Does Missouri Have an NBA Team? Exploring the State’s Basketball Presence

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

Missouri’s rich sports heritage has long captivated fans across the state and beyond, sparking passionate debates about its presence in major professional leagues. Among these discussions, one question often arises: Does Missouri have an NBA team? This inquiry taps into the state’s connection to basketball and its role in the broader landscape of professional sports.

Exploring Missouri’s relationship with the NBA reveals a fascinating story of teams, cities, and fan bases that have shaped the basketball culture in the region. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball enthusiast or simply curious about the state’s professional sports offerings, understanding Missouri’s place in the NBA ecosystem provides valuable insight into the dynamics of sports franchises and regional identity.

As we delve deeper, you’ll discover how Missouri’s basketball history intertwines with the NBA’s evolution, shedding light on the current status of professional basketball in the state. This overview sets the stage for a closer look at the teams, their legacies, and what the future might hold for Missouri basketball fans.

Current NBA Presence in Missouri

Missouri does not currently have an NBA team based within its borders. The state once hosted an NBA franchise, but that team relocated several decades ago, leaving Missouri without a professional basketball team in the league today. The absence of an NBA team in Missouri means that fans in the state typically follow neighboring teams or national broadcasts for professional basketball.

Despite the lack of an NBA franchise, Missouri remains a passionate basketball state with a strong college basketball presence and a rich history in the sport. The state’s residents support various amateur and semi-professional teams, as well as collegiate programs such as the University of Missouri Tigers and Saint Louis University Billikens.

Historical NBA Teams from Missouri

The most notable NBA team associated with Missouri was the St. Louis Hawks. Here is a brief overview of their history:

  • St. Louis Hawks: Originally the Milwaukee Hawks, the team moved to St. Louis in 1955 and remained there until 1968. During their tenure in St. Louis, the Hawks won an NBA Championship in 1958. After 1968, the franchise relocated to Atlanta, where it remains today as the Atlanta Hawks.
  • The team’s legacy in Missouri is significant as it brought top-tier professional basketball to the state for over a decade. However, since the relocation, Missouri has not regained an NBA franchise.
Team Name Location Years Active in Missouri Notable Achievements
St. Louis Hawks St. Louis, Missouri 1955–1968 NBA Champions (1958)

Factors Affecting NBA Team Presence in Missouri

Several factors contribute to why Missouri currently does not have an NBA team:

  • Market Size and Competition: Missouri’s largest city, Kansas City, has a sizeable population but competes with other major sports markets nearby, such as Chicago, which has a well-established NBA team (Chicago Bulls). Additionally, St. Louis, the other major metropolitan area, hosts successful Major League Baseball and NHL teams, which may influence market dynamics.
  • Arena and Infrastructure: Successful NBA franchises require modern arenas with sufficient seating capacity and amenities. Although Missouri has several large venues, none are currently dedicated or optimized primarily for NBA use.
  • Ownership and Investment: NBA expansion or relocation typically requires committed ownership groups willing to invest significant capital. To date, there has been no publicly announced, well-supported bid for an NBA team in Missouri.
  • Fan Base and Sponsorship: While Missouri has a passionate basketball fan base, the viability of supporting an NBA franchise also depends on corporate sponsorship, media deals, and regional economic conditions.

NBA Teams Near Missouri

For Missouri residents interested in NBA games, several nearby teams serve as the closest professional options. These teams draw fans from Missouri due to geographical proximity and regional appeal.

  • Chicago Bulls (Illinois)
  • Oklahoma City Thunder (Oklahoma)
  • Denver Nuggets (Colorado)
  • Memphis Grizzlies (Tennessee)
Team City Distance from St. Louis (Approx.) Conference
Chicago Bulls Chicago, IL 300 miles Eastern
Oklahoma City Thunder Oklahoma City, OK 500 miles Western
Denver Nuggets Denver, CO 850 miles Western
Memphis Grizzlies Memphis, TN 280 miles Western

Efforts and Prospects for NBA Expansion in Missouri

While Missouri currently lacks an NBA team, there have been periodic discussions and speculation about the potential for future expansion or relocation. Key points regarding these prospects include:

  • Kansas City’s Arena Renovations: The development of modern sporting venues, such as the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, positions the city as a viable candidate for hosting an NBA franchise if expansion occurs.
  • NBA Expansion Plans: The NBA has occasionally signaled interest in expansion, with potential new franchises possibly emerging in cities without current teams. Missouri’s demographic and economic profile could make it a candidate.
  • Community and Business Support: For an NBA team to return to Missouri, strong local support from both fans and corporate entities is essential. Efforts to build this support continue through advocacy groups and sports business initiatives.
  • Challenges to Overcome: Competition from other cities seeking expansion or relocation, as well as internal state priorities, may delay or limit the chances of an NBA team returning to Missouri in the near future.

Overall, the potential for Missouri to regain an NBA franchise hinges on several intertwined factors, including market conditions, ownership interest, and league expansion strategies.

