Hornets 247 has acquired information that points to the Angels and Spirit as the two leading names in the event of a rebrand.
Recent filings to the Louisiana Secretary of State list both “The New Orleans Louisiana Angels, LLC” and “The New Orleans Louisiana Spirit, LLC” as reserved names. There are also additional filings reserving logo’s for both names. Additionally, the city for all four filings is listed as Metairie, where the New Orleans Saints are headquartered and registered.
There had been talk about both of these names since Tom Benson bought the team and the filings seem to confirm that.
There are no filings for names like “Brass” or “Krewe” as far as we’re aware.
In his introductory press conference, new owner Tom Benson stated that he would like to change the name of the team saying, “You’ve got to know we’re working on it. We’d like to change it tomorrow. We have not gotten that approved, but we’re not letting up on it, either.”
The rebranding process does not happen overnight, and cannot officially occur until Benson is approved as the new owner by the NBA’s Board of Governors, however Benson is getting a head start. Once he is approved as the new owner, expect the decisions on a rebrand to come quickly.
About the timing for a rebrand: Normally, this takes around 2 years once you get your ducks in a row, plus it requires a multi-million dollar fee to the NBA, plus the expenses of the rebrand itself. Even the Nets who just changed the locale part of their team, not the nickname, were subject to this following Prokhorov’s purchase of the team.
The Sonics-Thunder rebrand happened much more quickly. This proves that a rebrand in short order is possible if prepared. Even in this case, however, their rebrand was limited at first, with their mascot Rumble being unveiled mid-season (against the Hornets, in fact), for instance. This was also necessitated by the outcome of the lawsuits that pried the team from Seattle while leaving their history behind.
This settlement was reached on July 3, 2008, with the rebrand announced two months later. Benson is expected to be approved by the end of the month, and the legislative session ends just after, so there is even more time to get a Hornets rebrand done for this coming season if dispensation can be granted as part of the sale. If not, it stands to reason that the franchise could get a compromise done to rebrand next offseason, so the newly rebranded franchise will host the All-Star game in 2014. If not, we will tip off the 2014-2015 NBA season with out new digs if Benson can get the paperwork in this Fall.
About the Spirit: The Spirits of St. Louis is a most curious franchise. It was one of the Final ABA franchises, but it did not become part of the NBA. Rather, the owners were bought out for a certain share of TV money from the other ABA teams. To this day, the owners collect millions in TV from those teams. Yes, the Spurs, Nets, Pacers, and Nuggets pay these people every year. So, to get that name, it may require more than a NBA approval, depending on what actually remains of the Spirits. The ABA’ers may support the move and help to plug this leak in their finances, but this will take some doing.
Spirit is not Spirits, but if it is close enough in the eyes of some, the nickname can be taken off the table due to similarity. It all depends on the residual spirit of the Spirits.
Angels does not have this problem, despite the MLB team of the same name. Panthers, Rangers, Kings and Giants are other examples of the same nickname being used in at least two U.S. sports leagues.
We’ll be updating as we get more information.
185 responses to “Angels and Spirit Are the Two Leading Names for a Hornets’ Rebrand”
I get it: Angels since the football team is called the saints. how about the Arch-Angels? They were the bad ass ones who fought the devil’s minions. The New orleans Spirit? That does not have a good ring to it. One thing for certain, however, is that it is about time to finally put down the “Hornet.’ That name has been cursed and its time to start with a new name and new identity.
If that were the goal, I feel like “Sinners” would be a much more appropriate name. How cool would it be to have your two major league franchises named the Saints and the Sinners? I think I just found my second favorite re-brand name preference behind the Brass.
I can’t deny the potential awesomeness to have the Saints and Sinners angle. I do question the marketability of the name “Sinners” and think ultimately it won’t fly with some more sensitive people.
THANK YOU. I suggested this in the HR forums like a month ago and got completely torn apart for it
I could get behind Archangels too. I’m pretty horrified by either Angels or Spirit by themselves.
Agreed that name means nothing to us people in Louisiana or New Orleans….It belongs in Charlotte and we are still called the Charlotte Hornets way to much it’s because people see it as something that resonates with Charlotte because it does. Here’s to the Angels name it would be nice to see New Orleans Angles and New Orleans Saints
If these are the choices, can we please just keep the Hornets? and the Hornets colors?
Arch-Angels would be my second preference of the lame names considered so far.
