Established
1972
City
San Diego
League History
1972 – 1975 / American Basketball Association
Team History
1975 / San Diego Sails
1972 – 1975 / San Diego Conquistadors
Nickname
Sails – The San Diego Sails are among the most iconic teams in the American Basketball Association (ABA). The team has been around since 1967 and is known for its solid fan base, talented players, and unique nickname. With a name like "Sails," it's no surprise that many people have wondered where this nickname originated.
The origin of the San Diego Sails' nickname can be traced back to their original owner, Bob Breitbard. When he purchased the franchise in 1967, he wanted to give it a nautical theme reflecting his hometown’s maritime heritage. He chose “Sailors” as an homage to sailors who had traveled through San Diego Bay throughout history—a fitting tribute from someone with such deep ties to his city!
However, when Breitbart presented this idea at league meetings, some members found it too long and suggested replacing “sailors” with just “sails." This was accepted by all parties involved, so it eventually became official: The ABA welcomed its newest team—the San Diego Sails!
Over time, they've become synonymous with basketball excellence on California's west coast and one of America's premier sports franchises, boasting two championships in both leagues (ABA & NBA). For any sports fan looking for an exciting game experience or wanting to learn more about the origins behind their favorite professional basketball team - look no further than our beloved San Diego Sails!
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
- 1975
- 1976
-
New Nickname “Sails”
Bloom sold the franchise during the summer of 1975 to Frank Goldberg, a former co-owner of the successful Denver Nuggets franchise. Goldberg started anew, renaming the team the San Diego Sails for 1975 – 1976. Goldberg hired former University of Minnesota coach Bill Musselman and, with a completely different roster, color scheme, set of uniforms, and just about everything else, ... -
Sails Demise
After the Sails’ demise, the club’s roster was put out to auction among the ABA’s eight remaining clubs. Guard Bo Lamar, and big men Mark Olberding and Dave Robisch were the only Sails players to receive bids. The exception was the team’s best player, All-Star center Caldwell Jones. ABA Commissioner Dave DeBusschere held Jones out of the auction as a ...
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 Sails
The San Diego Sails, previously known as the San Diego Conquistadors, were a professional basketball team in the American Basketball Association (ABA) from 1972 to 1975. The team played home games at the San Diego Sports Arena in downtown San Diego. Founded by former NBA player Dennis Awtrey and businessman Frank Goldberg, the Sails, formerly known as the Conquistadors, was an expansion franchise that joined the ABA for its sixth season of play.
During their time in existence, they had some success on the court but ultimately failed to make much of an impact due to financial difficulties and instability within ownership groups. While they won more than half of their total games between 1973-1975 - including two division titles - attendance was never excellent as fans could not connect with a transient roster featuring players who often left after one or two seasons with little fanfare or loyalty from supporters.
Ultimately, it wasn't enough as poor management decisions led them into bankruptcy in 1975, leading them out of existence after just three years playing in California's second largest city at that time. However, despite this brief stint, there are still fond memories among those who watched them live back then, which is why many sports fans still remember what could have been if circumstances had been different for this beloved franchise even today!
Sports Fan Products
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