Timeline of NBA Franchise Expansions

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has undergone significant changes since its inception, particularly in terms of franchise expansions. This timeline outlines the key moments in the expansion of NBA franchises, detailing the addition of new teams and the evolution of the league.

Early Years

The NBA was founded in 1946 as the Basketball Association of America (BAA) before merging with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949 to become the NBA. The league started with 11 teams.

• 1946: 11 original teams established.
• 1949: The BAA merged with the NBL, adding 3 teams.

1950s: The First Expansions

The first major expansion of the NBA occurred in the 1950s, as the league sought to grow its popularity and reach.

Year	Team	City
1950	Philadelphia Warriors	Philadelphia
1951	Fort Wayne Pistons	Fort Wayne
1952	Rochester Royals	Rochester

1960s: The Rise of New Teams

The 1960s saw the introduction of several new franchises as the NBA sought to establish itself as a major professional sports league.

• 1961: The NBA expanded to St. Louis.
• 1966: The league added the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers.

1970s: The ABA-NBA Merger

The merger with the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1976 significantly changed the landscape of the NBA.

Year	Team	City
1976	San Antonio Spurs	San Antonio
1976	New Jersey Nets	New Jersey
1976	Denver Nuggets	Denver

1980s: Continued Growth

Throughout the 1980s, the NBA continued to expand, adding teams in various cities across the United States.

• 1980: The Indiana Pacers joined the league.
• 1988: The Charlotte Hornets were established.

1990s: The Emergence of New Franchises

The 1990s marked a significant period of expansion, with several new franchises entering the league.

Year	Team	City
1995	Toronto Raptors	Toronto
1995	Vancouver Grizzlies	Vancouver
1996	Orlando Magic	Orlando

2000s: The Modern Era

In the 2000s, the NBA continued to grow with the addition of teams and the globalization of basketball.

• 2004: The Charlotte Bobcats were established as an expansion team.
• 2008: The NBA held its first game in China, marking its international expansion.

2010s: New Opportunities

The 2010s saw a focus on international growth and the establishment of new franchises.

Year	Team	City
2012	Brooklyn Nets	Brooklyn
2018	Memphis Grizzlies	Memphis

2020s: Recent Developments

As of the 2020s, the NBA continues to explore opportunities for expansion, with discussions about potential new teams in various cities.

• 2021: Reports emerged regarding potential expansion to Las Vegas and Sacramento.
• 2023: Ongoing discussions about the feasibility of new franchises continue, with no formal announcements yet made.

Conclusion

The timeline of NBA franchise expansions reflects the league's growth and adaptation over the years. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a global sports powerhouse, the NBA has continually sought to expand its reach and influence in the world of basketball.

As the league looks to the future, it remains to be seen how many more teams will join the ranks of the NBA and where they will be located. The history of expansion is a testament to the enduring popularity of basketball and the NBA's commitment to bringing the game to new audiences.