2002 Relocation to New Orleans
From Charlotte to the Crescent City, a franchise finds its permanent home.
The 2002 relocation marks the pivotal moment when the NBA franchise arrived in New Orleans, transitioning from the Charlotte Hornets to become the city's professional basketball home. While officially known as the Hornets at the time, this era established the physical and cultural foundation for what would later become the New Orleans Pelicans.
- Relocation Year
- 2002
- Previous City
- Charlotte
- Owner
- George Shinn
- First Arena
- New Orleans Arena
- Displacement Period
- 2005-2007
- Rebranding Year
- 2013
- Franchise Status
- NBA Member
Lore & Background
This era represents the survival of the franchise against economic headwinds. Moving south was controversial among North Carolina fans but secured the team's financial future in a market hungry for major league sports. The arrival brought prestige and excitement back to New Orleans after years without an NBA presence, creating a deep bond between the players and the local community.
The resilience forged during this time is legendary. When Hurricane Katrina devastated the region in 2005, the team did not abandon the city. Instead, they played home games in Oklahoma City while keeping their identity intact, proving their commitment to New Orleans was more than just business. This loyalty laid the groundwork for the eventual rebranding to the Pelicans.
In Their Own Story
The lights dimmed over The Arena at Riverfront as the first crowd gathered for a new beginning. The air smelled of fresh paint and anticipation, a stark contrast to the uncertainty that had driven the move from Charlotte two years prior. On the hardwood, players in teal and purple warmed up, unaware that this city would soon face its greatest test, but already feeling the pulse of a fanbase ready to embrace them.
Reader's Guide
In January 2002, owner George Shinn announced the franchise would leave Charlotte for New Orleans, seeking better financial stability and market growth. The 2002-03 season marked their debut at the newly constructed New Orleans Arena, bringing professional basketball back to the Crescent City after a long absence.
Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005, forcing a temporary displacement. For two seasons, the team played home games in Oklahoma City while maintaining their New Orleans identity and name. This resilience kept the franchise alive until they returned to the rebuilt arena in 2007. The move solidified New Orleans as the permanent home base for this specific NBA lineage.
Eventually, the need to distinguish from the Charlotte expansion team led to a rebranding. In 2013, the Hornets officially became the Pelicans, honoring the local bird and cementing their unique identity separate from their North Carolina roots. This relocation era remains the bedrock upon which the modern franchise stands today.
Did You Know?
- The team played home games in Oklahoma City during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons due to Hurricane Katrina damage.
- The name 'Pelicans' was not adopted until 2013, though the franchise has been based in New Orleans since 2002.
- Charlotte received a new expansion team in 2014, officially separating the two franchises' histories and identities.
- The original arena used for the relocation was simply known as The Arena before being renamed multiple times.