The Utah Jazz known for outstanding basketball, legendary players, Hall of Fame coaches, and some of the most memorable teams in league history. Founded in 1974 as the New Orleans Jazz, the franchise moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1979. Although the team’s name originated in New Orleans, the Jazz developed their greatest basketball identity in Utah, where they became perennial contenders and reached the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998. Despite never winning an NBA championship, the Jazz built a remarkable legacy through the brilliance of Karl Malone and John Stockton, the leadership of head coach Jerry Sloan, and the loyal support of their fans. This history covers the franchise’s owners, every home arena, Basketball Hall of Fame members associated with the Jazz, NBA Rookie of the Year and NBA Rookie of the Year awards, and the people who made the franchise great. Complete History of Utah Jazz Owners The Jazz have had several ownership arrangements since their founding. The following is a chronological overview of the principal owners and controlling ownership groups. Original ownership: Sam Battistone and partners (1974–1985) The franchise was established in New Orleans in 1974 under businessman Sam Battistone and his ownership partners. The team began NBA play in the 1974–75 season. The New Orleans years featured exciting players, including Pete Maravich, but the franchise struggled with attendance and financial stability. Those challenges eventually contributed to the decision to relocate the team to Utah in 1979. Larry H. Miller and the Miller family (1985–2020) Larry H. Miller purchased a 50 percent interest in the Jazz in 1985. In 1986, he acquired the remaining interest and took full control of the franchise. Miller became one of the most influential owners in Jazz history. His commitment to keeping the team in Utah helped establish the stability necessary for the franchise to become a Western Conference powerhouse. Under the Miller family’s stewardship, the Jazz: Reached the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998. Developed the legendary Stockton-to-Malone pick-and-roll partnership. Established a long-standing home at the Delta Center. Built a reputation for organizational stability and passionate fan support. After Larry Miller died in 2009, his wife, Gail Miller, continued the family’s leadership. In 2017, the team was placed in a Legacy Trust designed to support its long-term future in Utah. The Miller family’s ownership era ended when the majority interest was sold in 2020. Ryan Smith and Smith Entertainment Group (2020–present) Ryan Smith and his wife, Ashley Smith, acquired a majority interest in the franchise in 2020 through Smith Entertainment Group. Ryan Smith grew up as a Jazz fan and took over with a commitment to Utah and its basketball community. The new ownership era brought renewed attention to the fan experience, arena development, and the organization’s long-term future. The ownership transition marked the end of more than three decades of Miller family control and began a new chapter for the franchise. Every Arena the Jazz Have Called Home The Jazz have played in arenas in two cities: New Orleans, Louisiana, and Salt Lake City, Utah. New Orleans era 1. Municipal Auditorium — New Orleans, Louisiana (1974–1975) The Jazz played their inaugural NBA season at Municipal Auditorium, a historic indoor venue that hosted the team’s early games. 2. Loyola Field House — New Orleans, Louisiana (1974–1975) Loyola Field House was also used for home games during the franchise’s inaugural season. 3. Louisiana Superdome — New Orleans, Louisiana (1975–1979) The Superdome became the franchise’s principal home during the later New Orleans years. Its enormous capacity provided a striking setting, but the Jazz struggled to attract the consistent crowds needed for long-term financial stability. Utah era 4. Salt Palace — Salt Lake City, Utah (1979–1991) When the Jazz relocated to Utah in 1979, the Salt Palace became their home. The team gradually developed a stronger following in Salt Lake City and began building the identity that would define the franchise. 5. Delta Center — Salt Lake City, Utah (1991–2006) The new Delta Center opened in 1991 and became the setting for the Jazz’s greatest era. The arena hosted the home games of the Stockton-to-Malone teams that won Western Conference championships in 1997 and 1998. EnergySolutions Arena — Salt Lake City, Utah (2006–2015) A naming-rights change temporarily replaced the Delta Center name. The arena remained the home of the Jazz throughout this period. 7. Vivint Smart Home Arena — Salt Lake City, Utah (2015–2020) The arena adopted another new name while continuing to host Jazz basketball. 8. Vivint Arena — Salt Lake City, Utah (2020–2023) The shorter Vivint Arena name was used during the early years of the Smith ownership era. 9. Delta Center — Salt Lake City, Utah (2023–present) The arena returned to the Delta Center name in 2023, restoring the name most closely associated with the franchise’s historic teams. Note: EnergySolutions Arena and Vivint Smart Home Arena/Vivint Arena were successive names for the same Salt Lake City building, not separa0te arenas. Basketball Hall of Fame Members Associated With the Jazz John Stockton – Class of 2009 John Stockton is widely considered one of the greatest point guards in basketball history. he spent his entire NBA career with the Jazz from 1984 to 2003. Karl Malone – Class 0f 2010 Karl Malone was the central scoring force of Utah’s greatest teams. Nicknamed “The Mailman,” he combined strength, consistency, and a devastating midrange game. Malone won two NBA Most Valuable Player awards as a… Continue reading Utah Jazz History:
