The New Orleans Hornets franchise officially unveiled the adoption of the “Pelicans” nickname along with the new team colors and logos on Jan. 24.
Although the rumors of the Hornet’s name change began in 2012, the logo and color scheme only recently became available.
New Orleans Hornets owner Tom Benson said in multiple interviews that he hopes the change will create a bond with the city that could lead to success, capturing the spirit of New Orleans and while bringing the ecological concerns of the region to light.
According to ESPN, the National Basketball Association still has to approve the change, but Commissioner David Stern has already said he will not decline any name Benson chooses.
The Hornets-to-Pelicans nickname change will take place before the start of next season, with the team’s redesigned logo and color scheme of navy blue, gold and red. According to the New Orleans team’s press release, jersey designs will become available “in coming months.”
According to an ESPN article from Jan. 24, the Hornets are the second NBA team for New Orleans. The Jazz played in the city for five years until the team was relocated to Utah, but current Jazz owners said they have no interest in giving up the name to return it to New Orleans.
The Hornets were originally located in Charlotte, and owner George Shinn did not change the nickname when the team relocated to New Orleans in 2002. Shinn sold the Hornets to the NBA in 2010.
After purchasing the Hornets from the NBA for approximately $340 million in April 2012, Tom Benson, who also owns the National Football League’s New Orleans Saints, announced he wanted the team name to be more closely related to the city. The brown pelican is the state bird which is visible on the state flag and seal.
The Pelicans as a team name is not new to New Orleans. The Pelicans started in the city as a minor league baseball franchise that played in the area for more than 70 years.
With the Hornets name up for grabs, Charlotte may consider changing its name from Bobcats back to Hornets, but according to a press release from the Bobcats, the team will need time to weigh the decision and the thoughts of the fans.