History of Milwaukee Bucks in Timeline

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team established in 1968 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They are part of the NBA's Eastern Conference, Central Division, and play their home games at Fiserv Forum. The team was formerly owned by Herb Kohl, and in 2014, a group led by Wes Edens and Marc Lasry purchased a majority interest. Jon Horst, the former director of basketball operations, is the team's general manager.

1965: ABC NBA Coverage

In the franchise's early years, Bucks games were carried on then-ABC affiliate WITI (Channel 6), from 1968 to 1971, which coincided with NBA coverage already carried by their networks at the time: ABC (1965–1973).

January 22, 1968: NBA Awards Milwaukee a Franchise

On January 22, 1968, the NBA awarded a franchise to Milwaukee Professional Sports and Services, Inc. A fan contest was subsequently held to name the new team, ultimately deciding on the name "Bucks."

1968: Bucks Games on WITI

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

1968: Resemblance to 1968-73 Uniforms

In 2008, a secondary road uniform was introduced, consisting of a red jersey and shorts, made to resemble the 1968-73 uniforms.

1968: Replica Version of Inaugural Home Uniforms

In 2017, the Bucks debuted replica version of their inaugural home uniforms from 1968 to 1970, as part of the Bucks celebrating their 50th season in the NBA.

1968: Eddie Doucette as Team's Play-by-Play Voice

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

1970: Replica Version of Inaugural Home Uniforms

In 2017, the Bucks debuted replica version of their inaugural home uniforms from 1968 to 1970, as part of the Bucks celebrating their 50th season in the NBA.

April 30, 1971: Bucks Win First NBA Championship

On April 30, 1971, the Milwaukee Bucks won their first NBA championship by sweeping the Baltimore Bullets in four games. The Bucks achieved this feat in only their third season.

1971: Bucks Games on WISN-TV

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

1971: Commemoration of 1971 Championship

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

1973: ABC NBA Coverage

In the franchise's early years, Bucks games were carried on then-ABC affiliate WITI (Channel 6), from 1968 to 1971, which coincided with NBA coverage already carried by their networks at the time: ABC (1965–1973).

June 16, 1975: Abdul-Jabbar Traded to 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 after Abdul-Jabbar requested a trade.

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), then a CBS affiliate.

1976: Jon McGlocklin Providing Color Commentary

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 Milwaukee Bucks unveiled their new road uniforms, marking the return of the 'Milwaukee' city name to the road uniforms for the first time since 1976.

1976: WVTV Previously Carried Bucks Games

WVTV again, this time from 1976 to 1988; these two stations are currently owned by the Sinclair Broadcast Group, who also own Bally Sports.

March 1977: WISN and WITI Swapped Networks

In March 1977, WISN-TV and WITI swapped networks, with WISN remaining with ABC and WITI switching to Fox.

October 18, 1977: Abdul-Jabbar Punches Benson, Breaks Hand

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

1977: "Earned" Uniform Visual Elements Inspired from "Irish Rainbow"

For the 2018-19 season, The Bucks "Earned" uniform had visual elements of red with green stripes, inspired from the 1977-1985 "Irish Rainbow" home uniform.

1977: Bucks Redesign Uniforms

In the 1977–78 season, the Bucks redesigned their uniforms coinciding with Robert Indiana's MECCA court debut. The uniforms featured side stripes of kelly, lime, and hunter green, also known as the "Irish Rainbows."

1984: Eddie Doucette as Team's 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 Visual Elements Inspired from "Irish Rainbow"

For the 2018-19 season, The Bucks "Earned" uniform had visual elements of red with green stripes, inspired from the 1977-1985 "Irish Rainbow" home uniform.

1985: Bucks Removed the Color Red

Prior to the 1985–86 season, the Milwaukee Bucks removed the color red from their uniform, and lime green became the accent color.

