
A side-by-side look at jerseys for the Charlotte Bobcats (left) and Hornets. (Dan Lippitt & Andy Hayt / Getty Images & NBA E)
Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan announced Tuesday that the franchise has officially submitted paperwork to the NBA to change its name to the “Hornets” for the 2014-15 season.
“Let’s bring the buzz back,” Jordan said at a press conference, noting that “overwhelming” fan support for the switch influenced the organization’s decision.
The franchise also launched BackBuzzCity.com to celebrate the re-branding and manage interest from fans interested in season tickets.
“The Charlotte Hornets name has been a mainstay throughout the region for many years, and we are excited to announce our intention to re-establish this historic brand,” Jordan wrote in a letter to fans. “We believe that its return will galvanize our fan base by unifying our loyal Bobcats fans with those who have strong memories of our city’s NBA predecessor.”
Jordan also said that his organization will begin a “year-long process” to select the team’s colors and design the team’s logo and uniforms.
Multiple reports in the past week indicated plans were underway to bring the “Hornets” nickname back to Charlotte after the original Hornets relocated to New Orleans in 2002. The New Orleans Hornets unveiled a re-branding in January and took on the “Pelicans” moniker immediately following the conclusion of the 2012-13 regular season, freeing up the Hornets nickname.



