St. Louis Hawks

The franchise that became the St. Louis Hawks began life in Moline, Illinois, as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks before shifting to Milwaukee for the 1951–52 season. Owner Ben Kerner moved the club to Missouri in 1955, renaming them the Hawks and establishing a new home base in the city. The team played at the St. Louis Arena, a venue locals called "The House That Lou Built," until they departed for Atlanta following the 1967–68 campaign.

Bob Pettit anchored the roster during this era, becoming the NBA's first Most Valuable Player in 1956. His scoring prowess and leadership helped the squad secure the league title in 1958 after defeating the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series. This victory stands as the franchise's only championship while operating out of St. Louis, though they reached the Finals again in 1960 and 1961 without repeating their success.

Attendance dipped by the mid-1960s as the arena struggled to compete with other local sports markets and the Celtics dynasty dominated the playoffs. Financial pressures and the need for a larger market eventually drove the move south, where the franchise continues today as the Atlanta Hawks. Bob Pettit passed away on September 24, 2026, at age 93, leaving behind a legacy tied closely to the team's golden years. [edit]

Owner Ben Kerner relocated the franchise from Milwaukee to St. Louis in 1955, marking the start of the city's tenure with the team. The move coincided with the arrival of Bob Pettit, who quickly became the face of the organization. The team competed in the Western Division, later known as the Midwest Division, throughout its time in Missouri.

The 1957–58 season marked the pinnacle of the franchise's history. Under head coach Alex Hannum, the Hawks finished with a 41–31 record and won the Western Division title. They faced the Boston Celtics in the finals, overcoming a deficit to win the series in seven games. This remains the only NBA championship the team won while based in St. Louis.

Subsequent trips to the Finals in 1960 and 1961 ended in losses to Boston. By the mid-1960s, the St. Louis Arena could not accommodate the growing demands of the NBA or generate sufficient revenue compared to newer venues. Attendance declined despite competitive play, leading to the decision to relocate to Atlanta after the 1967–68 season. [edit]