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Charlotte Hornets History: Owners, Home Arenas, Hall of Famers, Awards and Legacy
Charlotte Hornets History: The next stage of the team’s history will be judged by whether it can turn individual talent into a consistent winner, advance beyond the early playoff rounds, and ultimately compete for an NBA championship. Charlotte has the arena, the history, and the support to remain an important NBA market. The next challenge is establishing the winning tradition that has eluded the franchise. NBA report on the 2023 ownership change NBA franchise records and Hall of Fame listings Editorial note: The Hall of Fame section distinguishes players who appeared for Charlotte from those whose Hall of Fame induction was primarily based on their Hornets achievements. Awards and Legacy The Charlotte Hornets are one of the NBA’s most recognizable franchises, known for their distinctive teal and purple colors, passionate Carolina fan base, and exciting players. From the original team’s arrival in 1988 to the return of the Hornets name in 2014, the franchise has experienced remarkable popularity, ownership changes, memorable playoff runs, and the continuing pursuit of its first NBA championship. Although the Hornets have yet to reach the NBA Finals, their history includes outstanding players, Hall of Fame talent, memorable coaches, and one of the most recognizable identities in professional basketball. This article covers the franchise’s ownership, home arenas, Basketball Hall of Fame players who wore the Hornets uniform, NBA awards won as Hornets, and the people who have shaped its legacy. The Beginning of the Charlotte Hornets Charlotte joined the NBA as an expansion franchise for the 1988–89 season. Businessman George Shinn led the effort to bring professional basketball to Charlotte, North Carolina. The original Hornets quickly developed a loyal following. Their teal-and-purple identity, colorful uniforms, and exciting basketball helped make the team a major part of Charlotte’s sporting culture. The team’s early years included the development of young stars such as Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning, and Muggsy Bogues. During the 1990s, the Hornets became a competitive playoff team and one of the NBA’s most popular young franchises. However, disputes over a new arena and the team’s relationship with the city eventually led to relocation. In 2002, the franchise moved to New Orleans, taking its basketball history with it. Charlotte received a replacement expansion franchise, the Charlotte Bobcats, which began play in 2004. The Bobcats became the Charlotte Hornets again in 2014, restoring the name and much of the identity associated with the original team. The NBA’s franchise history therefore requires an important distinction: the original Hornets moved to New Orleans, while the present Charlotte franchise began as the Bobcats. All Charlotte Hornets and Bobcats Principal Owners. The ownership history reflects the franchise’s transition from its original expansion years to the Bobcats era and the present-day Hornets organization. Owner or ownership group Years Significance George Shinn 1988–2002 Founding owner of the original Charlotte Hornets. Robert L. Johnson 2002–2010 Founded the Charlotte Bobcats expansion franchise and became its first principal owner. Michael Jordan 2010–2023 Took majority control of the Bobcats in 2010 and oversaw the return of the Hornets name in 2014. Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall 2023–present Led the group that acquired majority control from Jordan in August 2023. Ray Wooldridge was also a significant partner in the original Hornets’ ownership during its later period. The modern ownership group includes additional investors, such as former minority investors and public figures J. Cole and Michael Jordan’s ownership was particularly historic: he became the first former NBA player to become the majority owner of an NBA franchise. His tenure also brought the Hornets name back to Charlotte, although the team did not win a playoff series during his majority-ownership era. In August 2023, the sale of the majority stake to the group led by Plotkin and Schnall was finalized. Jordan retained a minority investment. Plotkin and Schnall became co-chairmen of Hornets Sports & Entertainment, with the team’s governorship arranged to rotate between them. All Arenas Called Home by the Hornets The franchise has played its home games in two principal buildings in Charlotte, although the current arena has operated under several names. Arena name Years used Historical significance Charlotte Coliseum 1988–2002 Home of the original Hornets and their most successful 