I hope Louisiana is taken out of the name. Also, I’d much prefer the angels over the spirit, but they both suck.
Louisiana will most likely not be part of the final name. That is just how it is registered. The Saints are listed as NEW ORLEANS LOUISIANA SAINTS, L.L.C. A trademark lets you use whatever name you’d like.
There is a difference between a corporation and a trademark. The trademark is registered with a corporation (or individual) but the corporation (llc) is not the trademark.
Of course. These are filings for corporation names and logos.
Plus they coincide with other information we have.
No decision has been made since Benson doesn’t own the team, but these are two prepatory steps. We’ll see if they are final.
Thanks.
*vomits* That is not good news, but good scoop. Guess he’s looking for the Hornets to be “Saints Junior.” I expect the exceedingly boring choice of black and gold to follow. Gross. *punches fire extinguisher*
Tell you what sucks about it? People are actually going to like it in New Orleans… I’m going to miss the Hornets.
Not from what I’ve seen. A few people will like any name you poop out, but reaction to these two has not been good. Hopefully the team takes note.
Why do you think people in NO will like these names? These names suck. (I’m in NO, btw.)
These names completely blow. Angels already exist in Los Angeles (also, the city of angels).
We should get something completely different. Spirit sounds lame unless it is Spirits with an S or alcohol.
Spirits could work considering both the alcohol connection (something I doubt the NBA would be thrilled about, though) and the history with fortune tellers in New Orleans. Also could go with the Jackson in honor of Andrew Jackson, who led the Americans to victory in the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812 (could work especially with the 200th anniversary of the battle coming up in late 1814-early 1815).
What happens to hornets247.com after the name change? Haha
“Page Cannot Be Found HTTP ERROR 404”
Someone brought up Knights as a possibility…
Which has been my favorite by far..
I also like the idea of black and gold… Infinite possibilities as far as uniforms go…
Lots of intrigue
I also am content with Hornets… And their current scheme…
Not that it really matters… My deposit has already been withdrawn from my account for my renewal…
I’m a proud New Orleans Basketball supporter no matter what!
Spirit is more of a WNBA sounding name.
Both kinda blow, to be honest.
Latter Day Saints.
Ponder.
Team was purchased on Friday the 13th…. hmmmm Following a trend here?
Then trade for Jazz!
Check out Bug!
Oh…oh god yes
gross
Spirit sounds like a WNBA D-League team name and Agnels is even worse. I get that Benson owns the Saints and is trying to tie the teams together but this is HORRIBLE he shouldn’t try to tie them to the Saints with crap names. I will sell my season tickets if they use either of these names. New Orleans has no ties to Angels what so ever and Spirit was an ABA team in St. Louis where it made sense “Spirit of St. Louis” what happened to any of the good names people came up with? Like Brass, Pelicans, Buccaneers, Privateers, Crescents, Dukes any of these are FARRRR better than the Spirit or Angels. Separate from the Saints be your own team! C’mon Benson don’t do this!!!!!!!
I think they should name the team the Originators, on the surface it’s boring, but it is indicative of the city. Also, if they want to market the team to the region, many of our gulf coast neighbors were once united under the name Louisiana, the original louisiana. For short, they can call the team the OGs, that too is indicative of a place with a rich criminal history. There can be a uniform that even has Louisiana on it and the original nola team, the buccaneers, color combo. The name would also be a reference to the inability to get the jazz back from Utah, since we are the originators of the genre.
The New Orleans Marcus Thorntons?
Hmmm…Then we would have to trade for MT5.
OMG. And I was FOR the name change!!! They have to try harder. How about having a fan driven contest to decide the name?
Leave them the Hornets! thats who they are…………………….
Freakin serious?
Where can I complain?
I am not letting this happen. I’ll chain myself to the roof of the arena and starve myself to death if I have to because I don’t want to live on the same plane as the New Orleans Angels or Spirit.
Freakin idiots there are dozens of better options thought up so far by fans. Even the worst ones I’ve seen aren’t as bad as these.
I say let’s just settle it…….New Orleans Soul. With the laugh now cry later symbols as the logo. I will design it and post it up ASAP
I think Soul is the best. It may be better than Jazz. Because it encompasses everything Soul food Soul music the fact that may people think the city is haunted. Soul IMO is the name. It fits with the Saints and works well with the Who Dat chant.
Lame.
The names have already been filed. There’s nothing anyone can do to change it now.