1986: Jim Paschke as Team's Television Play-by-Play Announcer

Since 1986, Jim Paschke was the team's television play-by-play announcer. He retired in 2021.

1988: WCGV Previously Carried Bucks Games

WCGV also previously carried Bucks games from 1988 to 1994.

1990: CBS NBA Coverage

From 1971 to 1976; Bucks games were carried on then-CBS affiliate WISN-TV (Channel 12), which coincided with NBA coverage already carried by their networks at the time: CBS (1973–1990).

1992: Inspiration for Color Scheme

In 1992, the Bucks' purple and green color scheme was inspired by a FedEx package received by Tom O'Grady, containing a Wimbledon Championships cap and shirt.

1993: Logo and Uniform Changes

In 1993, the Milwaukee Bucks changed their logo and uniforms, reducing green to a trim color and introducing purple as the primary color, with silver as an accent.

December 1994: WITI Switched from CBS to Fox

In December 1994, WITI switched from CBS to Fox.

1994: WVTV as Over-the-Air Partner

Prior to the Bally Sports Wisconsin exclusivity, WVTV (Channel 18) was the over-the-air partner from 1994 to 1999.

1995: Hunter Green Alternate Uniform Unveiled

In 1995, the Milwaukee Bucks introduced a hunter green alternate uniform featuring the script "Bucks" lettering and a graphic deer logo. The uniform was retired after the 1998-99 season but resurrected in 2012.

1996: Bucks Games on Fox Sports Wisconsin

Prior to the Bally Sports Wisconsin exclusivity, since 1996, the Bucks split their television broadcasts between Fox Sports Wisconsin.

1998: Hunter Green Alternate Uniform Retired

After being introduced in 1995, the hunter green alternate uniform was retired after the 1998-99 season.

1999: Bucks Games on WCGV

Prior to the Bally Sports Wisconsin exclusivity, from 1999 to 2007, the Bucks split their television broadcasts between WCGV (Channel 24).

2000: "Classic" Uniform

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

2001: Farthest Milwaukee had gotten in the post-season since 2001

In 2001, it was the farthest Milwaukee had gotten in the post-season since 2001.

2001: Uniform Tweaks

In 2001, the Bucks' uniforms were tweaked to include the alternate antler logo on the waist along with extended side stripes. Letters on the purple uniform were now silver with green and white trim.

2001: Near NBA Finals appearance and Anthony Mason Acquisition

In 2001, the Milwaukee Bucks were one game away from reaching the NBA Finals. To bolster their chances, they acquired Anthony Mason. Despite high expectations, Mason struggled, and the Bucks ultimately missed the playoffs, causing tension between coach George Karl and the players.

2001: Winning Season For the Bucks

On April 10, 2017, the Bucks beat the Charlotte Hornets 89-79 to clinch only the third winning season for the Bucks since 2001.

2002: Ray Allen Trade

During the 2002 season, the Bucks traded Ray Allen and Ronald "Flip" Murray to the Seattle SuperSonics for Gary Payton and Desmond Mason. This allowed Michael Redd more playing time. The Bucks made the playoffs but lost in the first round.

2003: Glenn Robinson Traded

In 2003, as fallout from missing the playoffs, Glenn Robinson was traded to Atlanta for Toni Kukoč and a 2003 first-round draft pick, which was later used to select T. J. Ford.

2004: Playoff Appearance under Terry Porter

In 2004, under coach Terry Porter, the Bucks made it to the playoffs, only to be defeated by the Detroit Pistons in five games.

2004: Giannis voted as starter in the All-Star team

In 2016-2017 NBA season, Giannis was voted in as a starter, becoming the first Bucks All-Star since Michael Redd in 2004.

2005: Andrew Bogut drafted first overall

In the 2005 NBA draft, the Milwaukee Bucks used their first pick to select center Andrew Bogut.

2006: Bucks Make Playoffs as Eighth Seed

In 2006, the Bucks finished last in their division with a 40-42 record but still made the playoffs as the eighth seed. They lost to the Detroit Pistons in the first round 4-1.

