The Charlotte Bobcats, owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan, is reverting to the nickname Hornets next season and will be having the purple-and-teal colors again just like their formative years in the late '80s.
The Charlotte Observer first reported the move, saying that the team will formally announce the new colors on Sunday.
The move is the latest in the rebranding efforts of the franchise which in July received permission from the league office to revert to its old Hornets nickname after the original Hornets franchise moved to New Orleans in 2002 and used the nickname Pelicans this year.
The Charlotte Observer quoted Bobcats President Fred Whitfield: "We thought it was very important for us to listen to our fans and the overall community. There seemed to be an overwhelming desire to pay homage to the legacy of the Hornets, from their time here before. We listened to our fans, and that's what led us in this direction."
The Bobcats revealed that a survey in the Charlotte area showed that nearly 80% supported the name change and wanted the team to bring back its teal-and-purple color combination.
While there are still no official uniforms and logos for the team, the Observer reports that the uniforms will not be similar to the ones worn in the 80's and 90's. The same paper says that the Bobcats have been benefiting from the rebranding move with an increase in tickets sales.
The team used to be the favorite whipping boy of the league but has become more competitive this season with an even 7-7 win-loss record.
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