History of Milwaukee Bucks in Timeline

The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, competing in the NBA's Eastern Conference Central Division. Founded in 1968, they play their home games at Fiserv Forum. Historically, Herb Kohl was the long-time owner. In 2014, Wes Edens and Marc Lasry led a group that purchased a majority interest in the team. Jon Horst is the current general manager, having succeeded John Hammond.

1965: NBA Coverage on ABC

From 1968 to 1971, Bucks games were carried on WITI (Channel 6), which coincided with NBA coverage already carried by ABC (1965–1973).

January 22, 1968: NBA awards franchise to Milwaukee Professional Sports and Services, Inc.

On January 22, 1968, the NBA awarded a franchise to Milwaukee Professional Sports and Services, Inc. (Milwaukee Pro), headed by Wesley Pavalon and Marvin Fishman. A fan contest was held to name the team, eventually settling on the name 'Bucks'.

1968: Bucks Games on WITI

From 1968 to 1971, Bucks games were carried on WITI (Channel 6), which was then an ABC affiliate.

1968: Resemblance of Red Uniforms

In 2008, a red secondary road uniform was introduced, and it resembled the 1968-73 uniforms.

1968: Retro Uniforms Resemble Inaugural Home Uniforms

In 2017, the Bucks added retro uniforms as part of the NBA's new uniform protocol, which were replica versions of their inaugural home uniforms from 1968 to 1970.

1968: Eddie Doucette as Play-by-Play Voice

Veteran sportscaster Eddie Doucette served as the team's original play-by-play voice from 1968 to 1984.

1970: Retro Uniforms Resemble Inaugural Home Uniforms

In 2017, the Bucks added retro uniforms as part of the NBA's new uniform protocol, which were replica versions of their inaugural home uniforms from 1968 to 1970.

April 30, 1971: Bucks win their first NBA championship

On April 30, 1971, the Milwaukee Bucks won their first NBA championship by sweeping the Baltimore Bullets in four games. This victory occurred in only the team's third season.

1971: Bucks Games on WISN-TV

From 1971 to 1976, Bucks games were carried on WISN-TV (Channel 12), which was then a CBS affiliate.

1971: Commemoration of 1971 Championship

In 2014, the Milwaukee Bucks tweaked their uniform set with the addition of a gold tab commemorating their 1971 championship.

1973: NBA Coverage on ABC

From 1968 to 1971, Bucks games were carried on WITI (Channel 6), which coincided with NBA coverage already carried by ABC (1965–1973).

June 16, 1975: Abdul-Jabbar traded to the Lakers

On June 16, 1975, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was traded by the Milwaukee Bucks to the Los Angeles Lakers for Elmore Smith, Junior Bridgeman, Brian Winters, and David Meyers.

November 1976: Don Nelson becomes head coach

In November 1976, Don Nelson became the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks after Larry Costello abruptly resigned.

1976: Bucks Games on WISN-TV

From 1971 to 1976, Bucks games were carried on WISN-TV (Channel 12), which was then a CBS affiliate.

1976: Jon McGlocklin as Color Commentator

From 1976 to 2018, former Buck Jon McGlocklin provided color commentary for the team.

1976: "Milwaukee" returns to Road Uniforms

On June 6, 2015, The city name 'Milwaukee' returned to the road uniforms for the first time since 1976.

1976: WVTV as Over-the-Air Partner

WVTV was the over-the-air partner from 1976 to 1988.

March 1977: WISN and WITI Swap Networks

In March 1977, WISN and WITI swapped networks, with WISN since remaining with ABC, and WITI switching from CBS to Fox in December 1994.

October 18, 1977: Abdul-Jabbar punches Benson, breaks hand

On October 18, 1977, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, while playing for the Lakers, punched Kent Benson during a game and broke his hand. Abdul-Jabbar was fined $5,000 and missed 20 games.

1977: "Earned" Uniform Inspired by "Irish Rainbow"

For the 2018–19 season, Milwaukee's 'Earned' uniform was inspired from the 1977–1985 'Irish Rainbow' home uniform, with the visual elements of red with green stripes.

1978: Addition of shades of green to uniforms

In 1978, the Milwaukee Bucks added various shades of green to their uniforms.