NBA Presence in Missouri

Missouri does not currently have an NBA team. Historically, the state has had a significant connection to the league, but as of now, no NBA franchise is based within its borders.

Historical NBA Teams in Missouri

Missouri’s NBA history includes two notable franchises that have relocated:

  • St. Louis Hawks
    • The Hawks were originally based in St. Louis from 1955 to 1968.
    • During their tenure in St. Louis, the Hawks won the NBA Championship in 1958.
    • In 1968, the franchise moved to Atlanta, where it remains today as the Atlanta Hawks.
  • Kansas City Kings
    • The Kings moved to Kansas City (and Omaha, Nebraska, for some home games) in 1972 and were known as the Kansas City-Omaha Kings.
    • The team was renamed the Kansas City Kings in 1975 and played there until 1985.
    • In 1985, the franchise relocated to Sacramento, California, becoming the Sacramento Kings.

Current NBA Team Locations Relative to Missouri

While Missouri lacks a current NBA team, the state is geographically close to several franchises:

Team City State Approximate Distance to Missouri (miles) Notes
Chicago Bulls Chicago Illinois 310 North of Missouri, accessible to fans in northern Missouri
Oklahoma City Thunder Oklahoma City Oklahoma 350 Southwest of Missouri, closest NBA team for southwestern Missouri residents
Memphis Grizzlies Memphis Tennessee 280 East of Missouri, popular among fans in eastern Missouri

Missouri’s NBA Market Potential

Missouri, particularly the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas, possesses several attributes that could support an NBA franchise:

  • Population Size: Both metropolitan areas have populations large enough to sustain professional sports teams.
  • Arena Facilities: – T-Mobile Center in Kansas City and Enterprise Center in St. Louis are modern arenas with capacities suitable for NBA games.
    • Both venues currently host NHL teams and other major events.
  • Fan Interest: – There is demonstrated enthusiasm for basketball at the collegiate and high school levels.
    • The legacy of former NBA teams in the state maintains a historical fan base.
  • Media Market: – Both cities rank in the top 40 U.S. media markets, providing valuable exposure for an NBA franchise.

Challenges to NBA Expansion or Relocation in Missouri

Despite its potential, Missouri faces certain challenges in securing an NBA team:

  • Competition from Nearby Teams: Proximity to established franchises like the Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies may limit market exclusivity.
  • Ownership and Investment: No current ownership groups in Missouri have publicly pursued NBA franchise acquisition or relocation.
  • NBA Expansion Status: The NBA has not announced formal plans for expansion, and relocation opportunities are currently limited.
  • Economic Considerations: The financial viability of sustaining an NBA team requires significant investment in marketing, player salaries, and arena operations.

Expert Perspectives on Missouri’s NBA Team Status

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Historian, University of Missouri) asserts, “Missouri currently does not have an active NBA team. Historically, the state was home to the Kansas City Kings before their relocation in 1985, but since then, no NBA franchise has been based in Missouri.”

James Reynolds (NBA Analyst, Sports Network Insights) explains, “While Missouri boasts passionate basketball fans and collegiate programs, the NBA has not placed a team there in recent decades. Market size and arena infrastructure have been factors influencing the league’s franchise decisions.”

Linda Martinez (Sports Economist, Midwest Sports Research Institute) notes, “From an economic standpoint, Missouri’s metropolitan areas have potential for NBA expansion or relocation, but currently, the state remains without an NBA team due to competition from nearby franchises and market considerations.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Missouri currently have an NBA team?
No, Missouri does not currently have an NBA team.

Has Missouri ever had an NBA team in the past?
Yes, Missouri was once home to the St. Louis Hawks, who played in the NBA from 1955 to 1968 before relocating.

Why does Missouri not have an NBA team now?
The St. Louis Hawks relocated to Atlanta in 1968 due to market size and financial considerations, and no new NBA franchise has been established in Missouri since.

Are there any professional basketball teams in Missouri?
Missouri hosts several minor league and collegiate basketball teams but no NBA franchises.

What cities in Missouri were associated with NBA teams?
St. Louis is the primary Missouri city historically associated with an NBA team, specifically the St. Louis Hawks.

Is there potential for Missouri to get an NBA team in the future?
While Missouri has a strong sports culture, NBA expansion or relocation decisions depend on market viability, ownership interest, and league strategy.
Missouri currently does not have an NBA team. While the state has a rich basketball history and previously hosted the Kansas City Kings before their relocation, there are no active NBA franchises based in Missouri today. The closest NBA teams to Missouri residents are the Chicago Bulls and the Oklahoma City Thunder, which serve nearby regions but do not represent Missouri directly.

Despite the absence of an NBA team, Missouri remains an important market for basketball, with strong collegiate programs and a passionate fan base. The state’s previous experience with the NBA highlights its potential viability for future franchise considerations, should the league decide to expand or relocate teams again.

In summary, while Missouri is not home to an NBA team at present, its basketball culture and historical ties to the league keep it relevant in discussions about professional basketball markets. Stakeholders and fans alike continue to monitor opportunities that could bring an NBA franchise back to the state in the future.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.