirits of St. Louis
    • Carolina Cougars
    • Houston Mavericks
  • The Floridians
    • Miami Floridians
    • Minnesota Muskies
  • Utah Stars
    • Los Angeles Stars
    • Anaheim Amigos
  • Virginia Squires
    • Washington Caps
    • Oakland Oaks
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

Legendary Player Trades That Changed Sports Forever

July 18, 2025

The Fading Roar of the Colonels: Louisville’s Unforgettable ABA Era

July 11, 2025

Top 5 NFL Quarterbacks To Watch In 2025

July 10, 2025

Gridiron Geniuses: The 5 Greatest Head Coaches in NFL History

July 9, 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.