1980: Bucks trade Benson for Lanier, win Midwest Division Title

In 1980, the Milwaukee Bucks traded Kent Benson to the Detroit Pistons for Bob Lanier. The Bucks subsequently won the Midwest Division title that same year.

1984: Eddie Doucette as Play-by-Play Voice

Veteran sportscaster Eddie Doucette served as the team's original play-by-play voice from 1968 to 1984.

1985: "Earned" Uniform Inspired by "Irish Rainbow"

For the 2018–19 season, Milwaukee's 'Earned' uniform was inspired from the 1977–1985 'Irish Rainbow' home uniform, with the visual elements of red with green stripes.

1985: Fitzgerald and partners sell the Bucks

In 1985, Jim Fitzgerald and his partners decided to sell the Milwaukee Bucks due to health problems and investors wanting to exit. Herb Kohl eventually bought the team.

1985: Elimination of red from team colors

In 1985, the Milwaukee Bucks eliminated red from the team colors.

1986: Jim Paschke as Television Play-by-Play Announcer

Since 1986, Jim Paschke was the team's television play-by-play announcer until his 2021 retirement.

1988: WCGV Previously Carried Bucks Games

WCGV also previously carried Bucks games from 1988 to 1994.

1990: NBA Coverage on CBS

From 1971 to 1976, Bucks games were carried on WISN-TV (Channel 12), which coincided with NBA coverage already carried by CBS (1973–1990).

1992: Inspiration for purple and green color scheme

In 1992, the Bucks' purple and green color scheme was inspired by a FedEx package containing a dark green cap and purple shirt with the Wimbledon Championships logo, along with a letter from then-Bucks general manager Mike Dunleavy Sr.

1993: Logo and uniforms overhauled

In 1993, after the franchise's 25th anniversary, the Milwaukee Bucks overhauled their logo and uniforms, changing the colors to green, purple, and silver.

December 1994: WISN and WITI Swap Networks

In March 1977, WISN and WITI swapped networks, with WISN since remaining with ABC, and WITI switching from CBS to Fox in December 1994.

1994: WVTV as Over-the-Air Partner

From 1994 to 1999, WVTV (Channel 18) was the over-the-air partner for Bucks games.

1994: Bucks draft Glenn Robinson

In the 1994 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks selected Glenn Robinson with the first overall pick.

1995: Hunter Green Alternate Uniform Unveiled

In 1995, the Milwaukee Bucks introduced a hunter green alternate uniform featuring the script "Bucks" lettering in white fading to silver and purple, white numbers with green and purple trim, and a graphic deer logo on the right side.

1996: Bucks acquire Ray Allen

In 1996, the Milwaukee Bucks acquired rookie Ray Allen in a draft-day trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

1996: Bucks Games Televised on Fox Sports Wisconsin

Prior to the Bally Sports Wisconsin exclusivity, Bucks games were televised on Fox Sports Wisconsin (which through various incarnations have televised Bucks games since 1996).

1997: Bucks trade Vin Baker and acquire Terrell Brandon and Tyrone Hill

In 1997, the Milwaukee Bucks traded Vin Baker to the Seattle SuperSonics in a three-team deal, acquiring Terrell Brandon and Tyrone Hill from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

1998: Bucks trade Dirk Nowitzki for Robert Traylor

At the 1998 NBA draft, the Milwaukee Bucks selected Dirk Nowitzki and traded him to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Robert Traylor.

1998: George Karl hired as coach

In 1998, the Milwaukee Bucks hired George Karl as their head coach.

1998: Hunter Green Alternate Uniform Retirement

The Milwaukee Bucks retired the hunter green alternate uniform after the 1998-99 season.

1999: Bucks Split TV Broadcasts with WCGV

From 1999 to 2007, the Bucks split their television broadcasts between Fox Sports Wisconsin and WCGV (Channel 24).

2000: Replicas of 2000-01 purple road uniforms chosen

During the 2022–23 season, the team chose replicas of their 2000–01 purple road uniforms for their 'Classic' uniform.

2001: Bucks reach Eastern Conference Finals

In 2001, the Milwaukee Bucks reached the Eastern Conference Finals, losing to the 76ers in seven games after winning 52 games and their first division title in 15 years.

