Where Are the Golden State Warriors From?

By Sarah Miller · March 24, 2046

The Golden State Warriors are a professional basketball team based in San Francisco, California. They compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Western Conference's Pacific Division. Although originally founded in Philadelphia in 1946, the team relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1962 and officially adopted the name ‘Golden State’ in 1971 to represent all of California. Their home arena is the Chase Center, located in downtown San Francisco.

History and Relocation of the Golden State Warriors

The franchise began in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors, one of the founding teams of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later merged with the NBL to form the NBA. The team won its first NBA championship in 1947 and another in 1956, led by Hall of Famer Paul Arizin.

Moving to California

In 1962, the Warriors moved west to become the San Francisco Warriors, marking their entry into the Bay Area sports scene. This relocation was driven by growing interest in professional basketball on the West Coast and new opportunities for expansion.

Original city: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Relocated to: San Francisco, California (1962)
Name change: San Francisco Warriors → Golden State Warriors (1971)
Motivation: To symbolize representation of the entire state of California

Home Arena: Chase Center in San Francisco

Since the 2019–2020 NBA season, the Warriors have played their home games at the Chase Center, a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complex located in the Mission Bay neighborhood of San Francisco.

Key Features of Chase Center

Capacity: Approximately 18,064 for basketball games
Opened: September 2019
Location: 340 Terry A Francois Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94158
Sustainability: LEED Gold certified venue
Transportation: Easily accessible via public transit, including Muni and Caltrain

Prior to moving to Chase Center, the Warriors played at Oracle Arena in Oakland for over four decades, where they built a passionate fan base and won multiple championships.

Team Identity and Branding

The name “Golden State” reflects California’s official nickname, “The Golden State,” inspired by the 1849 Gold Rush and the golden hills of the state in summer. The rebranding in 1971 helped unify fans across Northern and Southern California.

Notable Eras in Warriors History

1975 Championship: Led by Rick Barry, the Warriors won their first title on the West Coast.
Run TMC Era (late 1980s–early 1990s): Featuring Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin.
Dynasty Years (2015–2018): Headlined by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, winning titles in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022.

Season	Regular Season Record	Playoff Result	Arena	Head Coach
2014–2015	67–15	NBA Champions	Oracle Arena	Steve Kerr
2015–2016	73–9	Lost Finals	Oracle Arena	Steve Kerr
2016–2017	67–15	NBA Champions	Oracle Arena	Steve Kerr
2017–2018	58–24	NBA Champions	Oracle Arena	Steve Kerr
2021–2022	53–29	NBA Champions	Chase Center	Steve Kerr

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights key championship seasons for the Golden State Warriors, showcasing their dominance during the Steve Kerr era. Despite a historic 73-win season ending without a title in 2016, the team rebounded to win three championships in four years. The transition from Oracle Arena to Chase Center coincided with sustained success, proving the franchise’s resilience and elite roster construction.

Geographic Representation and Fan Base

Although based in San Francisco, the Warriors draw fans from across Northern California and beyond. The “Golden State” branding allows the team to appeal statewide, though their core support remains strongest in the Bay Area.

Why “Golden State” Instead of “San Francisco”?

To distinguish from the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers
To create a broader identity encompassing all of California
To align with state pride and natural imagery (golden landscapes, sunsets)

This strategic naming decision has helped the Warriors build a national and global brand, especially during their recent dynasty years.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Golden State Warriors

Where do the Golden State Warriors play their home games?

The Golden State Warriors play their home games at Chase Center, located in San Francisco, California. The arena opened in 2019 and serves as a premier venue for NBA games, concerts, and other events.

Did the Warriors used to play in Oakland?

Yes, the Warriors played in Oakland at Oracle Arena from 1971 to 2019. During this time, the team developed a strong local following and won multiple NBA championships before relocating to San Francisco.

What year did the Warriors move to San Francisco?

The Golden State Warriors officially moved to San Francisco for the 2019–2020 NBA season. The relocation marked the end of nearly five decades in Oakland and the beginning of a new era at Chase Center.

Why are they called ‘Golden State’ instead of ‘San Francisco’?

The team changed its name to “Golden State” in 1971 to represent the entire state of California rather than just one city. “Golden State” is a nod to California’s nickname, derived from its golden hills and Gold Rush history.

Are the Golden State Warriors the same team as the Philadelphia Warriors?

Yes, the Golden State Warriors originated as the Philadelphia Warriors in 1946. After relocating to San Francisco in 1962 and later adopting the “Golden State” name in 1971, the franchise retained its history, including two early NBA titles won in Philadelphia.