2006: Uniforms Changed

In 2006, the Milwaukee Bucks changed their uniforms again, introducing a new home uniform and a primary road uniform. The home uniform was white with hunter green stripes on the sides. The primary road uniform was hunter green with a similar design.

2006: Playoff Appearance under Terry Stotts

In 2006, under coach Terry Stotts, the Bucks reached the playoffs again but were defeated by the Detroit Pistons in five games.

2007: Yi Jianlian drafted to New Jersey Nets

In 2007, Yi Jianlian was drafted to New Jersey Nets and later traded to Bucks for Richard Jefferson on June 26, 2008.

2007: Bucks Games on WCGV

Prior to the Bally Sports Wisconsin exclusivity, from 1999 to 2007, the Bucks split their television broadcasts between WCGV (Channel 24).

2007: Exclusivity on Regional Cable Television

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

June 26, 2008: Richard Jefferson Acquired

On June 26, 2008, the Bucks acquired Richard Jefferson from the New Jersey Nets for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons. Also on June 26, the Bucks selected Joe Alexander in the NBA draft.

2008: Secondary Road Uniform Introduced

In 2008, a secondary road uniform, consisting of a red jersey and shorts, was introduced. It was made to resemble the 1968-73 uniforms.

2008: Scott Skiles became Bucks Coach

Scott Skiles had been Bucks coach since 2008. The Bucks fired him after 32 games in 2012.

2009: Bucks select Brandon Jennings and acquire John Salmons

In the 2009 NBA draft, the Milwaukee Bucks selected point guard Brandon Jennings. Midway through the season, John Salmons was acquired, contributing significantly to the team's performance.

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.

2010: "Fear the Deer" Slogan Emerges and Playoff Run

In 2010, the phrase "Fear the Deer" became popular among Bucks fans. The Bucks clinched the sixth seed and were eliminated in a seven-game series against the Atlanta Hawks. Andrew Bogut suffered a broken arm, ending his season.

March 13, 2012: Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson Traded

On March 13, 2012, the Bucks traded Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson to the Golden State Warriors for Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh, and Kwame Brown.

May 21, 2012: Bradley Center Naming Rights Sold

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

2012: Scott Skiles Fired

After 32 games of the 2012-13 season, the Bucks fired their coach, Scott Skiles. Jim Boylan was named interim head coach.

2012: Bucks Make Draft Day Trades and Selections

In 2012, before the NBA draft, the Bucks traded a first-round pick along with Shaun Livingston, Jon Brockman, and Jon Leuer to the Houston Rockets for a first-round pick and Samuel Dalembert. The Bucks then selected Doron Lamb and John Henson in the 2012 draft.

2012: Hunter Green Uniform Resurrected

In 2012, the hunter green alternate uniform, originally introduced in 1995, was brought back for Hardwood Classics Nights.

June 27, 2013: Bucks Draft Giannis Antetokounmpo and Make Roster Changes

On June 27, 2013, the Bucks drafted Giannis Antetokounmpo and made several roster changes including hiring Larry Drew as coach and trading Brandon Jennings.

April 16, 2014: New Ownership

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

July 1, 2014: Bucks Secure Jason Kidd as Coach

On July 1, 2014, the Milwaukee Bucks acquired coaching rights for Jason Kidd from the Brooklyn Nets, leading to the firing of Larry Drew.

2014: Hints of Logo and Uniform Redesign

During the 2014-15 season, the Bucks hinted at a redesign of their logo and uniforms.

2014: Bucks improve record

In 2014, The Bucks had a 26 game improvement from the previous season.

2014: Uniform Set Tweaked

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.

2014: "Own The Future" Slogan Introduced

In 2014, with changes in ownership, coaches, and players, the Milwaukee Bucks introduced the slogan "Own The Future".

