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:
Tag: Jerry Sloan
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