This never would have happened had people just stuck with Hornets. It’s been here for ten years but everyone wanted to change it so now everyone’s got to live with it. This is what you asked for, New Orleans.
Two are filed. They can’t both be the name, so it’s ok to file for a name and NOT have it end up as THE name, right?
So others can be filed.
But, yes. All should be careful what they wish, and I totally agree with the sentiment. The boats are not burned, however.
Youre right. It is what we asked for. When u are from this city. Grew up in this city. Prospered with this city. Suffered with this city. U want your team to represent your city. This city is not nicknamed the hornets nest like Charlotte so we have no reason to hold that name. This city is known as the birthplace of jazz. The passion for music. The celebratory festivities. The culture. The food. There is no other. And I really don’t care how LAME our name is…..as long as it’s OURS!!!!
It’s been in New Orleans for ten years now. You want to change for the sake of change. I’m from the area too and I just find the change to be a bit unnecessary.
But the change couldn’t hurt. but it could help…
1. Official Post-CP3 ERA begins…
2. New “New Orleans” identity would help the team identify with the community. Increasing fan support.
3. New. Fun. Exciting. New Brand brings excitement to the current fan base.
4. More publicity league wide.
I’m down for New Orleans Basketball being lil brother to the Saints.
After all, it’s better than the red headed step child from Charlotte.
DON’T KILL THE HORNETS!!
IT’S BEEN WITH NOLA FOR 10 YEARS..
I’M A FAN OF THE HORNETS, I RESPECT AND WOULD LOVE TO TRAVEL TO NEW ORLEANS, DON’T TAKE ME WRONG, BUT MY CONNECTION AND LOVE IS TO THE HORNETS, NOT THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS… ERASING THE HORNETS WILL ERASE ALL THE HAPPINESS WE HAD WITH THE HORNETS… NO MORE HIVE.. DESPITE EVERYTHING SHINN DID TO THE FRANCHISE, I’LL FOLLOW THE HORNETS WHEREVER THEY ARE… NO REBRANDING!
Last time I did it, it took 75.00 and about 15 minutes to create an LLC on the La. SOS website. You could register 20 different names before you went to sleep tonight. Doesn’t mean they’ve invested much of anything in these names. Thank god. They suck.
I’m kind of wishing Benson wouldn’t have bought the team now. The Spirit is horrible and we would be the laughing stock of the NBA. The Angels and the Arc Angels suck as well. Next thing you know we’re going see the hive being painted black&gold because that’ll be the new colors. Geesh just leave the name alone. All of the local flavor needed is already in the Name….NEW ORLEANS
You’re sorry he bought the team because of a name change? I don’t care if they’re named the New Orleans Mardi Gras Mambo’s as long as they’re here in New Orleans. And that’s the reason he bought them, to keep them in New Orleans.
So, you think benson bought the team solely to keep them in New Orleans? Sounds like good business practices… lol
Benson said that was part of his motivation. He did not list every reason.
He also didn’t say why he breathes, but I think it’s because he wants to live. In a similar vein, I think he bought the team to makr money. I’m sure you are familiar with the budding sports – entertainment district downtown. That’s a big reason he wants the team here.
I like the idea of laugh now cry later logo, but fleur-de-bee was awsome
IS!…
The only upside of the one of the names (Angels) is when there is 24 seconds left in the game, Hornets down by one, coming out of a timeout, I can stand up and start waving my arms like wings just like Angels in the outfield… Yeah, that’d be cool.
I like Soul and Revelers. Knights is also very good. My idea would be ‘Blue Dogs’.
Don’t like either name. Especially Angels. Why not Buccaneers? The Hornets have worn the throwback uniforms and the mascot could be pretty cool.
That wouldnt sit well with me considering that the saints are in the same division as the tampa bay buccaneers & I dont want to cheer for the buccaneers in anyway
I also think the Milwaukee Bucks may have a slight problem with the name as well.
Horrible, horrible choices. But do we know for sure these filings are tied to Benson? To date, nothing on the Secretary of State’s website shows.
We are working on that and more with SoS.
This information is in line with other information more than one of us got from independent contacts. This is the most visible.
How about New Orleans Hurricane or Hurricanes! My second choice would be New Orleans Storm.
