San Antonio Spurs

Lore & Background

The Spurs began as the Dallas Chaparrals in the inaugural 1967-68 ABA season. Financial struggles and poor attendance led to a name change to Texas Chaparrals, which also failed, forcing a return to Dallas before a move to San Antonio in 1973. A group of 35 businessmen, with Angelo Drossos and John Schaefer as the primary figures, purchased the team outright from the original Dallas owners. (Red McCombs later became a part-owner in 1975.) The name 'Gunslingers' was proposed for the relocated team but was rejected before the 1973-74 season, so the team played as the Spurs from the start in San Antonio. The team adopted black, silver, and white branding for the 1973-74 season. George Gervin joined in January 1974 after a judge ruled against the ABA's attempt to block his acquisition from the Virginia Squires; he debuted on February 7, 1974.

Reader's Guide

Fans should note that since 2003, the Spurs have faced an extended road trip every February because Frost Bank Center hosts the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. This is known as the "Rodeo Road Trip." During these periods, the team has historically performed well on the road, holding an NBA-record longest single road-trip winning streak of eight games out of nine in 2003. When the Spurs win a title, victory parades are held as boat trips on the San Antonio River Walk. The franchise also holds attendance records from their time at the Alamodome, including the largest crowd ever for an NBA Finals game in 1999. Former players like David Robinson and George Gervin remain active in the community through initiatives like Carver Academy and the George Gervin Youth Center.

Did You Know?

• From 1999-2000 to 2016-17, the Spurs won 50 games each season for 18 consecutive years.
• In 2014, the owners of the Spirits of St. Louis received $500 million to end perpetual television profit payments from the NBA.