Who Was the First NBA Basketball Team?

By Sarah Miller · November 6, 2038

The first NBA basketball team was the Toronto Huskies, though the league's direct predecessor teams like the Minneapolis Lakers and Syracuse Nationals also trace roots to the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which merged to form the NBA in 1949. However, the Philadelphia Warriors are recognized as the first official franchise in the NBA’s founding season of 1946–47, winning the inaugural championship.

Origins of the First NBA Team

The National Basketball Association (NBA) was officially formed in 1949 from the merger of the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and the National Basketball League (NBL). However, the foundation began earlier with the BAA's launch in 1946.

The Philadelphia Warriors: The First Franchise

The Philadelphia Warriors were established on June 6, 1946, as one of the original 11 teams in the BAA, the league that would become the NBA. They played their first game on November 1, 1946, defeating the New York Knicks 68–66 at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto—the first game in what is now considered NBA history.

Founded: June 6, 1946
Home Arena: Philadelphia Arena
First Game: November 1, 1946 vs. New York Knicks
First Coach: Eddie Gottlieb
First Championship: 1947 (defeated Chicago Stags)

Other Early Contenders for 'First' NBA Team

While the Warriors were the first to play and win a title, other franchises have historical claims based on continuity and legacy.

Toronto Huskies: Hosted the First Game

The Toronto Huskies hosted the league's first-ever game but folded after one season. Despite being part of the inaugural event, they did not continue beyond 1947.

Minneapolis Lakers: Longest Continuous Legacy

Though founded later (1947) in the NBL before joining the BAA/NBA, the Lakers are the oldest continuously operating franchise under the same name, now based in Los Angeles.

Team	Founded	League Started In	Active?	Championships	Original City
Philadelphia Warriors	1946	BAA	No (relocated)	3 (1947, 1956, 1975*)	Philadelphia
Toronto Huskies	1946	BAA	No	0	Toronto
Syracuse Nationals	1946	NBL	No (became 76ers)	1 (1955)	Syracuse
Minneapolis Lakers	1947	NBL	Yes (as LA Lakers)	17	Minneapolis
Fort Wayne Pistons	1948	NBL	Yes (as Detroit Pistons)	3	Fort Wayne

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows that while multiple teams originated in 1946, only the Lakers maintain an unbroken lineage under a single brand. The Warriors won the first title but relocated twice (to San Francisco, then Golden State). The Huskies, despite hosting the first game, disbanded quickly, underscoring the instability of early professional basketball.

Evolution of the Original NBA Teams

Of the 11 original BAA teams, only three remain active today in some form: the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors (originally Philadelphia).

Franchise Relocations and Name Changes

Philadelphia Warriors → San Francisco Warriors → Golden State Warriors
Syracuse Nationals → Philadelphia 76ers
Minneapolis Lakers → Los Angeles Lakers
Fort Wayne Pistons → Detroit Pistons
Rochester Royals → Sacramento Kings

Frequently Asked Questions About the First NBA Team

Who was the first NBA basketball team?

The Philadelphia Warriors were the first official team in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which became the NBA. They played in the league’s first game on November 1, 1946, and won the inaugural championship in 1947.

Did the Toronto Huskies start the NBA?

The Toronto Huskies hosted the first-ever BAA game in 1946 but were not the first franchise. They were one of the 11 founding teams but folded after one season and do not have a continuous legacy in the league.

Which current NBA team is the oldest?

The Los Angeles Lakers, originally the Minneapolis Lakers (founded in 1947), are the oldest NBA team still operating under the same name. The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, both founded in 1946, are also among the oldest continuously active franchises.

Why is there confusion about the first NBA team?

Confusion arises because the NBA was formed from a merger between the BAA and NBL in 1949. Some teams trace roots to the NBL (older than the BAA), while the BAA is considered the direct predecessor. Official NBA records recognize BAA history starting in 1946 as its origin.

What happened to the original NBA teams?

Of the 11 original BAA teams from 1946, only the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors (via relocation) still exist. Many folded or merged within a few years due to financial instability and regional market challenges.