The Orlando Magic were founded in 1989 as part of the NBA’s expansion.¹⁾

The name “Magic” was inspired by Orlando’s tourism slogan, “The Magic of Orlando.”²⁾

Pat Williams, a former Philadelphia 76ers executive, spearheaded the campaign to bring an NBA team to Orlando.³⁾

The team name was chosen through a fan contest, receiving over 4,000 submissions.⁴⁾

Other finalist names included Heat, Tropics, and Juice, but “Magic” was selected.⁵⁾

The Magic were part of the NBA’s late-'80s expansion along with Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, and Charlotte Hornets.⁶⁾