The San Francisco Warriors history represents a pivotal chapter in the NBA. Originally the Philadelphia Warriors, the team relocated to San Francisco in 1962 and became a key force in West Coast basketball. During this time, the San Francisco Warriors basketball legacy grew, with stars like Wilt Chamberlain leaving an unforgettable mark on the franchise’s journey.
Established
1946
City
Philadelphia – San Francisco – Oakland - San Francisco
League History
1949 – Present / National Basketball Association
1946 – 1949 / Basketball Association of America
Team History
1971 – Present / Golden State Warriors
1962 – 1971 / San Francisco Warriors
1946 – 1962 / Philadelphia Warriors
Nickname
Warriors – The San Francisco Warriors have been a beloved basketball team since their inception in 1946. The team underwent many changes over the years, including name changes and relocation from Philadelphia to San Francisco in 1962. But one thing that has remained constant is the nickname “Warriors,” which dates back to their original founding.
The name “Warriors” can be traced back to an article by NBA founder Danny Biasone for his newspaper, The National Sports Daily News, in 1947. In this article, he referred to a group of players as "the Warriors" because they were so determined and aggressive on the court - traits associated with warriors throughout history! This was widely accepted by fans at the time, leading them to adopt it as an official nickname for Philadelphia's professional basketball franchise when they joined what would become known as NBA (National Basketball Association).
San Francisco Warriors Origin
As time passed, other teams adopted similar names, such as Knicks or Lakers, but none had the same impact or staying power as the Warriors did! When the team relocated west coast city of San Francisco in 1962 new era began not only geographically but also culturally: Bay Area embraced its own identity distinct from any other region or country – something which still holds today! With that came a rebranding effort to solidify this unique regional spirit culminating adoption Golden State moniker 1966-67 season; however, despite the change in the official title, some diehard fans will always refer to them simply as 'San Fran' or affectionately 'Dub Nation.' Despite all these shifts, one thing remains unchanged: fierce determination characterizes every player who ever donned a teal blue jersey playing under a banner iconic logo reading 'We Believe!'
Championship
NBA Championships 0
2018, 2017, 2015, 1975, 1956
Basketball Association of America Championship 0
1947
Arena
2020 - Present / Chase Center
*Oakland*
2006 – 2019 / Oracle Arena
2005 – 2006 / Oakland Arena
1997 – 2005 / The Arena in Oakland
1971 – 1996 / Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena
*San Francisco*
1966 – 1971 / Cow Palace
1964 – 1966 / San Francisco Civic Auditorium & USF War Memorial Gymnasium
1962 – 1964 / Cow Palace
*Philadelphia*
1952 – 1962 / Philadelphia Convention Hall
1946 – 1962 / Philadelphia Arena
Owner
2010 – Present / Peter Guber and Joe Lacob
1995 – 2010 / Chris Cohan
1986 – 1995 / Jim Fitzgerald
1962 – 1986 / Franklin Mieuli
1952 – 1962 / Eddie Gottlieb
1946 – 1952 / Pete Tyrell
- 1962
- 1963
- 1967
- 1971
-
Franklin Mieuli Purchase and Move to SF
In 1962, Franklin Mieuli purchased the majority shares of the team and relocated the franchise to the San Francisco Bay Area, renaming them the San Francisco Warriors. The Warriors played most of their home games at the Cow Palace in Daly City (the facility lies just south of the San Francisco city limits) from 1962 to 1964 and the San ... -
Nate Thurmond Drafted
Nate Thurmond was drafted by the San Francisco Warriors (now known as the Golden State Warriors) in the 1963 NBA draft. As a rookie, he mainly played a supporting role alongside Hall of Fame center Wilt Chamberlain. Thurmond averaged 7 points and 10.4 rebounds in his first NBA season and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1964. After ... -
Rick Barry Leaves for the ABA
Angered by management’s failure to pay him certain incentive bonuses he felt were due him, Rick Barry sat out the 1967 – 1968 season and signed with the Oakland Oaks of the rival American Basketball Association for the following year, but after four seasons in the ABA rejoined the Warriors in 1972. During Barry’s absence, the Warriors were no longer ... -
New Brand Name
The franchise adopted its brand name Golden State Warriors prior to the 1971 – 1972 season, in order to suggest that the team represented the entire state of California. Almost all home games were played in Oakland that season; six were played in San Diego, but none in San Francisco or Daly City. Oakland Arena became the team’s exclusive home ...
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 Francisco Warriors History
The San Francisco Warriors history begins with their founding as the Philadelphia Warriors in 1946, one of the charter members of the Basketball Association of America, which later became the NBA. In 1962, the franchise relocated to California and was renamed the San Francisco Warriors basketball team, marking a new chapter while keeping its winning tradition alive.
Throughout the San Francisco Warriors history, the team built a reputation for exciting play and star talent. Legendary players such as Wilt Chamberlain, Nate Thurmond, and Rick Barry wore the Warriors jersey during this era. The team reached the NBA Finals in 1964 and again in 1967, cementing their place as a powerhouse of 1960s basketball. This period helped shape the legacy that still defines the franchise today.
Warriors Achievements
In terms of achievements, the San Francisco Warriors basketball team captured the 1975 NBA Championship under coach Al Attles, defeating the heavily favored Washington Bullets in one of the biggest upsets in Finals history. This victory made the Warriors one of the most successful teams of the decade, adding to their already strong record of Finals appearances and division titles during the 1960s and 1970s.
The legacy of the San Francisco Warriors history also set the stage for future dominance after the franchise became the Golden State Warriors in 1971. Since then, the team has added multiple championships and broken league records under coach Steve Kerr, led by stars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. This modern dynasty stands on the foundation built during the original San Francisco years.
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Retired Number
13 / Wilt Chamberlain
14 / Tom Meschery
16 / Al Attles
17 / Chris Mullin
24 / Rick Barry
42 / Nate Thurmond
*Blue is this team’s history