1990s seasons. Charlotte Coliseum 2004–2005 Temporary home of the newly established Charlotte Bobcats. Charlotte Bobcats Arena 2005–2008 New downtown arena opened for the Bobcats. Time Warner Cable Arena 2008–2016 Renamed during the Bobcats era and the early return of the Hornets identity. Spectrum Center 2016–present Current downtown Charlotte home arena. The original Charlotte Coliseum became famous for its atmosphere and large crowds. The move to the downtown arena brought the franchise into a modern basketball and entertainment facility closer to Charlotte’s city center. The current venue is known as Spectrum Center. It also hosted the 2019 NBA All-Star Game, a major event for the franchise and the city. Basketball Hall of Fame: Who Was Inducted as a Hornet NONE NBA Rookie of the Year Award Won as a Hornet Larry Johnson — 1991–92 Larry Johnson won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in his first season with Charlotte after being selected first overall in the 1991 NBA Draft. He averaged 19.2 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, establishing himself as one of the league’s most promising young forwards. His strength, athleticism, and personality helped make the young Hornets a must-watch team. Johnson’s arrival gave Charlotte a franchise centerpiece and helped build the excitement surrounding the Hornets during the early 1990s. He NBA All-Star multiple times while playing for Charlotte. NBA Most Valuable Player Award Won as a Hornet The Charlotte Hornets have never had a player win the NBA regular-season Most Valuable Player (MVP) award while playing for the franchise. The Hornets have had star players and All-Stars, but no player has won the league’s overall regular-season MVP award as a member of the team. That… Continue reading Charlotte Hornets History: Owners, Home Arenas, Hall of Famers, Awards and Legacy
Chicago Bulls: The Complete History
Chicago Bulls: The Complete History of One of the NBA’s Greatest Franchises The Chicago Bulls entered the National Basketball Association in the 1966-67 season and eventually became one of the most recognizable sports franchises in the world. Their history includes six NBA championships, the greatest championship run of the 1990s, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Phil Jackson, three Rookie of the Year winners and six regular-season MVP awards. The Bulls began as an expansion franchise playing at the International Amphitheatre. Today, they call the United Center home. The Birth of the Chicago Bulls Chicago had previously been represented in professional basketball by teams such as the Chicago Stags and Chicago Packers/Zephyrs, but those franchises had disappeared or relocated. In 1966, Chicago was awarded another NBA franchise. The man who put the Bulls together was Dick Klein, a former Northwestern basketball player and businessman. Klein assembled the ownership group and became the franchise’s first owner and general manager. The Bulls immediately made NBA history. In their first season, Chicago went 33-48 and reached the playoffs. According to the United Center’s official history, the Bulls remain the only expansion franchise from that era to make the playoffs in its inaugural season. Head coach Johnny “Red” Kerr was also named NBA Coach of the Year. The new franchise was named the Bulls, reportedly because Klein wanted a name that represented Chicago’s meatpacking heritage. All Chicago Bulls Owners 1. Dick Klein — 1966-1972 Dick Klein was the founder and first owner of the Chicago Bulls. He was instrumental in bringing another NBA franchise to Chicago after the earlier professional teams had disappeared. Klein served as the organization’s first general manager as well as its principal owner. 2. Arthur Wirtz-led Ownership Group — 1972-1985 In 1972, the Bulls were purchased by an ownership group headed by Arthur Wirtz, whose business interests included the Chicago Blackhawks. The ownership group included prominent Chicago investors and sports figures, including members of the Wirtz, Crown and Hunt families. The Bulls remained under this ownership structure until 1985. A contemporary NBA franchise directory records the sale to the Jerry Reinsdorf-led group in 1985 for approximately $9.2 million. This period included the development of the first truly great Bulls teams, led by players such as Jerry Sloan, Bob Love and Norm Van Lier. 3. Jerry Reinsdorf — 1985-present Jerry Reinsdorf led the group that purchased controlling interest in the Bulls in 1985. Reinsdorf has remained the team’s principal owner and chairman ever since. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame lists him as Bulls owner from 1985 to the present and notes his six NBA championships as owner. