Charlotte Bobcats
The Charlotte Bobcats are an Americann basketball team which will play in the National Basketball Association starting in 2004-05. The team is located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Founded: January 10, 2003
- Formerly known as:
- Home Arena: Charlotte Coliseum 2004-05, New Uptown Arena 2005
- Uniform colors: Orange, blue, black and silver.
- Logo design: Side profile of an orange bobcat.
Franchise history
When the Charlotte Hornets moved to New Orleans for the 2002-03 season, the city successfully managed to have the NBA award the town an expansion team for the 2004-05 season. Several ownership groups, including one led by former Boston Celtics star Larry Bird, made bids for this team. In the end, a group led by BET multi-millionaire Robert L. Johnson won out. Johnson is the first prominent African-American owner in U.S. sports. The "Bobcats" nickname is said to be based on him.The team will play in the Eastern Conference. They will play in the new division that will also include the Miami Heat, the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, and the Washington Wizards. The NBA has confirmed that the Hornets will move to the Western Conference.