20 Popular Sports Teams That Changed Their Names

Several sports teams have changed their names over the years for various reasons, such as rebranding, moving to a new city, or being sensitive to different cultures. These name changes often show how the team's identity and relationship with its fans or community have changed over time.

Tricia Quitales
March 26, 2025
7 min read

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When a sports team moves to a new city, changes ownership, or wants to fit in with a new cultural identity, they often rebrand by changing their names. These name changes can have a big effect on how loyal fans are, how well the team sells, and how the public sees the team. In some cases, the name change had a big effect in the history of the team. For others, it was an attempt to be more open to everyone or to improve relations with the public. This article discusses 20 sports teams that made this change, showing the range of reasons for them and how they affected the teams and their fans in the long term.

1. Los Angeles Lakers (Minneapolis Lakers)

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The team used to be called the Minneapolis Lakers, but when they moved to California in 1960, they changed their name to the Los Angeles Lakers. The new name reflected that they had moved to Los Angeles while still referring to the “lakes” of Minnesota, where they used to be located. The Lakers have become one of the most successful teams in NBA history.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder (Seattle SuperSonics)

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The Seattle SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008 and changed their name to the Thunder. The team changed its name as part of its move and effort to start over in its new home. Even though the change caused a lot of debate, the Thunder have since made their name in the NBA.

3. Washington Commanders (Washington Redskins)

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The Washington Redskins changed their name to the Washington Commanders in 2022 after years of controversy over the NFL team’s Native American-themed name. The change was made as part of a larger effort to address worries about racism. The new name is meant to show strength, leadership, and patriotism.

4. Detroit Tigers (Detroit Wolverines)

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These were the Detroit Tigers’ short-lived names in the early 1900s. In 1901, the name was changed back to the Tigers, and it became one of the most famous in Major League Baseball. The Tigers’ history is still linked to their long history of success and large fan base.

5. St. Louis Cardinals (St. Louis Browns)

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In 1900, the St. Louis Cardinals took over for the St. Louis Browns in Major League Baseball. The change in the team name showed that ownership and branding had changed. These days, the St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most famous baseball teams ever.

6. New Orleans Pelicans (New Orleans Hornets)

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The New Orleans Hornets changed their name to the Pelicans in 2013. This was done because the team wanted to be more connected to the city’s culture. The pelican, a bird that lives in Louisiana, represents the city’s natural beauty and strength. The change gave the franchise a new start.

7. Minnesota Twins (Washington Senators)

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They used to be called the Washington Senators, but when they moved to Minnesota in 1961, they changed their name to the Minnesota Twins. The new name was meant to honor the fact that Minneapolis and St. Paul are twin cities in the state of Minnesota. This change in identity has helped the team connect well with its local fans.

8. Toronto Raptors (Toronto Huskies)

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The only NBA team from Canada is the Toronto Raptors. When the team started in 1946, it was called the Toronto Huskies. After the team folded, the NBA came back to Toronto in 1995 with the Raptors, a name that came from the popularity of dinosaurs. Since then, the Raptors have become one of the NBA’s best and most watched teams.

9. Memphis Grizzlies (Vancouver Grizzlies)

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The Vancouver Grizzlies moved to Memphis in 2001 and changed their name to the Memphis Grizzlies. The name change was part of the franchise’s move to connect more with Memphis’ Southern roots. The Grizzlies are now a mainstay in the NBA and have a strong fan base.

10. Arizona Cardinals (Chicago Cardinals)

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After being based in Chicago, the Cardinals moved to Arizona in 1988, keeping their name but creating a new identity in the Southwest. Even though they kept the Cardinals name, their new home greatly impacted who they were as a team. The move to Arizona helped the team become more well-known in the NFC West.

11. Brooklyn Nets (New Jersey Nets)

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In 2012, the team moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn, New York, and changed its name to the Brooklyn Nets. The team changed its name to show its dedication to its new home. It was part of a larger effort to rebrand the team. The move to Brooklyn helped the team get more attention and brought in new fans from New York City.

12. San Diego Padres (San Diego PCL Padres)

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Before 1969, when they joined Major League Baseball, the San Diego Padres were a minor league team called the San Diego PCL Padres. When the team changed its name to the Padres, it became more connected to the area’s history and culture. The Padres are known today for having many fans and recent success in the baseball world.

13. Cleveland Guardians (Cleveland Indians)

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The Cleveland Indians baseball team changed its name to the Cleveland Guardians in 2021 after years of complaints that it was offensive. The new name is in honor of the statues called “Guardians of Traffic” on the Cleveland Hope Memorial Bridge. The change was made to show respect for indigenous people and encourage everyone to join the group.

14. Anaheim Ducks (Mighty Ducks of Anaheim)

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In 2009, the team changed its name to the Anaheim Ducks. It used to be called the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. The team’s name was changed after Disney sold it, taking out the “Mighty” and focusing on the city of Anaheim. After some time, the Ducks have become a good NHL team.

15. Calgary Flames (Atlanta Flames)

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The Atlanta Flames kept their original name when they moved to Calgary in 1980. There was a reason for the name change: the team had moved to a new city known for its oil industry and fiery spirit. Since then, the Calgary Flames have become one of the best teams in the NHL.

16. Charlotte Hornets (Charlotte Bobcats)

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The Charlotte Hornets changed their name to the Charlotte Bobcats in 2002. The new name was meant to represent a new beginning since the Hornets had moved to New Orleans. However, in 2014, the team claimed the Hornets name back, bringing the franchise back to its historical roots. People who liked the band were very excited about the name change.

17. Kansas City Chiefs (Dallas Texans)

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When the team started out in 1960, it was called the Dallas Texans. Now, it is known as the Kansas City Chiefs. As Kansas City’s football culture grew, the team’s name was changed when it moved there in 1963. Since then, the Chiefs have become one of the most successful and well-known teams in the NFL.

18. Houston Astros (Colt .45s)

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When they first came together in 1962, their first name in Major League Baseball was the Houston Colt .45s. As the city’s space program and aerospace industry grew, they changed their name to the Astros in 1965. The name change strengthened their connection to Houston’s reputation as a place where new ideas are born.

19. Los Angeles Chargers (San Diego Chargers)

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The Los Angeles Chargers moved from San Diego to Los Angeles in 2017. They changed their name a little but kept the “Chargers” logo. The goal was to get more people to buy and follow the franchise. Even though they moved, the Chargers are still making a big name for themselves in Los Angeles’s sports scene.

20. New Jersey Devils (Kansas City Scouts)

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Before moving to New Jersey in 1982, the New Jersey Devils were the Kansas City Scouts. The name change showed the team’s new identity and ties to the New Jersey area. The Devils are undoubtedly one of the best teams in NHL history. They are known for having loyal fans and winning many championships.