Terrible Idea Hurricanes or Storm is worse than Angels or Spirit
[…] new name of our local NBA team, and there's nothing too local in the works so far. According to Hornets 247, the Secretary of State already has “The New Orleans Louisiana Angels, LLC” and […]
Well if the public seems to be mostly against it (like we currently are), would they still go with these names? Can’t imagine why they would be for these names if the people they’re changing it for don’t like it.
Glad to read the out rage based on these names. He wanted something more “NOLA” and this is the best they can do? I much rather remain the Hornets over either those choices.
How about the Louisiana Purchase?
louisiana purchase card? ring it up ring it up
I’ll go ahead and be the black sheep here by saying I actually like the names, especially the New Orleans Spirit.
Spirit is a horrible name. Sounds like a brand of tampons.
Both names are as corny as they get. We have to stop this from happening. How about the New Orleans Underdogs of the New Orleans Resilence? Idk. I liked the suggestions New Orleans Soul, Dukes and Knights
Did you say resilience?
I love you.
I can’t stand resiliency as a ‘new word’
Haha, thank you, though I have to admit I didn’t even think of the word resiliency. So many words have become redundant in meaning.
I like the idea of a name that speaks to the resilience of the city, something that speaks to the grit of the people and the soul of the city basically being some irresistible, irrepressible force.
Survivors sounds cool, but also could remind folks of refugees and Katrina type scenes of despair.
Maybe the New Orleans Battle or Battlers (play on the Battle of New Orleans)
New Orleans Crescents is also worth thinking about. Could have a really cool logo with lettering blended into the river bend.
antani.
NEW ORLEANS SOUL! IT MAKES SENSE, SO MAKE IT HAPPEN PEOPLE (I’m from Charlotte, so I can’t help you there).
As soon as I heard of a name change and thought about what could be a good new name. Angels were the first name that came into my mind. Saints & Angels. Sounds great right?
Well, if it is so easy to find it, I do not want it. I would want a name that struck me. That make me say: “Wow! That’s a great name! I never thought about that!”
Besides, I personally would prefer a stronger name for our basketball team!
The names are good and the logos for the Saints and Angels would be nice. Most of New Orleans would like the name especially close ties to the cities other team especially with the same colors as the saints I could see a halo in gold and black working
I actually like both names they seem to resonate more with us people in Louisiana and especially with us people in New Orleans…..Saints and Angles sounds like a nice tag team and most people in New Orleans will like it. Hornets name is not a NOLA name or Louisiana name it belongs in Charlotte which I’m sure they will take back. I and many people I know want a name that represents this state and city.
[…] harder for local fans to support the team. For instance, an ESPN affiliated web site reported the New Orleans Spirit and New Orleans Angels were the clubhouse leaders to become the team’s new […]
Both names are horrible! I’ve been hoping for a rebrand for some time, and then they go ahead and screw it up like this… *sigh*
What about ‘Corsairs’ for the new name? Corsairs are basically French pirates. A pirate theme could play well in New Orleans, and the French angle is pretty obvious. Maybe call them the ‘cors’ for short?
New Orleans Corsairs. I like it.
My first posting from a life-long Hornet fan. I’ve followed this team since we drafted ZO in ’92, and I’m a traditionalist. I like the Hornets name but if we have to lose it, how about something like the New Orleans Patrons?
Sorta rymes with Saints (as in Patron Saint), has echoes of Patriots, and means the Boss in some languages, including French.
Just my two cents worths. Whatever the name, whatever the city, you can’t change your team!
I couldn’t care less if we were named New Orleans Poop Scoopers. We have an owner whos dedicated to winning a championship (hopefully), even if we’re 2nd fiddle to the Saints, we’d still be a better organization than before, that’s what I care about.
I also think it should be Poop Scoopers.
A loyal fan……I’m with that….
NEW ORLEANS SOUL!!!!!
A rough draft……..
http://m1148.photobucket.com/albums/o569/Mickey_Chatman/Mobile%20Uploads/?action=view¤t=IMG_4004.jpg
Reapers or Demons
how about the
new orleans parade
or
new orleans carnival
New Orleans Jazz
New Orleans Reapers
New Orleans Horns
New Orleans Beat
New Orleans Knights
New Orleans Nightmare
New Orleans Chiefs (Farouq would love that name)
New Orleans Krewe
New Orleans Sound (Kinda WNBA-ish)
New Orleans Notes (Music notes)
New Orleans Bass (One of my personal favs)
New Orleans Hymns
New Orleans Majors (Sounds like we would play the globetrotters & generals)
New Orleans Mass
New Orleans Octaves
New Orleans Reeds
New Orleans Masons (Im emailing mason & the name sounded catchy)
While I appreciate the shout-out and obviously love the name, I’m pretty sure renaming the team with an occupation that works with bricks for a living would be in poor taste for a basketball team.
