When the Vancouver Grizzlies joined the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1995, the same year Toronto got the Raptors, hopes were high that Canada would embrace professional basketball.
The Grizzlies picked Oklahoma State center Bryant “Big Country” Reeves with their first-ever NBA draft pick.
They would follow up the next year, taking Shareef Aubdur-Rahim. However, these players didn’t help them achieve the success they had hoped for, and they were perennial losers who consistently drafted high.
The team had the opportunity to bring excitement to the team in 1999 by drafting Steve Francis, but he refused to play for them and was traded to Houston.
This lack of on-court success made it difficult to build a passionate fan base, particularly in a new market to the NBA.
Star players were hard to attract, as many were hesitant to play in Canada due to perceived isolation, higher taxes, and unfamiliarity with the market.
Financial Losses and the Canadian Dollar
In addition to poor play, the team’s financial health suffered early. Operating costs were in U.S. dollars while revenue came in Canadian dollars, which were weak during the late 1990s.
This unfavorable exchange rate significantly reduced the franchise’s profitability. Even with decent attendance early on, ticket sales and merchandise revenue couldn’t offset the currency disadvantage.
Ownership and Management Issues
The original owner, Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment, decided it was best to sell the team. Bill Laurie was the owner of the St. Louis Blues, and after failing to purchase the Nuggets in 1999, many thought he would buy the Grizzlies, but it wasn’t meant to be.
The team was sold in 2000 to Michael Heisley, an American businessman.
While Heisley initially promised to keep the team in the city, he soon expressed doubts about the team’s viability in Vancouver. He began exploring relocation almost immediately, citing ongoing financial losses and limited corporate sponsorship.
Market Challenges
Despite Vancouver being a large metropolitan area, basketball faced stiff competition from the city’s established sports culture, which was dominated by hockey.
The NHL’s Vancouver Canucks commanded most of the attention and corporate dollars. Additionally, the Grizzlies faced challenges in securing strong local television and radio deals, which limited their exposure and reduced advertising revenue.
The 1998–99 NBA Lockout Impact
The lockout season further damaged the team’s relationship with fans.
The shortened schedule and lack of competitive games contributed to increased fan disengagement, and fewer people attended games.
For a relatively new team still trying to establish itself, this was a significant setback.
Relocation to Memphis
By 2001, the NBA approved Heisley’s petition for relocation. Las Vegas, Anaheim, New Orleans, and Kentucky expressed interest, but Memphis, Tennessee, emerged as the top choice.
The city had just built the Pyramid Arena and promised strong local government support, corporate sponsorships, and a passionate fan base eager for an NBA team. The NBA approved the move, and the Grizzlies officially began play in Memphis for the 2001–02 season.
Even though the team struggled during their first season in Memphis, there was a lot of excitement surrounding Pau Gasol, who went on to win Rookie of the Year. By the 2003- 2004 season, they won 50 games and made their first playoff appearance.
Legacy in Vancouver
The departure left many fans in Vancouver frustrated, as they felt the team had not been given enough time to grow.
In the years since, nostalgia for the Grizzlies has grown, with throwback jerseys and merchandise gaining popularity among basketball fans.
Many hope a basketball team will return to Vancouver; however, that seems unlikely, as markets like Seattle and Las Vegas appear to be a higher priority.
The move also stands as a cautionary tale in sports: even large cities can lose teams their isn’t enough fan support and the team owners don’t see a path to making a profit.
The Vancouver Grizzlies’ relocation was the product of poor performance, economic challenges, limited market penetration, and an ownership group eager to seek greener pastures.
Memphis offered the stability and support the franchise lacked in Canada, ensuring its survival—but at the cost of Vancouver’s NBA dream.
Despite never winning a championship and having ups and downs over the past 24 years, Memphis fans continue to support the Grizzlies in a way that Vancouver never did.
Sources:
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-mar-01-sp-31788-story.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Heisley
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Laurie
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_NBA_draft