⏱️ 5 min read

Sports franchises are often synonymous with their iconic names, but many beloved teams we know today weren’t always called by their current monikers. Throughout sports history, numerous professional teams have undergone name changes for various reasons, including relocations, rebranding efforts, cultural sensitivities, and ownership changes. These transformations reveal fascinating stories about the evolution of sports culture and society itself.

The Washington Commanders: A Recent High-Profile Change

One of the most significant and recent name changes in professional sports occurred when the Washington Football Team became the Washington Commanders in 2022. However, this franchise’s naming journey stretches back much further. The team was originally known as the Boston Braves when founded in 1932, then became the Boston Redskins in 1933 before relocating to Washington in 1937. After decades of controversy and pressure from various groups, the team retired its former name in 2020, spending two seasons as the Washington Football Team before settling on the Commanders name.

The New York Jets: From Titans to Jets

The New York Jets began their existence as the New York Titans when they joined the American Football League in 1960. The team struggled financially and competitively during its early years, leading to new ownership in 1963. The new owners rebranded the team as the Jets, a name chosen to reflect the jet age and the team’s proximity to LaGuardia Airport. The change proved successful, as the Jets would go on to win Super Bowl III just six years later under the legendary Joe Namath.

Major League Baseball’s Rich History of Name Changes

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s Identity Crisis

Few teams have experienced as many name variations as the Angels franchise. Founded in 1961 as the Los Angeles Angels, the team became the California Angels in 1965 after moving to Anaheim. In 1997, they were renamed the Anaheim Angels, then became the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2005, a compromise that satisfied ownership’s desire for Los Angeles marketing while acknowledging their Anaheim location. Most recently, they’ve simplified to the Los Angeles Angels, though they still play in Anaheim.

The Atlanta Braves’ Nomadic Journey

The Atlanta Braves franchise boasts one of the longest and most complex naming histories in professional sports. The team was founded in 1871 as the Boston Red Stockings, later becoming the Boston Beaneaters, then the Boston Doves, the Boston Rustlers, and finally the Boston Braves in 1912. The franchise moved to Milwaukee in 1953, becoming the Milwaukee Braves, where they won the 1957 World Series. Their final relocation came in 1966 when they moved to Atlanta, where they’ve remained ever since.

Basketball Transformations Across the NBA

The New Orleans Pelicans’ Recent Rebrand

The New Orleans Pelicans were known as the New Orleans Hornets until 2013. The Hornets name had originally belonged to Charlotte before that franchise relocated to New Orleans in 2002. When Charlotte was awarded a new expansion team in 2004, they were initially called the Bobcats. In a unique arrangement, when New Orleans changed to the Pelicans in 2013, the Hornets name and history were returned to Charlotte, and the Bobcats became the Hornets once again in 2014.

The Philadelphia 76ers’ Revolutionary Name

The Philadelphia 76ers began as the Syracuse Nationals in 1946, one of the founding teams of the NBA. When the franchise relocated to Philadelphia in 1963, ownership chose the name 76ers to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776. This patriotic rebranding helped establish the team’s identity in their new city.

Hockey’s Notable Name Changes

The Colorado Avalanche’s Quebec Origins

The Colorado Avalanche was originally the Quebec Nordiques, a franchise with deep roots in French-Canadian culture. When the team relocated to Denver in 1995, they adopted the Avalanche name, reflecting Colorado’s mountainous terrain and the danger of avalanches in the region. The change proved immediately successful, as the team won the Stanley Cup in their first season in Colorado.

The Arizona Coyotes’ Journey from Winnipeg

The Arizona Coyotes franchise originated as the Winnipeg Jets, one of the original World Hockey Association teams that joined the NHL in 1979. Financial difficulties forced the team to relocate to Phoenix in 1996, where they became the Phoenix Coyotes. The name was changed to Arizona Coyotes in 2014 to represent a broader geographic market. Ironically, Winnipeg would later receive a new NHL franchise in 2011, which reclaimed the Jets name.

Why Teams Change Their Names

Understanding the motivations behind team name changes reveals much about sports business and cultural evolution. Common reasons include:

• Geographic relocation: Teams moving to new cities typically adopt names that resonate with their new fan base and regional identity
• Marketing and branding: Organizations seek names that appeal to broader audiences and create stronger merchandise opportunities
• Cultural sensitivity: Growing awareness of offensive or inappropriate names has prompted several recent changes
• Ownership changes: New owners often rebrand teams to signal a fresh start and differentiate from previous regimes
• Legal issues: Trademark disputes or copyright concerns sometimes necessitate name modifications

The Impact on Fans and Legacy

Name changes can be emotionally challenging for longtime fans who have deep connections to traditional identities. Teams must balance honoring their history while embracing new identities. Some franchises successfully integrate their past into new branding, while others make clean breaks. Regardless of approach, these changes become part of the rich tapestry of sports history, creating interesting trivia and reminding us that even our most beloved institutions continue to evolve with the times.