“Masons put up brick after brick in loss to Grizzlies”
…not gonna fly.
Yeah your right & you know we would blame you for every loss that we have
I already do.
…Jerks!
Dumb and Dumber
I get the religious theme, but the only reason “Saints” makes sense is because of the song and the association with Catholicism, not Christianity in general. I really dislike both of these, but “Angels” rolls off the tongue better than “Spirit.” I’d still like more options, though.
If you throughout a name that already belongs to another professional sports organization you should lose your right to recommend a name. This includes the Soul since it already belongs to an arena football team. Knights is lame as hell as well since we already had the New Orleans Nights arena football team back in the day.
Only acceptable options in my eyes are:
Krewe of New Orleans (not new orleans krewe)
New Orleans Brass (the hockey team no longer exists)
New Orleans Bounce (Get it ready, Get it ready, Get it ready, ready)
New York Giants(NFL)/San Francisco Giants(MLB)
Carolina Panthers(NFL)/Florida Panthers(NHL)
Arizona Cardinals(NFL)/St. Louis Cardinals(MLB)
Sacramento Kings(NBA)/Los Angeles Kings(MHL)
Texas Rangers(MLB)/New York Rangers(NHL)
Spokane Shock(AFL)/Tulsa Shock(WNBA)
& if you count past names
Houston Oilers(Former NFL)/Edmonton Oilers(NHL)
Cleveland Browns(NFL)/St. Louis Browns(Former MLB)
New York Jets(NFL)/Winnipeg Jets(Former NHL)
So I dont have a problem with an already used name if it fits & the only thing I dont like about the New Orleans Bounce is fear of Big Freedia & Katey Red becoming the mascots lol
Winnipeg is back so the two Jets are a current name thing.
Since when was this the Lingerie Football league? For real, both of these names sound like names for Lingerie Football teams.
Spirit = Ghosts… call them the Ghosts or Phantom or something. New Orleans Phantom, thats waaaaay better than Spirit. I threw up in my mouth a little when I read the title to this post.
What a joke of this fanbase trippin over the remaining 2 team names you didn’t pay $318 million for this team so shut up.I like the Angels who dat say they going beat them Angels.
The fans didnt pay $318million ok your right, but who pays for the tickets,the jerseys, the posters, who fills up the seats, who are the team playing for…They are playing for New Orleans & New Orleans is us, they are playing for all the fans & thats who we are. If Benson wants a profit he better make sure his city is behind his team, which we will be no matter what the name is because we love our city & love basketball, but its not 17,000 people named Tom Benson sitting in the stands every game. Its fans that pay their hard earned money to see a team that they love.
Ma va a cagare!
Uh…These names are terrible. Sorry. I think the Hurricanes, The Dukes, The Knights, and The Pelicans are better.
The Spirits? really? No.
The Angels? Seriously? uh..not really, but I’d prefer it over the Spirits. What does Angels have to do with NOLA except the Catholic thing?
The Musketeers…yep. French.
Lets go with The Hurricanes, The Dukes, The Knights, or The Pelicans.
Pelicans! Yeah!
Does nobody like Royals? That is my favorite by far and nobody is on the bandwagon with me. Mardi Gras royal court? Who has had more (in number and variety) association with royalty than New Orleans? Kings and Queens of France, Spain. Duke of Orleans? Louisiana is named after King Louis, is it not? It seems like the perfect fit! Mardi gras theme. You have a ROYAL court at every tableau, do you not? Every single Mardi Gras parade has a King or Queen, Dukes and Maids, and usually a Grand Marshall. C’mon guys just think about it!!! If we’re going to use a baseball name like “Angels” use one that fits New Orleans and Louisiana!
I’m down with the royals especially if we keep our current colors or take kansas city’s color scheme.
I love NOLA Royals. I post it on every message board I possibly can. I envision a few different color scheme possibilities. Maybe purple and gold (not yellow, but gold. And the purple should be different from Lakers purple, more like a shiny violet). Another possibility is royal blue and silver. Or we can do royal blue and gold (again, not yellow). New Orleans Royals!!! The fleur de lis would fit right in with that. It makes sense for our area and it has a classic sound, which all these names with no “s” on the end lack. That is a worn out idea. Spirit, Night, Brass, Rhythm, Soul. I hate all those names. Arena Football crap. Let’s have a little class with this thing.
