Farewell Charlotte Bobcats and welcome back Charlotte Hornets. The Bobcats, who became an expansion team in the NBA in 2004 under the ownership of BET founder Bob Johnson, held an a press conference today to officially announce that the franchise has been renamed the Charlotte Hornets. 

The team that originated in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1988, will make it’s return after leaving Charlotte and bolting for New Orleans in 2002.

Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Hornets briefly played in Oklahoma City, from 2005-2008, before returning to New Orleans for the 2008-09 season.

New Orleans changed its name to the Pelicans under new owner Tom Benson last year which freed Charlotte to reclaim the Hornets’ name and logo. Current team owner, Michael Jordan requested the team name change that was approved by NBA owners last July.

“Today we complete a task that has never been accomplished before. Bringing a name back to its original market,” said Hornets COO Fred Whitfield at today’s press conference.

Remember Larry Johnson, Muggsy Bogues and Alonzo Mourning?

“From this moment forward, we are officially the Charlotte Hornets.”

During the press conference, the team indicated that the history of the Charlotte Hornets will return to Charlotte. Not only the Bobcats era 2004-14, but also the original Hornets 1988-2002.

“This provides a tremendous alumni base, and we cannot wait to incorporate them into the Charlotte Hornets family,” said Whitfield.

The team’s new uniforms will be revealed on June 19 and the team’s basketball court design on June 26.

According to the Hornets, Hugo the Hornet, the team’s mascot will be making his return to Charlotte on June 5.

Check out the Charlotte Hornets through the years