New Orleans Hornets to Become New Orleans Pelicans

Tom Benson bought the New Orleans Hornets from the NBA on April 13, 2012 for $338 million and received feedback from the team's fans indicating that they weren't fans of the name. Benson wasn't opposed to changing it and it appears that the fans may be getting their wish. The Hornets will be known as the Pelicans, in honor of the Louisiana state bird and its presence on the state flag. There were a couple of other names on the table including Krewe in honor of those Mardi Gras goers and Brass. This is not a first for the Pelicans name as they were also a minor league baseball team in New Orleans; however Benson now owns exclusive rights to the name. During hurricane Katrina, the Charlotte Hornets were required to locate to New Orleans. With the news of the name change comes the availability of the team name. The current Charlotte Bobcats are owned by the former NBA legendary player, Michael Jordan who may not have the opportunity to bring the Hornets name home to Charlotte.