Charlotte, NC – The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved a name changing application that will allow the Charlotte Bobcats to revert back to the Charlotte Hornets for the start of the 2014-15 season.
The initial NBA franchise in Charlotte was named the Hornets and resided in the city from 1988 until moving to New Orleans in 2002. Two years later, the league awarded the expansion Bobcats to Charlotte.
Charlotte jumped at reclaiming the name after the franchise in New Orleans changed its moniker to the Pelicans this offseason, with Bobcats Sports & Entertainment chairman Michael Jordan filing to officially change the name back in May.
"We're thrilled to bring back the Hornets to Charlotte and the Carolinas," said Jordan. "The passion and enthusiasm around this name change by fans in this market has been unmatched. They overwhelmingly told us what they wanted, we listened and we couldn't be happier with the Board of Governors' approval of the name change. With the young team we are developing on the court, the direction of our business and the return of the Hornets name, we are extremely excited about our future. The Buzz is Back!"
The city of Charlotte saw much more success with the team as the Hornets than it ever did with the Bobcats. The Hornets made the playoffs in seven of their 14 seasons, while the Bobcats made just one postseason appearance from 2004-13.
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