The professional basketball franchise in Charlotte transitioned its identity back to the Hornets to reclaim the rich sports heritage, deep fan nostalgia, and iconic branding associated with the city's original NBA team. When the original franchise relocated to New Orleans, a new expansion team arrived in Charlotte as the Bobcats. After the New Orleans franchise later rebranded to the Pelicans, the Charlotte organization successfully acquired the rights to the "Hornets" name and historical records, executing a popular corporate and team rebrand that reunited the city with its original colors, mascot, and basketball legacy.