Ever wondered why the Golden State Warriors don’t have a state or city in their name? You’re not the only one.
Since the team changed their name from San Francisco Warriors to Golden State Warriors in 1971, many new NBA fans have wondered where exactly the Warriors play.
Truthfully, the “Golden State” name fits. The team has played home games in Oakland, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose and Daly City since moving from Philadelphia in 1962. That makes for four of California’s eight largest cities in 50-odd years.
If you’re wondering where the name “Golden State” comes from, well that’s pretty simple. It’s California’s official state nickname.
While the team has called a number of cities home for just a short time, it’s interesting how the team got its current moniker. When the Warriors moved out of the SF peninsula, they were looking for a name that would better represent a broader fan base. At the time, they were also considering scheduling half their home games in San Diego.
That plan ended up being limited to just six games in the San Diego Sports Arena, but it was a clear sign of owner Franklin Mieuli’s intent to expand the franchise’s reach. Even during the franchise’s time as the San Francisco Warriors, a handful of games were played in other Bay Area cities.
Despite eventually settling on Oakland as a full-time home, the “Golden State” name stuck with the franchise, and the Warriors remain one of just two NBA teams without an state or city identifier in their name. The other, the Brooklyn Nets, play in a borough of New York City.
But there is concern from some fans that the Warriors’ unique name is in jeopardy. Joe Lacob and the rest of the ownership team’s plan to return the franchise to San Francisco in 2017 has many wondering, could that impact the team name as well? San Francisco is known worldwide, and changing the name could offer marketing opportunities that “Golden State Warriors” doesn’t.
For now, the Warriors remain at home in “The Golden State.”
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