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⁾