History of Chicago Bulls in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 14, 2026

The Chicago Bulls are a professional basketball team competing in the NBA's Eastern Conference. Founded in 1966, the franchise rose to global prominence in the 1990s under the leadership of Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and head coach Phil Jackson. During this golden era, the Bulls achieved two separate 'three-peats,' winning six NBA championships between 1991 and 1998 without ever losing in the Finals. This dominance cemented the team's status as a cultural phenomenon and one of the most recognizable brands in sports history. While the team has seen various rebuilds since the departure of their dynasty stars, they remain a staple of Chicago's sporting identity, playing their home games at the United Center. Their iconic red, black, and white colors, combined with the legacy of legends like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, continue to define their enduring popularity in basketball.

1946: Founding of the Chicago Stags

In 1946, the Chicago Stags were established as an NBA franchise, marking the beginning of the team's history in the city before the arrival of the Bulls.

1950: End of the Chicago Stags era

The Chicago Stags ceased operations in 1950, ending their tenure as one of the early professional basketball teams in Chicago.

1961: Establishment of the Chicago Packers

In 1961, the Chicago Packers were founded, serving as the city's basketball team prior to the establishment of the Chicago Bulls.

1963: Transition of the Chicago Zephyrs

By 1963, the franchise known as the Chicago Packers, later the Zephyrs, concluded their operations in Chicago before the city would eventually receive the Bulls franchise.

January 16, 1966: Founding of the Chicago Bulls

On January 16, 1966, the Chicago Bulls were officially founded as an American professional basketball team destined to compete in the National Basketball Association.

1966: Chicago Bulls inaugural roster construction

In 1966, following the NBA expansion draft, the Chicago Bulls began building their initial team by acquiring players from established franchises under the leadership of head coach Johnny "Red" Kerr.

1967: Bulls Attendance Struggles in 1967-68 Season

During the 1967-68 season, the Chicago Bulls experienced a significant decline in fan interest, leading to historically low attendance numbers, including a game with only 891 attendees and instances where the team played games in Kansas City.

1969: Pat Williams Hired and Benny the Bull Introduced

In 1969, General Manager Klein resigned and was replaced by Pat Williams, who significantly revitalized the Chicago Bulls franchise by making strategic roster changes and introducing the team's first official mascot, Benny the Bull, to boost fan engagement.

1972: Bulls set franchise record for wins

In 1972, the Chicago Bulls achieved a significant milestone by setting a new franchise record with 57 regular-season wins under the leadership of head coach Dick Motta.

1973: Bulls reach 1973-74 conference finals

During the 1973-74 season, the Chicago Bulls reached the conference finals for the first time in team history, ultimately losing the series to the Milwaukee Bucks.

1974: Bulls lose 1974 conference finals

In 1974, the Chicago Bulls concluded their appearance in the conference finals after losing in four games to the Milwaukee Bucks.

1975: Bulls 1974-75 conference finals appearance

In 1975, the Bulls made their second consecutive appearance in the conference finals, falling in a competitive seven-game series to the Golden State Warriors.

1976: Artis Gilmore Acquired via ABA Dispersal Draft

In 1976, the Chicago Bulls successfully acquired Artis Gilmore through the ABA dispersal draft, bringing the talented center into a roster that featured Reggie Theus, David Greenwood, and Orlando Woolridge.

1979: 1979 NBA Draft Coin Flip

In 1979, the Chicago Bulls lost a crucial coin flip to the Los Angeles Lakers for the first overall pick in the NBA draft, which resulted in the Bulls selecting David Greenwood second instead of Magic Johnson.

1983: Theus Traded to Kansas City Kings

During the 1983–84 season in 1983, the Chicago Bulls traded player Theus to the Kansas City Kings as part of a strategic shift to change the team's direction following continued poor performance.

1984: Michael Jordan Drafted by Chicago Bulls

During the 1984 NBA draft, the Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan with the third overall pick. Under the leadership of new management, the team began a rebuilding process centered around Jordan, who went on to achieve franchise scoring and steals records, earned a spot on the All-NBA Second Team, and secured the NBA Rookie of the Year Award during his debut season in 1984.

1985: Michael Jordan's Playoff Scoring Record

During the 1985–86 season, after returning from a broken foot, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls in a playoff series against the Boston Celtics. In Game 2 of the 1985–86 postseason, Jordan set an enduring NBA record by scoring 63 points in a single game, an achievement that led Larry Bird to famously label him 'God disguised as Michael Jordan.'

1985: Jerry Reinsdorf Purchases Controlling Stake

In 1985, local businessman Jerry Reinsdorf acquired a controlling interest in the Chicago Bulls, a move that occurred two years after the passing of Arthur Wirtz.

