The franchise began play as the Vancouver Grizzlies in the NBA’s 1995–96 expansion class before relocating to Memphis in 2001.1)
The Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors were added for the 1995–96 season, marking the NBA’s first Canadian teams since 1946–47.2)
Vancouver’s inaugural game was a 92–107 loss at Orlando on November 3, 1995.3)
Over five seasons in British Columbia, the Grizzlies won just 42 games (101–359) before moving south.4)
On January 12, 2001, owner Michael Heisley announced the team would relocate to Memphis for the 2001–02 season.5)
Despite Tennessee having no wild grizzlies, the club retained its nickname upon moving from Vancouver.6)
Memphis’s first victory came October 31, 2001, a 90–77 home triumph over the Rockets.7)
The Grizzlies debuted the FedExForum as their home arena on November 9, 2004.8)
Memphis made its maiden postseason appearance in 2004–05, finishing 8th in the West with a 45–37 record.9)
Their first playoff victory came in Game 2 of the 2005 first round—a 98–84 home win over Phoenix.10)
From 2010–17, Memphis pioneered a blue-collar, defensive-minded style known as “Grit and Grind.”11)
Signed in 2009, Randolph averaged 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game over his first three seasons in Memphis.12)
Allen, a three-time All-Defensive Team member (2012–14), embodied the franchise’s defensive identity.13)
Conley spent 12 seasons in Memphis (2007–19), becoming the club’s all-time leader in points, assists and games played.14)
In 2013–14, Gasol became the first Grizzly to win Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 7.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 blocks per game.15)
The Grizzlies claimed their first division crown in 2012–13 (56–26), topping the Southwest Division.16)
Memphis reached the Western Conference Finals in 2013, falling to San Antonio in six games.17)
With the 5th pick in 2011, the Grizzlies selected Lithuanian center Jonas Valančiūnas, their first lottery pick since relocating.18)
Memphis took guard Ja Morant with the 2nd overall pick in 2019, a choice that immediately paid dividends.19)
Morant won Rookie of the Year in 2019–20, averaging 17.8 points and 7.3 assists per game.20)
In 2022, Morant earned the franchise’s first All-Star starting nod, posting 19.1 points per game at the break.21)
As of 2023, Mike Conley holds the Memphis record with 11,733 career points.22)
Zach Randolph leads in total rebounds with 5,314 boards in a Grizzlies uniform.23)
Mike Conley also tops the assists chart with 4,428 helpers.24)
The team’s bear mascot “Grizz” debuted in 2004 and remains a fan favorite.25)
Since 2017, the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) has been the Grizzlies’ official minor-league affiliate.26)
On January 1, 2014, FedExForum drew 18,119 fans for a Nuggets–Grizzlies game—the arena’s largest crowd.27)
In 2013, the primary logo changed from a mountain silhouette to a bold “MEM” muzzle with fierce eyes.28)
Originally featuring teal, navy and yellow, the Grizzlies swapped teal for “Beale Street Blue” in 2018.29)
The Grizzlies Foundation has donated over $20 million to youth education and recreation in Memphis.30)
FedExForum is LEED Silver certified and recycles 30% of its waste, showcasing the team’s eco-efforts.31)
By 2023, Memphis’s roster featured players from 10 different countries, including Lithuania, Turkey and Australia.32)
On March 23, 2016, the Grizzlies missed all 12 third-quarter free throws vs. Sacramento—a rare 0-for-12.33)
Memphis became the first relocated NBA team to qualify for five straight playoffs (2011–15).34)
From 2011–14, the Grizzlies and Spurs met in the playoffs four consecutive seasons, forging a fierce rivalry.35)
In 2012, tech entrepreneur Robert Pera purchased the team for approximately $350 million.36)
As of 2023, Forbes values the Grizzlies at 2.3billion,upfrom2.3billion,upfrom377 million in 2010.37)
In 2019, Taylor Jenkins became head coach at age 38—the youngest in franchise history.38)
On April 3, 2023, Memphis scored a franchise-record 141 points in a 141–129 win over Sacramento.39)
The 2000–01 Vancouver Grizzlies went 23–59—the worst win–loss mark in franchise history.40)
Their 56–26 record in 2012–13 remains the franchise’s best single-season performance.41)
From 2011–14, Memphis shot 35.8% from three in first quarters of playoff games—their strongest period.42)
FedEx paid $60 million over 20 years for FedExForum naming rights—then the NBA’s third-largest deal (2003).43)
Despite multiple deep playoff runs, the Grizzlies remain one of five active NBA franchises without an NBA title.44)
Memphis is Tennessee’s only NBA franchise—and the state’s lone major-league basketball team.45)