I think Brass and Krewe are great options. Spirit and Angels are too tacky.
New Orleans Soul
http://m1148.photobucket.com/albums/o569/Mickey_Chatman/Mobile%20Uploads/?action=view¤t=IMG_7363.jpg
New Orleans Brees
or
New Orleans Connick Jrs
My faves. I’m surprised Gators didn’t come up, that’s the most obvious one to me
NOT LEANING TOWARDS ANGELS OR SPIRIT. I THINK A GOOD NAME WOULD THE THE NEW ORLEANS APOSTLES. SIMILIAR TO SAINTS AND I THINK THERE ARE 12 MEN ON A BASKETBALL ROSTER. WHICH WOULD MAKE THEM THE 12 APOSTLES.
To be honest, I would just rather keep the name Hornets if names don’t get any better. The Fleur de Bee is awesome!
Both names are weak.
New Orleans Soul was a good recommendation, but personally, I want to see:
New Orleans Revelers, mainly because the dancers would be the Revelations…
BOURBON STREET BALLERS!
PLEASE DO NOT NAME YOUR TEAM “Spirit.” That’s awful. Makes it sound like an expansion WNBA franchise. Angels would be fine, I guess, as it relates to the Saints. Better to scrap those two and start fresh with an actual good name for a franchise.
I love the names and most of these people that do not like the Angels or Spirit names are not from Louisiana or New Orleans.
I’m from New Orleans and think the Spirit and Angels are horrible. Once again I’m not sure why people want a WNBA name or the replica of another professional sports organization. I don’t care that other teams have the same names as other organizations. It’s on them that their team branding is copies or lame. We don’t have to be them. We are a unique city, we need a unique name. The Saints were a unique name, Angels and Spirit is not. Get over it.
I have never been to a New Orleans Hornets game and never will until they change that name it means something more to NC/SC and we constantly get called the Charlotte Hornets because nobody cares about them in New Orleans except a few fans who came over as fans when they moved. Hornets is a Charlotte name and the media seems to agree and history does too. Here’s to getting a name that means something to our state Louisiana.
People certainly care about the Hornets (see: Playoffs and FAN UP), but we could use a more meaningful name. I think people should still cheer for a team and care about them regardless of the name.
Jason… Ryan… Jake… Hornets247…
I think you found your new poll question…
Which name would you like most?
Angels
Spirit
Knights
Krewe
Etc etc. etc.
I would exclude Jazz on the basis that it is currently taken.
what’s up with the hoopla over a European name like the Knights? that couldn’t be more queer.
It’s not that “Knights” is a bad name. Just generic and has no exclusive meaning to the area. Which I thought was the sole purpose of the rebranding. The same goes for “Spirit” and “Angels”.
Add Rhythm to that list..
Both sound like WNBA team names.
I love these names they will attract fans and the ones complaining are a few people and casual fans will be attracted to rooting for the Saints and Angels/Spirit. Please hurry and change the name so we can dump this North Carolina name Hornets.
I love these names don’t know why fans hate it but I think the only people commenting are ones that hate the name most people will like it I’m sure of it. I know tons of people who said they could see the Angels name (Saints and Angels).
see Los Angeles/Anaheim Angels
plus L.A. is known as the city of angels; why would we want to piggy back off that lame stuff.
Love both names period haters gonna hate.
I dont really like many of the names ive heard (including krewe) but i would rather krewe than these.
Angels and Spirit don’t flow well (“Now starting for your New Orleans Angels/Spirit…”). My favorites are Brass and Krewe; Jazz fits the best by far. Utah should be the “Bees” because they are the “Behive State.” I still like Hornets for us, though. I like “The Hive” and the gold jerseys and all that stuff. The only rebranding we need is to rebrand our team and put ’em into the playoffs.
meant Beehive
The city of Charlotte is nicknamed “the hornet’s nest”
New Orleans Avengers
The NEW ORLEANS SOUND could be as big as the LOS ANGELES LAKERS. How does that sound?
Seattle Sound (MLS)
-ers
Louisiana Legend, with a werewolf as a logo…play on the Rougaroux tale that has been told for years. This could be a fun and unique especially with the Twilight movies that are so popular now.