April 13, 2015: New Logo and Colors Revealed

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

June 6, 2015: New Home and Road Uniforms Unveiled

On June 6, 2015, the Milwaukee Bucks unveiled their new home and road uniforms, to be worn beginning with the 2015–16 season. Red was replaced by cream, and the 'Milwaukee' city name returned to the road uniforms.

July 6, 2015: Potential Relocation Threat and Arena Funding Discussions

On July 6, 2015, Bucks president Peter Feigin stated that the NBA might have bought the team and moved it to Las Vegas or Seattle if public funding for a new arena was not secured. Owners and Herb Kohl pledged funds, seeking a public match.

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

On July 9, 2015, the Milwaukee Bucks confirmed their signing of 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 New Arena

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

October 3, 2015: New Black Alternate Uniform Unveiled

On October 3, 2015, the Milwaukee Bucks unveiled a new black alternate uniform, dubbed the "Fear the Deer uniform", and a new alternate court design.

2015: Gus Johnson Called Selected Games

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

2015: Bucks Trade Draft Picks for Jason Kidd

In 2015, the Bucks traded two second-round draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets to acquire Jason Kidd as coach.

2015: Bucks' Record Improves

In 2015-2016 basketball season, the Bucks improved to a 33-49 record.

2015: Bucks Reach Playoffs and Improve Record

The Milwaukee Bucks finished the 2014-15 season in 2015 with a 41-41 record, making the playoffs as the 6th seed. They lost in the first round to the Chicago Bulls.

June 18, 2016: Ground Broken for New Arena

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

September 19, 2016: Giannis Antetokounmpo Signs Contract Extension

On September 19, 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks agreed to a 4-year, $100 million contract extension. The team also drafted Thon Maker and Malcolm Brogdon.

2016: Bucks remain competitive

In 2016-2017 NBA season, The Bucks remained competitive, staying around .500 for the first half of the season, with both Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker leading the offense.

April 8, 2017: Bucks Clinch Playoff Spot

On April 8, 2017, the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 90-82, clinching a playoff spot.

May 23, 2017: John Hammond Steps Down as General Manager

On May 23, 2017, Bucks general manager John Hammond stepped down to become general manager with the Orlando Magic.

2017: NBA Ultimatum for New Arena

By 2017, the NBA gave an ultimatum to the new Bucks owners, Edens and Lasry. Unless the Bucks had a new arena by the 2017-18 season, the owners would be required to return the team to the league.

2017: New NBA Uniform Protocol

In 2017, the Bucks added to their regular home and road uniforms, as well as their alternate black uniforms, as part of the NBA's new protocol for uniforms. They also debuted replica version of their inaugural home uniforms from 1968 to 1970.

2017: Black "Statement" Uniform Essentially a Black Version of the 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.

January 22, 2018: Bucks fire Jason Kidd

On January 22, 2018, the Milwaukee Bucks fired head coach Jason Kidd, who had a 23–22 record in the 2017–18 season. Assistant coach Joe Prunty was named as Kidd's replacement on an interim basis.

May 17, 2018: Bucks announce Mike Budenholzer as new head coach

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

August 26, 2018: Fiserv Forum Opens

On August 26, 2018, the Fiserv Forum, the new arena for the Milwaukee Bucks, 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.

2018: Jon McGlocklin retired providing color commentary

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

2018: Seven-Year Extension with Fan Duel Sports Network

In 2018, the Bucks agreed to a seven-year extension with Fan Duel Sports Network Wisconsin.

2018: Bucks Host Pride Night

Since 2018, the Milwaukee Bucks have hosted Pride Night at Fiserv Forum, an event dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

2018: Bucks Storm Through Regular Season

Starting in 2018, the Bucks had a great regular season, finishing 60-22.