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame The Reinsdorf era produced: Six NBA championships Six NBA Finals victories Five Michael Jordan MVP awards Derrick Rose’s MVP award Three Bulls Rookie of the Year winners The 72-10 1995-96 team The international rise of the Bulls brand The Bulls won their six championships in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 1998. Every Stadium and Arena the Bulls Have Called Home International Amphitheatre 1966-1967 The International Amphitheatre was the original home of the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls began their NBA existence there during the 1966-67 season. Chicago Stadium 1967-1994 The Bulls moved to the historic Chicago Stadium after their inaugural season. Chicago Stadium became one of the most important buildings in Bulls history. It was the home of: Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Norm Van Lier, Artis Gilmore, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson. Most importantly, the first three Bulls championships were won while Chicago Stadium was the team’s home. The Bulls won the NBA championship there in: 1991 1992 1993 The United Center eventually replaced Chicago Stadium in 1994. United Center 1994-present The Bulls moved into the United Center in 1994. The arena was developed through a partnership involving Jerry Reinsdorf and the Wirtz family. Construction began in 1992, and the building opened in August 1994. The final three Bulls championships were won at the United Center: 1996 1997 1998 The United Center remains the home of the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls became a serious NBA contender during the 1970s. The team was led by players including: Jerry Sloan Sloan was one of the toughest guards in NBA history and became one of the first great players associated with the Bulls. Bob Love Love was an outstanding scorer and one of Chicago’s most important players during the 1970s. Norm Van Lier Van Lier was known for his defense, toughness and leadership. Artis Gilmore Gilmore became one of the most dominant centers in franchise history. Gilmore was 7ft 2in tall and played for the ABA, Kentucky Colonels Chet Walker Walker joined the Bulls after already establishing himself as a star with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Bulls captured the 1975 Midwest Division championship, their first division title. The Arrival of Michael Jordan Everything changed in 1984. The Bulls selected Michael Jordan with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft. Jordan immediately became one of the league’s biggest stars. He won Rookie of the Year in 1985 and eventually transformed the Bulls from a struggling franchise into the dominant team of the 1990s. NBA records Jordan’s five regular-season MVP awards with Chicago. Chicago Bulls NBA Rookie of the Year Winners The Bulls have had three NBA Rookie of the Year winners. Michael Jordan — 1984-85 Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game during his rookie season and became an All-Star. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year. His arrival marked the beginning of the greatest era in Bulls history. Elton Brand — 1999-2000 Chicago selected Elton Brand with the first overall pick in 1999. Brand… Continue reading Chicago Bulls: The Complete History
Cleveland Cavaliers: The Complete History of the Wine and Gold
The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion franchise. More than five decades later, the Cavaliers have produced some of the most memorable players, coaches, teams and moments in NBA history—including the championship that ended Cleveland’s 52-year major-sports championship drought. The Cavaliers’ story includes early struggles, the Miracle at Richfield, difficult ownership years, the arrival of LeBron James, four NBA Finals appearances in the 2010s, and the historic 2016 NBA championship. The Beginning: Cleveland Gets an NBA Team The Cavaliers began play in the 1970-71 NBA season. Attorney and Cleveland sports entrepreneur Nick Mileti was the key figure in bringing the expansion franchise to the city. Mileti had purchased the Cleveland Arena and was looking for additional major professional sports tenants. Cleveland was awarded an NBA expansion franchise in 1970. The Cavaliers were joined that year by the Buffalo Braves and Portland Trail Blazers. The team’s name came from a contest sponsored by The Plain Dealer. Jerry Tomko submitted the winning name, “Cavaliers.” Other finalists included the Jays, Foresters and Presidents. The first Cavaliers team struggled badly, finishing its inaugural season 15-67. But Cleveland basketball would eventually become one of the NBA’s most important franchises. All Cavaliers Owners The Cavaliers have had four principal ownership eras since joining the NBA. 1. Nick Mileti — 1970-1980 Nick Mileti was the Cavaliers’ founding owner and the person most responsible for bringing NBA basketball to Cleveland. Mileti remained involved with the franchise until 1980. His ownership period included the franchise’s first playoff team and its first division championship in 1976. 2. Ted Stepien — 1980-1983 Ted Stepien purchased control of the Cavaliers in 1980. Stepien’s ownership became one of the most controversial periods in franchise history. Cleveland struggled on the court, and the franchise traded away multiple future first-round draft choices. Those transactions eventually contributed to the NBA adopting what became known as the Ted Stepien Rule, which restricts teams from trading away first-round picks in consecutive future drafts. Stepien eventually considered moving the franchise to Ted Stepien Rule. Stephen considered moving to Toronto. 