I want three certain NBA teams to be the Utah Bobcats, the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Jazz. All presently have out-of-place nicknames.
Grifters
Wildcats
Phoenix
…Beads?
It should be the New Orleans Brass.
These 2 are terrible. I like the Hornets but can happily live with a change…just not these. I also don’t care to part with our SWEET “Creole Blue” color.
Here in Aus we had the Sydney Spirit at one stage. The name was universally panned and the team lasted one season (it died due to a number of other factors too). Angels has what to do with New Orleans except for the fact the Saints? Already used and hardly original.
As said before, they both sound like WNBA names. And personally I hope we just stay as the Hornets.
May as well tack on Arc(h) to Angels if that’s the direction they’re going.
How about the Crescent?
I always thought that Breakers would be a good name for a basketball team, but I still prefer the Hornets!
I finally figured it out. The New Orleans Rebirth. Just like the second line band. Put a bunch of horns and drums in the logo. Also it’s a subtle reference to overcoming Katrina. Have Benson annually donate a small percentage of profits to local music nonprofits. That’s it, stop the contest now. We have a winner!
Not bad at all
the team name should be jesters. who cares if it is the soccer team for new orleans. Jesters would be a perfect name to represent new orleans.
The New Orleans Rhythm … fits the team and city perfectly ..
The New Orleans Rhythm … it fits perfectly for the city and the team
How about New Orleans Indians. The logo and mascot could be based around the Mardi Gras Indians. It’s something unique to the city.
I’m also a fan of Brass. It’s one way to get Jazz back, and it reminds of the “it takes brass balls to sell real estate” monologue from Glen Gary Glen Ross. We could use some brass balls in the fourth quarter.
I think the brand should appeal to the city, but I think it also has to make sense nationally and internationally. People from other places want to pull for New Orleans, and a bad name would weaken that goodwill. Spirit is such a weak name because any city could make a case for why they have spirit. It’s a lame pep rally cry. A name like Krewe would take too much explanation for everyone outside of the city. You could make the same argument for Indians… I’ll stop.
New Orleans Chocolates?(chocolate city …jk) I think we should take a name that is essential to Utah and trade them for the name or the New Orleans essence
I like the names and feel that Hornets does not represent this area nor does it represent anyone other than Charlotte. Let them have the name back the media has been clamoring for this for awhile. Charlotte Hornets this and Charlotte Hornets that TOM BENSON GIVE US A NAME THAT ISN’T TIED TO ANOTHER CITY.
I’m a former Charlotte Hornets fan and i’m getting pumped up for the chance for ***cats to change their name to the Hornets, and as a neutral I don’t like the Spirit or the Angels. The Knights and Dukes sound better to me. Good Luck NO and may both Cities win!!!
the margin for success when it comes to rebrand is so small , this shit is wack
i’m not even from NO and those names are ridiculous. crawfish. there. done. the New Orleans Crawfish. it’s local, it’s perfect. might be a lil d league-ish, but it’s super local and has history behind it. spirit and angels are LAME. best of luck from boston!
Nice names I like them a lot I don’t care what the name is get away from the NC/SC name it sucks having another areas name when it does not represent us at all.
Those names fit with the Saints name and I like them. I don’t care what the name is as long as we do not keep the Hornets name give it back to Charlotte.
New Orleans BRASS!!!
New Orleans Rising Suns
New Orleans Congos
New Orleans Indians
New Orleans Swamp
New Orleans Bayou
New Orleans Crawfish
New Orleans Alligators
New Orleans Cajuns
New Orleans Mardi Gras
New Orleans Zydeco
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Catholics
New Orleans Pirates
New Orleans Fire
Or how about New Orleans Tigers,
Whatever the name, the colors should be Gold and Black
NEW ORLEANS MAMBO OR THE NEW ORLEANS RIVER RATS
New Orleans Spice
Been a die hard Hornets fan since the move from charlotte, my license plate says Hornet if this damn name change associates us with the Saints or heaven forbid changes our colors to black and gold im walking. These 2 names are downright horrendous, the only names ive heard i could remotely get behind were Buccaneers, Pirates and Voodoo. Buccs wont work cuz saints fains hate tampa and there is already the mill bucks, I dont see why pirates wouldnt work and we could throw in some John Lafitte action. The voodoo would work and who gives a turd about takin the name of an arena football team. The krewe is horrible, the pelicans are poon
Sad thing is we don’t need a rebrand anyways, all we need to do is Win. Look at the saints, every second rate fair weather fan will tell you they were die hard Saints forever blah blah blah “my dad and i since the blah blah” long story short the saints didnt get 1 1000000000 of the cheddy they are gettin since the super bowl and over half these die hards couldnt give 2 shits about the saints prior to the super bowl. Screw a rebrand lets just put a quality product on the court,its hard for anybody to get behind a team who has marco belinelli as their starting shooting guard
Do we need to rebrand absolutely not. Will a rebrand(if done properly) be good for the local fan base and generate some easy revenue dollars in apparell sells for Benson yes. Since winning isn’t as easy as changing the name, and in my opinion we are at the earliest 3 years away from being the caliber of team that can have that type of success, changing the name will give “fair weather” fans a raise to support the team during this rebuild.
