What Was the First Basketball Team in the NBA?

By Sarah Miller · November 5, 2050

The first basketball team in the NBA was the Boston Celtics, but they were not the league's original franchise. The true first team in NBA history was the Toronto Huskies, who played in the inaugural Basketball Association of America (BAA) season in 1946–47, the league that would later become the NBA in 1949 after merging with the National Basketball League (NBL). However, the only team from the original 1946 BAA lineup that still exists today under continuous operation is the Golden State Warriors, originally known as the Philadelphia Warriors.

Origins of the NBA and Its First Teams

The National Basketball Association (NBA) traces its roots to the Basketball Association of America (BAA), founded in 1946. The BAA merged with the NBL in 1949 to form what we now know as the NBA. Understanding which team was first requires examining the inaugural 1946 BAA season.

The Inaugural 1946 BAA Season

The BAA launched with 11 teams, marking the beginning of professional basketball as a major indoor sport in large arenas. Among them:

Toronto Huskies
Philadelphia Warriors
New York Knicks
Boston Celtics
Chicago Stags
Denver Nuggets (original)
St. Louis Bombers
Providence Steamrollers
Washington Capitols
Pittsburgh Ironmen
Cleveland Rebels

The first game in BAA history was played on November 1, 1946, between the New York Knicks and the Toronto Huskies at Maple Leaf Gardens. The Knicks won 68–66.

The Toronto Huskies: The First Team on the Court

Although the Toronto Huskies hosted the first-ever BAA game, they lasted only one season before folding. Despite their brief existence, they hold the distinction of being the first team to play in what became the NBA.

Founded: 1946
Home Arena: Maple Leaf Gardens
Final Record: 22 wins, 38 losses (1946–47)
Dissolved: 1947

The Philadelphia Warriors: The First Champions

The Philadelphia Warriors won the inaugural BAA championship in 1947 by defeating the Chicago Stags 4–1 in the finals. They are significant not only for winning the first title but also for being the only original BAA team still active today (now the Golden State Warriors).

Evolution of the Franchise

1946–1962: Philadelphia Warriors
1962–1971: San Francisco Warriors
1971–present: Golden State Warriors

Historical Context and Key Milestones

The formation of the BAA in 1946 was a pivotal moment in sports history. Backed by arena owners, the league aimed to fill large venues during off-nights. Unlike the NBL, which focused on smaller markets and company-sponsored teams, the BAA targeted major cities.

Team	City	Founded	Final Season	Current Status
Toronto Huskies	Toronto, ON	1946	1947	Defunct
Philadelphia Warriors	Philadelphia, PA	1946	—	Active (as Golden State Warriors)
New York Knicks	New York, NY	1946	—	Active
Boston Celtics	Boston, MA	1946	—	Active
Chicago Stags	Chicago, IL	1946	1950	Defunct

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows the five original BAA teams from 1946, highlighting longevity and current status. Only three original franchises remain active: the Warriors, Knicks, and Celtics. The Warriors are unique as the only team with continuous lineage from the first season to today’s NBA.

Why the Confusion Over the 'First' NBA Team?

Many fans assume the Boston Celtics or New York Knicks were the first due to their long-standing presence and success. However, all three joined the BAA in 1946. The misconception arises because:

The NBA officially recognizes 1949 as its founding year after the BAA-NBL merger.
Teams like the Syracuse Nationals (founded 1946 in NBL) are sometimes considered predecessors.
The Warriors’ relocation and rebranding obscure their original identity.

Frequently Asked Questions About the First NBA Team

What was the first team in NBA history?

The Toronto Huskies were the first team to play in the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1946, the league that became the NBA. However, the Philadelphia Warriors were the first champions and the only original BAA team still active today (now the Golden State Warriors).

Which original NBA team is still active today?

The Golden State Warriors, originally the Philadelphia Warriors, are the only team from the 1946 BAA inaugural season that remains active with continuous franchise operation. The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics also date back to 1946 and are still active.

When did the NBA officially start?

The NBA was officially formed in 1949 when the Basketball Association of America (BAA) merged with the National Basketball League (NBL). However, the NBA traces its origins to the BAA's founding in 1946.

Did the Toronto Huskies win any championships?

No, the Toronto Huskies did not win a championship. They played only one season (1946–47), finishing with a 22–38 record, and folded before the next season began.

Who played in the first NBA game ever?

The first game in BAA history (later recognized as part of NBA history) was played on November 1, 1946, between the New York Knicks and the Toronto Huskies at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. The Knicks won 68–66.