When examining the history of the New Orleans Pelicans, it is impossible to ignore the fact that the franchise currently playing in the NBA did not always carry this iconic name. Understanding what the New Orleans Pelicans used to be called requires a journey back to the year 2002, when the city first received an expansion team. This original identity set the stage for a complex and fascinating evolution involving relocation, legal battles, and the resurrection of a historic nickname that had long been dormant in the city.
The Birth of the Hornets: 2002
When the NBA expanded into the Crescent City in 2002, the team was introduced as the New Orleans Hornets. This choice was deeply rooted in the city’s culture and geography, reflecting the industrious and resilient nature often attributed to the stinging insect. The nickname was a point of pride for the community, and the team quickly became a central part of the local identity during their early years in the league.
The Relocation to Oklahoma City
The trajectory of the franchise took a dramatic turn in 2005 following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Facing uninsurable losses and an unsustainable situation in New Orleans, the league approved the temporary relocation of the franchise to Oklahoma City for the 2005–06 season. During this period, the team remained known as the Hornets, creating a unique scenario where the name referred to a squad playing over a thousand miles from its intended home.
The Charlotte Interlude
While New Orleans was temporarily without basketball, the Hornets name was not sitting idle. The Charlotte franchise, which had previously been known as the Charlotte Bobcats, was in a state of transition. Seeking to reconnect with the city’s basketball heritage—which included hosting games for the original Hornets years prior—the organization reclaimed the Hornets name for the 2014–15 season. This resulted in a peculiar situation where the New Orleans team was officially called the Pelicans, while the Charlotte team carried the Hornets moniker.
The Rebranding to the Pelicans
Seeking to establish a distinct identity and honor the unique avian species native to the Louisiana wetlands, the franchise officially changed its name to the New Orleans Pelicans prior to the 2013–14 season. This rebranding marked a decisive break from the Hornets era, aiming to create a forward-looking identity that was specifically tied to the geography and biodiversity of the Gulf Coast region.
The Legal Battle and Restoration
The transition was not merely cosmetic; it involved significant legal wrangling over intellectual property. The Pelicans ultimately won the rights to the Hornets nickname and history, which allowed the Charlotte team to revert to the Hornets name in 2014. This resolution ensured that the legacy of the original 2002 franchise could be fully revived in New Orleans, allowing the city to reclaim its buzzing mascot without confusion.
