1970 ABA Founding
Home of the 2016 NBA champions.
The Cleveland Cavaliers were established as an NBA expansion team for the 1970–71 season. The franchise selected LeBron James with the first overall pick of the 2003 NBA draft.
Quick Facts
- Founded year
- 1970
- League origin
- National Basketball Association (NBA)
- First coach
- Gene Shue
- Home arena
- Cleveland Arena
- Notable founding figure
- Nick Mileti
- Status
- Active NBA franchise, original member since 1970
Lore & Background
LeBron James, born and raised in Akron, Ohio, gained national attention at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School and was heavily touted as a future NBA superstar. He won Rookie of the Year and quickly established himself as one of the league's premier players, leading Cleveland to its first NBA Finals appearance in 2007 and winning the scoring title in 2008. After winning back-to-back MVPs in 2009 and 2010, he joined the Miami Heat as a free agent in 2010. After four seasons in Miami, he returned to Cleveland in 2014, leading the Cavaliers to their first-ever championship in 2016, ending the Cleveland sports curse.
Reader's Guide
The Cavaliers' most notable era is the LeBron James era, which included the team's first NBA Finals appearance in 2007 and its first championship in 2016. James is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and has won four NBA championships from 10 NBA Finals appearances.
Did You Know?
- LeBron James has been listed by Forbes as one of the world's ten highest-paid athletes fifteen times.
- He was among Time's 100 most influential people in the world in 2005, 2013, 2017, and 2019—one of the most selected professional athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise originally founded?
The team began its journey in 1970 as an expansion franchise within the American Basketball Association (ABA). This founding marked the return of professional basketball to Northeast Ohio after a significant period without a major league presence.
Who were the key figures behind the Cavaliers' establishment in 1970?
Businessman George Steinbrenner, alongside local investors, spearheaded the effort to bring high-level competition back to Cleveland. Their vision created the team that would eventually transition from the ABA to the NBA.
Where did the original Cavaliers play their home games?
The franchise called Richfield Coliseum its home arena during its initial years in the ABA. This venue hosted the team's early seasons before they moved to other locations following the league merger.
Who served as the first head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Gene Shue was appointed as the inaugural head coach, guiding the new franchise through its debut season. His leadership helped establish the team's foundational culture during this formative era.
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