Charlotte Hornets Set Sights On Being NBA’s Premier Franchise
On the court, the Hornets have been one of the NBA's most exciting teams. But Charlotte is putting pieces together for off-the-court success as well.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 24: (L-R) Coby White #3, Ryan Kalkbrenner #11, Grant Williams #2 and LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets look on in the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Spectrum Center on March 24, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) Getty Images Since the city’s return to the NBA in 2004, Charlotte has experienced some difficulties..
The Bobcats had just two winning seasons from 2004-14, and were swept out of the playoffs both times. In the years after re-assuming the Hornets identity for the 2014-15 campaign, the club notched just two winning seasons (2015-16, 2021-22), zero playoff series wins and couple play-in tournament losses. And while 2025-26 saw Charlotte achieve its highest win total (44) in a decade, the club doesn’t appear ready to call the season a success just yet.
Winning Over Everyone The Ringer ’s Bill Simmons anointed the Hornets as an NBA League Pass team worth tuning into all the way back in October, and Charlotte picked up a slew of national fans en route to this year’s play-in appearance and near-miss on a division title. That’s all well and good. But the real work started with the Hornets’ front office and players putting in the work to reengage with the Charlotte community and its fans, as it recommits to building a winner in the Queen City.
“Between the team temporarily leaving the city and a stretch without consistent success on the court, that connection (with fans) was strained,” Charlotte Hornets President of Business Operations Shelly Cayette-Weston recently told Forbes . “Our primary mission now is to reconnect with that passionate base, while also engaging new fans across the Carolinas, because the fans are the lifeblood of our organization. We are building a winning culture – on and off the court – they can be proud of.
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