3. George and Gordon Gund — 1983-2005 Brothers George Gund and Gordon Gund purchased the Cavaliers in 1983 and kept the franchise in Cleveland. Their ownership brought stability after the difficult Stepien era. The Gunds hired executives and coaches who helped rebuild the franchise, including Wayne Embry and Lenny Wilkens. The organization eventually drafted Brad Daugherty, Mark Price, Ron Harper and Larry Nance, producing one of the best Cleveland teams of the 1980s and early 1990s. 4. Dan Gilbert — 2005-present Dan Gilbert led the investor group that purchased the Cavaliers in 2005. The NBA approved the purchase on March 1, 2005. Gilbert’s ownership began just before the Cavaliers selected Akron native LeBron James with the first overall pick in the 2003 draft—James had already been drafted before Gilbert purchased the team—but Gilbert’s ownership era ultimately became synonymous with the franchise’s championship years. The Cavaliers won their first NBA championship in 2016 under Gilbert’s ownership. Gilbert remains the team’s principal owner. Every Arena the Cavaliers Have Called Home Cleveland Arena 1970-1974 The Cleveland Arena was the Cavaliers’ first home. The building had already been associated with Nick Mileti before the Cavaliers arrived. Cleveland played its first four NBA seasons there. Richfield Coliseum 1974-1994 The Cavaliers moved to the Richfield Coliseum in Summit County in 1974. The larger building became the home of some of the greatest early Cavaliers teams. It was there that Cleveland captured its first division championship and made the playoffs in 1976. The Richfield years included the famous “Miracle at Richfield” era of the 1970s. Gund Arena 1994-2005 The Cavaliers moved downtown to a new arena in 1994. The building opened as Gund Arena, named for owner Gordon Gund. Quicken Loans Arena 2005-2019 Following Dan Gilbert’s purchase of the Cavaliers in 2005, the arena was renamed Quicken Loans Arena. It became the site of many of the greatest moments of the LeBron James era. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse 2019-2025 The building was renovated and renamed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in 2019. Rocket Arena 2025-present The building was renamed Rocket Arena in 2025 as part of a new branding agreement. The arena remains the Cavaliers’ home. The Miracle at Richfield The Cavaliers’ first great team emerged in the mid-1970s. Led by players such as Austin Carr, Bingo Smith, Jim Chones and Nate Thurmond, Cleveland reached the playoffs for the first time in 1976. The team defeated Washington in the first round before advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Cleveland eventually lost to the Boston Celtics, but the 1976 season established the Cavaliers as a legitimate NBA franchise. That team became known as the Miracle at Richfield. The 1980s Cavaliers The Gund ownership era produced a major rebuilding effort. The Cavaliers drafted Brad Daugherty with the first overall pick in 1986 and later developed a powerful nucleus that included: Brad Daugherty, Mark Price, Larry Nance, Ron Harper, Craig Ehlo The Cavaliers became one of the NBA’s strongest teams during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Unfortunately for Cleveland, those teams repeatedly encountered the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan in the Eastern Conference. The most famous meeting came in the 1989 playoffs. Jordan’s dramatic last-second shot over Craig Ehlo in Game 5 became known simply as “The Shot.” It remains one of the most famous playoff moments in NBA history. LeBron James Changes Everything In 2003, Cleveland selected LeBron James with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. James was an Akron, Ohio, native who became the face of the franchise almost immediately. NBA Rookie of the Year Award. In his rookie season, James averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game and won the 2003-04 NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Cavaliers Rookie of the Year Winners Under your requirement that the award must have been earned as a Cavalier, Cleveland has had two NBA Rookie of the Year winners: LeBron James — 2003-04 James won Rookie of the Year after… Continue reading Cleveland Cavaliers: The Complete History of the Wine and Gold
Chicago Sky: The History, Heroes and Legacy of Chicago’s WNBA Franchise
The Chicago Sky have traveled a remarkable road since becoming a WNBA expansion franchise in 2006. From their early years at the UIC Pavilion, through their seasons at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, and finally to their current home at Wintrust Arena, the Sky have developed from a new franchise searching for an identity into a WNBA championship organization. The Sky have produced some of the greatest players in women’s basketball, including Elena Delle Donne, Sylvia Fowles, and Candace Parker They have also developed stars such as Courtney Vandersloot, Kahleah Copper and others who helped establish Chicago as an important destination in women’s professional basketball. The defining moment came in 2021, when the Sky captured their first WNBA championship. The Birth of the Chicago Sky Chicago was awarded a WNBA expansion franchise in February 2005, with the team beginning play during