2001: Uniform Tweaks

In 2001, the Milwaukee Bucks tweaked their uniforms, adding an alternate antler logo on the waist and extended side stripes. The letters on the purple uniform were changed to silver with green and white trim.

2003: Kohl decides against selling the team

In 2003, Herb Kohl decided against selling the Milwaukee Bucks to Michael Jordan, committing to owning and improving the team and ensuring it remained in Wisconsin.

2006: Uniform Changes for the 2006-07 Season

In 2006, the Milwaukee Bucks changed their uniforms for the 2006-07 season. The new home uniform was white with hunter green stripes, thinner red stripes, and green numbers with a red outline. The primary road uniform was hunter green with white numbers with a silver highlight and red outline. Both jerseys featured "BUCKS" in beveled block letters.

2007: Bucks Split TV Broadcasts with WCGV

From 1999 to 2007, the Bucks split their television broadcasts between Fox Sports Wisconsin and WCGV (Channel 24).

2007: Exclusive Broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin

Since the 2007–08 season, all Bucks games not nationally broadcast have aired exclusively on regional cable television over FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.

March 19, 2008: Squatch performed a dunk from the top of a 16-foot ladder

On March 19, 2008, Squatch, the Seattle SuperSonics' mascot, performed a dunk from the top of a 16-foot ladder during a game between the SuperSonics and the Phoenix Suns.

2008: Introduction of Secondary Road Uniform

In 2008, a secondary road uniform was introduced, consisting of a red jersey and shorts resembling the 1968-73 uniforms, with "Milwaukee" in white and silver writing.

April 6, 2010: Bucks Clinch Playoff Berth

On April 6, 2010, the Milwaukee Bucks clinched a playoff berth with a road win over the Chicago Bulls.

May 21, 2012: Naming rights of Bradley Center sold to BMO Harris Bank

On May 21, 2012, the naming rights of the Bradley Center were sold to BMO Harris Bank, leading to the arena being renamed the "BMO Harris Bradley Center".

2012: Hunter Green Alternate Uniform Resurrected

In 2012, the hunter green alternate uniform was resurrected for Hardwood Classics Nights, updated to modern uniform standards.

June 27, 2013: Bucks Draft Giannis Antetokounmpo

On June 27, 2013, the Milwaukee Bucks selected Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo as the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft.

April 16, 2014: Purchase agreement by Edens and Lasry group

On April 16, 2014, a group led by Wes Edens and Marc Lasry reached an agreement to purchase a majority interest in the Milwaukee Bucks from Herb Kohl.

July 1, 2014: Bucks Secure Coaching Rights for Jason Kidd

On July 1, 2014, the Milwaukee Bucks acquired the coaching rights for Jason Kidd from the Brooklyn Nets.

2014: Hints of Logo and Uniform Redesign

During the 2014–15 season, hints were made by the Bucks that their logo and uniforms were going to be redesigned.

2014: Uniform Set Tweaks

In 2014, the Milwaukee Bucks' uniform set was tweaked with the addition of a gold tab commemorating their 1971 championship and the move of the NBA logo to the back. The 'Bucks' lettering was adjusted to have all letters the same height.

April 13, 2015: Announcement of New Logo and Colors

On April 13, 2015, the Milwaukee Bucks announced that a new logo and colors would be revealed.

June 6, 2015: Unveiling of New Home and Road Uniforms

On June 6, 2015, the Milwaukee Bucks unveiled their new home and road uniforms for the 2015–16 season, featuring white at home and green on the road, with cream replacing red. The city name 'Milwaukee' returned to the road uniforms for the first time since 1976. Jerseys featured a 'Cream City Rainbow' pattern on the sides, with colors of green, cream, royal blue and black.

July 6, 2015: Peter Feigin Discusses Arena Funding

On July 6, 2015, Bucks president Peter Feigin stated that if public funding for a new arena fell through, the NBA could have bought the team and moved it to Las Vegas or Seattle.