1986: Michael Jordan's 1986-87 Scoring Dominance

During the 1986-87 season, Michael Jordan dominated the league with a scoring average of 37.1 points per game and achieved the milestone of becoming the first Chicago Bulls player to be named to the All-NBA First Team. Although the Bulls finished with a 40-42 record and qualified for the playoffs, they were eliminated after being swept by the Boston Celtics.

1987: Charles Oakley leads the league in total rebounds

During the 1987 season, power forward Charles Oakley achieved a significant statistical milestone by leading the entire NBA in total rebounds.

1987: 1987 NBA Draft and Roster Building

In the 1987 NBA draft, Jerry Krause selected Olden Polynice and Horace Grant, subsequently trading Polynice to Seattle to acquire Scottie Pippen. This revamped roster helped the Bulls secure 50 victories throughout the 1987 season.

1988: NBA MVP Honors and Rivalry Formation

During the 1988 season, Michael Jordan was awarded the NBA Most Valuable Player title for the first time, and the fierce rivalry between the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons officially began.

1988: Trade of Charles Oakley and acquisition of Bill Cartwright

On the eve of the 1988 NBA draft, the Chicago Bulls traded power forward Charles Oakley and a first-round pick to the New York Knicks in exchange for center Bill Cartwright and a first-round pick used to select Will Perdue. Additionally, the team acquired shooter Craig Hodges from Phoenix during this 1988 timeframe.

1989: Chicago Bulls 1989 Draft and Coaching Change

During 1989, the Chicago Bulls made significant roster and coaching adjustments, including drafting Stacey King and B. J. Armstrong, and transitioning Phil Jackson to the head coach position to replace Doug Collins.

1990: Chicago Bulls Record-Setting 1990-91 Season

During the 1990-91 NBA season, the Chicago Bulls achieved a then-franchise record of 61 regular-season wins and successfully navigated the playoffs, culminating in their victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1990-91 NBA Finals.

1991: Beginning of the Bulls' First Three-Peat

In 1991, the Chicago Bulls secured the first of their six NBA championships, marking the start of a historic dynasty that would define the 1990s under the leadership of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson.

1991: Conclusion of Pistons-Bulls Rivalry Era

The intense competitive rivalry between the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons, which had shaped the Eastern Conference landscape since 1988, reached its conclusion in 1991.

1992: Chicago Bulls 1992 NBA Championship Victory

In 1992, the Chicago Bulls achieved a franchise-record 67 regular-season wins and secured their second consecutive NBA Championship. After overcoming the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs, they defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in six games during the 1992 Finals.

October 6, 1993: Michael Jordan Announces Retirement

On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan surprised the sports world by announcing his retirement from basketball, occurring just three months after the tragic murder of his father.

1993: Chicago Bulls 1993 NBA Championship Victory

In 1993, the Chicago Bulls secured their third consecutive NBA championship after navigating the playoffs by defeating the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks. They ultimately clinched the title in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns, fueled by John Paxson’s game-winning three-pointer with only 3.9 seconds remaining on the clock to finalize a 99–98 score.

1994: Scottie Pippen Named All-Star MVP

During 1994, Scottie Pippen solidified his status as a premier NBA player by earning the All-Star MVP award, while teammates Horace Grant and B. J. Armstrong made their inaugural appearances in the All-Star game.

1995: Historic 72-Win Season Initiation

During the 1995-96 season, which began in 1995, the Chicago Bulls achieved an unprecedented 72-win season, becoming the first team in NBA history to reach the 70-win threshold in a single campaign.

1998: End of the Bulls' Championship Era

Following the conclusion of their dominant championship run in 1998, the Chicago Bulls began a period of decline and struggled to replicate their former success throughout the subsequent decade.

1998: Conclusion of the Second Three-Peat

The year 1998 marked the final championship win of the Chicago Bulls' legendary 1990s dynasty, cementing their record of six titles without ever losing an NBA Finals series.

2010: Emergence of the Early 2010s Bulls

In 2010, the Chicago Bulls began showing significant promise under the leadership of key players Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, marking a resurgence for the franchise.

2011: 2010–11 Season Excellence

During the 2010–11 season, the Chicago Bulls achieved high levels of success, finishing with a winning percentage above .732 as part of a strong performance cycle that extended into the following year.

2015: Surpassing the Bulls' Win Record

In 2015, the Golden State Warriors began their 2015-16 season, ultimately concluding it by surpassing the Chicago Bulls' long-standing record of 72 wins by achieving 73 victories.