the 2006 season. The Sky were unusual from the beginning because they were independently owned rather than operated by the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. Michael J. Alter was the lead investor in the group that brought professional women’s basketball back to Chicago. Margaret Stender became the franchise’s first employee and served as its founding president and CEO during its formative years. The name “Chicago Sky” was chosen to connect the franchise with Chicago’s famous skyline and architecture. The original identity featured sky blue and yellow, colors that became closely associated with the franchise. The team played its first season in 2006. The beginning was difficult. The inaugural Sky team won only five games, but the organization began building the foundation for a much more successful future. Chicago Sky Ownership Because the Sky began as an independently owned franchise, ownership has included a group of Chicago-area investors rather than a single traditional sports conglomerate. Michael J. Alter Michael J. Alter has been the principal owner and central figure in the franchise from its beginning. He led the investment group that established the Sky and remains principal owner today. Margaret Stender Margaret Stender was one of the original investors and served as the Sky’s founding president and CEO. The Sky’s current media guide continues to identify her as a minority owner. John W. Rogers Jr. John Rogers, founder of Ariel Investments, has been part of the Sky ownership group and is listed by the team as an owner. Harvey Alter Harvey Alter is also listed as an owner in the current Sky organization. Nadia Rawlinson Nadia Rawlinson joined the ownership group in 2023 and became co-owner and operating chairman. She remains in that position. Other Original Investors: The original ownership group was larger than the individuals normally identified as the team’s principal owners. Contemporary reporting has identified investors including Michelle Williams, Juanita Vanoy Jordan, Sue Wellington, Linda Friedman and Steven Rogers, among others. The complete original investor list was not publicly released. That is an important distinction: there is a difference between every original investor in the franchise and the individuals publicly identified as owners in the team’s official records. Every Arena the Chicago Sky Have Called Home The Sky have had three principal home arenas during their history. UIC Pavilion — 2006–2009 The UIC Pavilion was the Sky’s original home. The franchise played its inaugural season there in 2006 and remained at the University of Illinois Chicago facility through the 2009 season. This was where Chicago fans first watched the Sky become a WNBA franchise. Allstate Arena — 2010–2017 For the 2010 season, the Sky moved north to Allstate Arena in Rosemont. The move gave the Sky access to a much larger building, and the team remained there for eight seasons. The Sky reached the million-fan attendance milestone during their time at Allstate Arena. Wintrust Arena — 2018–Present The Sky returned to the city of Chicago in 2018 when they moved into Wintrust Arena at McCormick Square. The move was significant because the team once again had a permanent home inside Chicago proper. The Sky have played their home games at Wintrust Arena since 2018. Wintrust Arena also became the home court for the greatest achievement in franchise history: the 2021 WNBA championship season. The Early Years The Sky’s first several seasons were a period of building. The franchise went through several coaches and roster changes while attempting to establish itself. The early head coaches were Dave Cowens, Bo Overton and Steven Key. One of the first major building blocks arrived in the 2006 draft when Chicago selected Candice Dupree with the sixth overall pick. Another important early breakthrough came in 2007. Armintie Price Becomes Chicago’s First Rookie of the Year In the 2007 WNBA Draft, the Sky selected Armintie Price with the third overall pick. Price immediately made an impact. She became the 2007 WNBA Rookie of the Year, giving Chicago its first major individual league award. This was an important moment because the Sky were no longer simply an expansion franchise trying to survive. They were beginning to develop players capable of becoming major figures in the league. Elena Delle Donne Changes the Franchise The most important draft in Sky history came in 2013. Chicago selected Delaware star Elena Delle Donne with the second overall pick. She immediately became one of the WNBA’s most recognizable players. Delle Donne won the 2013 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award as a member of the Sky. Two years later she reached an even greater level. 2015 WNBA MVP — Elena Delle Donne In 2015, Elena Delle Donne became the first Chicago Sky player to win the WNBA Most Valuable Player Award. This is an especially important distinction because Delle Donne won the award as a Sky player, rather than receiving an MVP award for accomplishments with another franchise. Delle Donne’s time in Chicago established her as one of the greatest players in franchise… Continue reading Chicago Sky: The History, Heroes and Legacy of Chicago’s WNBA Franchise