I think a rebrand is riskier than most lay oit.
“If done properly” is the most important thing.
Big ol’ if. I talked with Thunder and Wizards bloggers about their rebrands… they were not happy with the names at first and aren’t loving them. Ultimately, I didn’t get the feeling anyone cares
The need is overblown and is largely fueled by sniveling lazy complainers who will continue to complain more than support regardless. Some truly care. For many its a novelty to discuss. For some, it’s one of many excuses.
Im feelin that 42. All the rebrand can do to me is upset me, so if done right I couldn’t care less. but that being said angels and spirit are no where near “done properly”
NOLA Royals!!!
The spirit and angles suck.
If they can not pry the Jazz from Utahs hands then why not be the New Orleans Demons. It would go well with Thr Saints (since it seems like Benson wants to incorporate that into the renaming) and it fits well with the way New Orleans is projected by outsiders of Louisiana (how we are he city of sinners and being named the sinners is just horrendous)
Just my input, but I’ll support the team no matter what they are called
How can you condemn the name “Sinners” and then turn around and suggest “Demons”? I think New Orleans is more synonymous with sinning than demons. I know Vegas is “Sin city”, but people have been coming to the Big Easy to indulge in their vices since before Vegas was even a city.
Both names are TERRIBLE!!!!!
My recommendations:
1. Blackjacks
2. Phantoms
3. Cajuns
4. Swamp Cats
5. Lafittes
6. Loup Garou
7. Blue Dogs (someone else mentioned that one)
Loup Garou my personal favorite. What is it? The Cajun werewolf. Perfect
Both Spirit and Angela are terrible.
My recommendations:
1. Blackjacks
2. Phantoms
3. Vampires
4. Lafittes
5. Swamp Cats
6. Zombies
7. Loup Garou
My personal favorite is Loup Garou. What is it? A Cajun werewolf check it out.
Get rid of the Voodoo and take that name and logo!!!
It looks way to cool to be with an AFL team
New Orleans Flash
1. B I G C H I E F S
2. Phantoms
3. Zombies. (picture huge jersey sales Worldwide)
4. Loup Garou (picture huge jersey sales in south Louisiana and everyone else in the country scratching their head…WhatInTheHellIsThat??
Oh and spirit is what you have for a team that sucks.
As in “our team didn’t win but we have SPIRIT”
Nobody needs to remind the Saints or their fans to have spirit when they’re making a playoff run.
Spirit is ok. another good name would be BAYOU
[…] the New Orleans Hornets Angels(?) get the ball rolling with their unanimously anticipated selection of Anthony Davis with the first […]
Brass or Krewe fits New Orleans. Spirit? Boring. Angels? Retread.
[…] Recently, Jake Madison reported that Spirit and Angels were names under consideration by the new ownership. […]
1. New Orleans Spice
2. New Orleans Flavor
3. New Orleans Pride
New Orleans Voodoo
personifies what new orleans is based on
two teams with the same name can work(both in new orleans and play in the same arena)
and the colors and mascots are badass
perfered going to the graveyard better than the bee-hive
so my vote is for voodoo
[…] to this reference. As to the rest of the name, “New Orleans Spirit” is one of the leaders in the clubhouse for new owner Tom Benson(who also owns the Saints)’s anticipated rebranding of the Hornets. […]
I don’t really care for the spirit but angles have a good ring to it but new Orleans sinners would be better new Orleans saints &new Orleans sinners same owner two teams saints &sinners
The Creole
“New Orleans Ballers” should be added to the list