July 9, 2015: Bucks Sign Greg Monroe and Re-Sign Khris Middleton

On July 9, 2015, the Milwaukee Bucks confirmed the signing of center Greg Monroe to a three-year, $50 million contract. The Bucks also announced the club's re-signing of Khris Middleton to a five-year, $70 million contract.

July 15, 2015: Wisconsin Senate Approves Public Funding for Bucks Arena

On July 15, 2015, the Wisconsin State Senate voted 21–10 in favor of a proposal to use public money to help finance a replacement for the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

October 3, 2015: Unveiling of New Black Alternate Uniform

On October 3, 2015, the Milwaukee Bucks unveiled a new black alternate uniform, dubbed the "Fear the Deer uniform", featuring the trim and "Cream City Rainbow" on the sides, the new Bucks logo in the center, and the uniform number placed between the antlers of the logo. The team also unveiled a new alternate court design, a first in NBA history, and planned to wear the black alternate uniform and play on the alternate court design for at least four home games during the 2015–16 season.

2015: Gus Johnson Calls Selected Games

From 2015 to 2018, veteran announcer Gus Johnson called selected games alongside Paschke on a rotating basis.

June 18, 2016: Ground Broken for New Bucks Arena

On June 18, 2016, ground was broken for the Milwaukee Bucks' new arena.

September 19, 2016: Bucks and Antetokounmpo Agree to Contract Extension

On September 19, 2016, the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo agreed to a 4-year, $100 million contract extension.

April 8, 2017: Bucks Clinch Playoff Spot

On April 8, 2017, the Milwaukee Bucks secured a playoff spot by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers with a score of 90-82.

May 23, 2017: John Hammond Steps Down

On May 23, 2017, Bucks general manager John Hammond resigned from his position to become the general manager for the Orlando Magic.

2017: New Uniform Protocol and Additions

In 2017, as part of the NBA's new uniform protocol, the Bucks added retro uniforms (replica of their inaugural home uniforms from 1968 to 1970) and new 'City' uniforms, dubbed 'Cream City' uniforms, featuring cream-colored jerseys and shorts with the 'Cream City Rainbow'.

2017: Black 'Statement' Uniform Based on 2017-18 'City' Uniform

Prior to the 2019–20 season, the Bucks made slight updates to the black 'Statement' uniform. It was essentially a black version of the team's 2017–18 'City' uniform, with the exception of the 'Fear the Deer' insignia.

January 22, 2018: Bucks fired Jason Kidd

On January 22, 2018, the Bucks fired head coach Jason Kidd due to the team's 23–22 record in the 2017–18 season. Assistant coach Joe Prunty was named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

May 17, 2018: Mike Budenholzer announced as new head coach

On May 17, 2018, the Bucks announced that Mike Budenholzer, former San Antonio Spurs' assistant coach and former Atlanta Hawks head coach, would be their new head coach.

August 26, 2018: Fiserv Forum opened to the public

On August 26, 2018, the Bucks' new arena, Fiserv Forum, was opened to the public.

2018: "City" Uniform Homage to MECCA Court

For the 2018–19 season, Milwaukee's 'City' uniform paid homage to Robert Indiana's famous MECCA court, featuring yellow, beige and red as base colors and light blue and forest green on the hem of the shorts.

2018: Jon McGlocklin's Color Commentary

From 1976 to 2018, former Buck Jon McGlocklin provided color commentary for the team.

2018: Seven-Year Extension with FanDuel Sports Network

In 2018, the Milwaukee Bucks agreed to a seven-year extension with FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin for broadcasting games.

April 22, 2019: Bucks swept the Detroit Pistons

On April 22, 2019, the Bucks swept the Detroit Pistons, securing their first playoff series win since 2001.

2019: "Earned" Uniform After Making 2020 Playoffs

As in 2019, the Bucks were given an "Earned" uniform after making the 2020 playoffs.

2019: Slight Updates to Black "Statement" Uniform

2019: Cream Base "City" Uniform

The Bucks' 2019–20 'City' uniform again used a cream base, this time with a stylized 'Cream City' wordmark in front. Blue, cream and green stripes run through the piping while a giant 'M' insignia is featured on the shorts, a nod to Milwaukee's cream-colored brick buildings.

