The St. Louis Hawks were a professional basketball team that played in the National Basketball Association (
NBA) from
1955 to
1968. The franchise was originally based in
Milwaukee and known as the
Milwaukee Hawks before relocating to St. Louis,
Missouri, in
1955. The team had some successful seasons during its time in St. Louis and even won an
NBA championship in
1958.
However, despite their on-court success, the St. Louis Hawks faced financial difficulties and struggled to maintain a stable fan base. Attendance at their home games was consistently low, and the lack of local support ultimately led to their decision to relocate once again. In
1968, the team moved to
Atlanta,
Georgia, and became the
Atlanta Hawks, where they continue to play to this day.
The Hawks' move to
Atlanta proved to be a smart decision, as the team found a more supportive fan base and a larger market for basketball. Over the years, the
Atlanta Hawks have had their ups and downs, but they remain an integral part of the
NBA. Although the St. Louis Hawks are no longer around, their time in the
NBA is remembered for their championship win and the legacy they left behind in both St. Louis and
Atlanta.