- 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 ...
History of the Jazz
The Utah Jazz has been a staple in the National Basketball Association (NBA) since its inception in 1974. The team has seen its fair share of success and struggles, but no matter what, they always remain competitive. From the early days of Pete Maravich to John Stockton and Karl Malone leading them to two NBA Finals appearances, the Jazz is one of basketball's most beloved franchises.
The Jazz began as an expansion team from New Orleans called “the Pelicans” before relocating to Salt Lake City for their second season in 1975-76 under new ownership and a new name - The Utah Jazz. After some initial growing pains, things started turning around when they drafted Hall-of-Fame guard Pete Maravich with the third overall pick in 1976 – he would go on to lead them into playoff contention for three consecutive seasons from 1977–79 before being traded away before his fourth season with the franchise mainly due financial reasons. During this time frame, however, fans were introduced not only to "Pistol" Pete but also future Hall of Famers Adrian Dantley & Mark Eaton, who both played significant roles during these years as well, which helped set up what was yet to come down the road ahead for this organization over next several decades that followed.
In 1983 John Stockton joined Karl Malone on the roster after being drafted by Jazz 16th overall. Together created one of the greatest duos ever witnessed in league history, leading the way 4 conference championships and 2 NBA finals appearances while becoming the all-time leader in assists and steals, respectively, throughout the 20-year playing career tandem. Although never able to win the championship title end day despite coming close twice late 90s against Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan dynasty teams, it still stands testament greatness combination brought table help make Utah Jazz a household name within sports basketball worldwide.
Jazz Products
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 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.
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 Smith
2009 – 2020 / Greg and Gail Miller
1986 – 2009 / Larry Miller
1985 – 1986 / Sam Battistone and Larry Miller
1974 – 1985 / Sam Battistone
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.
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