2020: "Earned" Uniform After Making 2020 Playoffs

As in 2019, the Bucks were given an "Earned" uniform after making the 2020 playoffs. This design, with a predominantly green base, featured "Bucks," the uniform number and piping in white with black trim, and stylized antlers on each side.

2020: "City" Uniform Inspired by Milwaukee Rivers

The 2020–21 Bucks 'City' uniform used three shades of Great Lakes Blue as its base color, a nod to Milwaukee's location as 'the gathering place by the water' due to the city's location at the confluence of the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic rivers flowing into Lake Michigan.

2021: Lisa Byington as New Television Play-by-Play Announcer

In 2021, Lisa Byington was named as the Milwaukee Bucks' new television play-by-play announcer, making her the first woman to be the lead TV play-by-play announcer for a team in any of the four men's professional leagues.

2021: Commemorating the 2021 NBA Championship

On June 6, 2015, the back collar of the jerseys featured a gold tab above the NBA logo, commemorating the Bucks' 2021 NBA championship.

2021: Green "Earned" Uniform Becomes New Black "Statement" Uniform

Starting with the 2022–23 season, the green 'Earned' uniform worn in 2021 became the basis of the team's new black 'Statement' uniform.

2021: "City" Uniform Combining Elements of Past Designs

The 2021–22 Bucks 'City' uniform combined different elements of each of the Bucks' different uniform designs during their history, as part of the NBA's 75th season celebration.

January 22, 2022: Bucks host their 5th Pride Night

On January 22, 2022, the Milwaukee Bucks hosted their annual Pride Night at Fiserv Forum for the 5th time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Night has been hosted since 2018.

2022: "Classic" Edition Series Uniform Reuse

In 2022, the Milwaukee Bucks reused the purple uniform from the 2001-02 era as part of the "Classic" edition series.

2022: Changes to uniforms

Starting with the 2022–23 season, the green 'Earned' uniform worn in 2021 became the basis of the team's new black 'Statement' uniform. Also during the season, the Bucks' 'City' uniform paid homage to the Bronzeville neighborhood, featuring a blue base, cream trim and rainbow side stripes of black, blue, cream and green. The team chose replicas of their 2000–01 purple road uniforms for their 'Classic' uniform.

May 4, 2023: Bucks fired Mike Budenholzer

On May 4, 2023, the Bucks announced the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer, a week after the team's series loss.

June 5, 2023: Adrian Griffin announced as new head coach

On June 5, 2023, the Bucks announced that Adrian Griffin, former Toronto Raptors assistant coach, would be their new head coach.

September 27, 2023: Bucks acquired Damian Lillard

On September 27, 2023, the Bucks acquired seven-time all-star point guard Damian Lillard in a 3-team trade.

2023: 2023-24 "City" uniform design

For the 2023–24 'City' uniform, the Bucks wore a blue-based uniform with cream and green accents, and cream curving stripes to represent the Fiserv Forum architecture. The design was inspired by the fans in Deer District, and were represented by light blue speckles.

2023: Games Aired on WMLW-TV and WYTU-TV

Since the 2023–24 NBA season, due to the bankruptcy of the parent company of Fan Duel Sports Network, select games have aired instead on WMLW-TV in English and WYTU-TV in Spanish using FanDuel's production. Bucks games produced by Fan Duel are also carried on the FanDuel Sports Network app within the Bucks broadcast territory.

January 23, 2024: Bucks fired Adrian Griffin

On January 23, 2024, the Bucks fired head coach Adrian Griffin after only 43 games.

January 26, 2024: Doc Rivers named as the new head coach

On January 26, 2024, the Bucks named Doc Rivers as the new head coach.

September 26, 2024: Individuals and groups that are owners of the Bucks

As of September 26, 2024, there are several individuals and groups among the owners of the Bucks.

December 17, 2024: Bucks won their first NBA Cup

On December 17, 2024, the Bucks won their first NBA Cup, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the championship game in Las Vegas. Giannis Antetokounmpo was named the tournament's MVP.

2024: 2024-25 "City" uniform design

Blue again served as the base color of the 2024–25 'City' uniform, featuring jagged cream and black stripes as reference to Wisconsin's borders. The design was inspired by the team's unifying impact and bond with the state's fanbase.