The Utah Jazz history traces back to 1974 when the franchise began as the New Orleans Jazz before relocating to Salt Lake City. Over time, Utah Jazz basketball has developed a reputation for excellence, featuring legendary players and unforgettable playoff runs. This tradition of skill and teamwork continues to inspire fans across generations.
Established
1974
City
New Orleans – Salt Lake City
League History
1974 – Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
1979 – Present / Utah Jazz
1974 – 1979 / New Orleans Jazz
Nickname
Jazz – The Utah Jazz history have been one of the most successful franchises in the NBA for decades, but did you know their name has an interesting origin story? The team was initially founded in 1974 as the New Orleans Jazz. Led by legendary coach and Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan, they made it to two Western Conference Finals before relocating to Salt Lake City in 1979.
Utah Jazz Origin
The new owners wanted a fresh start with a new identity. They decided on “Jazz” because it reflected both New Orleans's heritage (the city is known for its jazz music) and Utah's love of outdoor activities (particularly skiing). The nickname also fits perfectly with their iconic logo featuring five stars representing each state within the Rocky Mountain region: Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, Montana & Utah.
Since then, “Jazz” has become synonymous with basketball excellence thanks to players like John Stockton & Karl Malone, who helped lead them to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances during the late 90s/early 2000s. Even today, fans from all over can be seen wearing their favorite blue & green gear proudly at every home game!
Championship
NBA Championships 0
Arena
2023 - Present / Delta Center
2015 – 2023 / Vivint Smart Home Arena
2006 – 2015 / EnergySolutions Arena
1991 – 2005 / Delta Center
1979 – 1991 / Salt Palace
*New Orleans*
1975 – 1979 / Louisiana Superdome
1974 – 1975 / Municipal Auditorium & Loyola Field House
Owner
2020 - Present / Ryan and Ashley Smith
2009 – 2020 / Greg and Gail Miller
1986 – 2009 / Larry Miller
1985 – 1986 / Sam Battistone and Larry Miller
1974 – 1985 / Sam Battistone
- 1979
- 1984 - 2003
- 1985
Moving to Utah
Despite being barely competitive, the Jazz drew well during their first five years. However, by 1979 the franchise was sinking financially. Barry Mendelson, the team’s executive vice president for most of the early years, said one factor in the financial trouble was an 11 percent amusement tax, the highest in the nation at the time. The team also couldn’t attract ...
Stockton and Malone era – Two Finals Losses
The Jazz was finally able to capitalize on regular-season success. In 1996 – 1997, the Jazz had their best record in franchise history (64–18), and won the Midwest Division, and finished with the best record in the Western Conference. The team was made up of the players, Stockton, Malone, and Hornacek, as well as Bryon Russell, Antoine Carr, Howard Eisley, ...
New Owner Larry Miller
Miller became a co-owner of the Utah Jazz when he purchased a 50% interest in the team on April 11, 1985, for $9.5 million. On June 16, 1986, he purchased the remaining 50% from Sam Battistone for $17.3 million. Miller built the Vivint Smart Home Arena (formerly the Delta Center) in downtown Salt Lake City to house the Jazz NBA ...
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.
Utah Jazz History
The Utah Jazz history traces back to 1974, when the franchise was introduced as the New Orleans Jazz. The team relocated to Salt Lake City for the 1979–80 season and has remained an integral part of the NBA ever since. Known for its passionate fan base and consistent performance, the Utah Jazz basketball franchise has built a lasting legacy.
Originally formed in New Orleans, the team’s early years were highlighted by the legendary Pete Maravich, who became one of the first stars to define its style. After the relocation to Utah, the franchise steadily grew in prominence. Hall of Famers Adrian Dantley and Mark Eaton helped shape the team’s identity, laying the foundation for the success that would follow.
The arrival of John Stockton and Karl Malone in the 1980s turned the Utah Jazz into perennial contenders. This duo’s chemistry led to multiple division titles, four Western Conference championships, and two NBA Finals appearances in the late 1990s. Although they fell short against Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, their achievements remain some of the most memorable moments in Utah Jazz basketball history.
Utah Jazz Achievements
Under head coaches like Jerry Sloan and later Quin Snyder, the Jazz established themselves as one of the league’s most consistent playoff teams. With stars such as Deron Williams, Rudy Gobert, and Donovan Mitchell, they maintained a reputation for elite defense and disciplined play, frequently finishing near the top of the Western Conference standings.
The Utah Jazz history includes an impressive record of success. The franchise has captured multiple division titles, with dominant stretches in the 1990s and 2010s. John Stockton became the NBA’s all-time leader in assists and steals, while Karl Malone ranked second in all-time points scored.
More recently, the team finished the 2020–21 season with the NBA’s best record, earning another division title and advancing deep into the playoffs. With a loyal fan base and a culture built on teamwork, the Utah Jazz basketball franchise continues to stand as one of the league’s most respected and enduring organizations.
Retired Number
1 / Frank Layden
4 / Adrian Dantley
7 / Pete Maravich
9 / Larry H. Miller
12 / John Stockton
14 / Jeff Hornacek
32 / Karl Malone
35 / Darrell Griffith
53 / Mark Eaton
1223 / Jerry Sloan
– / “Hot” Rod Hundley
*Blue is this team’s history