April 22, 2019: Bucks sweep Pistons for first playoff series win since 2001

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

2019: Bucks given an "Earned" uniform

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

2019: Bucks Clinch Playoff Berth

During the 2019–20 season, the Bucks clinched a playoff berth after their 56th regular-season game, setting a record for the fastest team to clinch a playoff spot since 1984.

2019: Bucks Trade Draft Picks for Jason Kidd

In 2019, the Bucks traded a second-round draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets to acquire Jason Kidd as coach.

2019: Slight Updates to Black "Statement" 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.

2019: New "City" Uniform

The Bucks' 2019-20 "City" uniform used a cream base, with a stylized "Cream City" wordmark in front and a giant "M" insignia on the shorts.

2020: Bucks given an "Earned" uniform

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: Bucks Sign Antetokounmpo to Contract Extension

During the offseason of 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo signed a 5-year, $228 million contract extension with the Bucks, the largest contract in NBA history.

2020: Bucks' Players Refuse to Play

On August 26, 2020, the Milwaukee Bucks’ players refused to play in their playoff game against the Orlando Magic following the shooting of Jacob Blake by police.

2020: "City" Uniform Nod to Milwaukee's Meaning

The 2020-21 Bucks "City" uniform used three shades of Great Lakes Blue as its base color, nodding to Milwaukee's meaning as "the gathering place by the water".

2021: Bucks win NBA Finals

In 2021 NBA Finals, the Milwaukee Bucks faced the Phoenix Suns, winning the series after coming back from down 2-0.

2021: Lisa Byington Named New TV Play-by-Play Announcer

In 2021, Lisa Byington was named the new television play-by-play announcer for the Milwaukee Bucks, making her the first woman to hold such a position in any of the four major men's professional leagues.

2021: Commemoration of 2021 NBA Championships

On June 6, 2015, the Milwaukee Bucks unveiled their new home and road uniforms, which featured a small gold tab above the NBA logo, commemorating the Bucks' 2021 NBA championship.

2021: Green "Earned" Uniform Becomes 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 Combined Different Elements

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.

2021: Bucks finish with 51-31 record

The Milwaukee Bucks finished the 2021–22 season with a 51–31 record, marking their 4th consecutive season with a winning percentage of .600 or better.

January 22, 2022: 5th Annual Pride Night

On January 22, 2022, the Milwaukee Bucks hosted their annual Pride Night at Fiserv Forum for the 5th time, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

2022: Bucks select MarJon Beauchamp and Hugo Besson

During the 2022 off-season, the Bucks selected MarJon Beauchamp and Hugo Besson with the 24th and 58th overall picks in the 2022 NBA draft respectively.

2022: Purple Uniform Reused

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

2022: Green "Earned" Uniform Becomes 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.

May 4, 2023: Bucks fire Budenholzer

On May 4, 2023, the Milwaukee Bucks announced the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer after their first-round series loss in the 2023 NBA playoffs.

June 5, 2023: Bucks Announce Adrian Griffin as New Head Coach

On June 5, 2023, the Milwaukee Bucks announced Adrian Griffin, former Toronto Raptors assistant coach, as their new head coach.

September 27, 2023: Bucks Acquire Damian Lillard

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

2023: New 'City' Uniform for 2023-24 Season

For the 2023-24 "City" uniform, the Bucks wore a blue-based uniform with cream and green accents, representing the Fiserv Forum architecture and the fans in Deer District.

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.

January 23, 2024: Bucks Fire Adrian Griffin

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

January 26, 2024: Bucks Name Doc Rivers as New Head Coach

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

September 26, 2024: Bucks' Owners

As of September 26, 2024, the following individuals and groups are among the owners of the Milwaukee Bucks.

December 17, 2024: Bucks Win First NBA Cup

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

2024: New 'City' Uniform

The 2024-25 "City" uniform featured a blue base with jagged cream and black stripes, referencing Wisconsin's borders and the team's unifying impact.

February 6, 2025: Roster Updated

On February 6, 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks roster was updated.