Chicago Bulls

Team Information

Franchise History

The Chicago Bulls were founded in 1966 as an NBA expansion team. While the franchise experienced modest success in its early decades, it became a global phenomenon in the 1990s behind Michael Jordan, winning six NBA championships in eight years and establishing itself as one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.

Early Years (1966-1984)

The Bulls made the playoffs in their first season, the first expansion team to do so. The team had competitive periods but never reached the NBA Finals during this era.

The Jordan Era (1984-1998)

The drafting of Michael Jordan in 1984 transformed the franchise. With Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and coach Phil Jackson, the Bulls won six championships (1991-1993, 1996-1998), including two “three-peats.”

Current Status

The Bulls compete in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. Following the Jordan era, the team has experienced ups and downs, with competitive teams in the 2010s led by Derrick Rose.

Ownership History

Management

• General Manager: Marc Eversley
• Head Coach: Billy Donovan
• Team President: Michael Reinsdorf

Historical Significance

• Six NBA championships (6-0 in Finals)
• Two three-peats (1991-1993, 1996-1998)
• 72-win season in 1995-96 (NBA record at the time)
• Michael Jordan: widely considered greatest basketball player ever
• Global brand recognition

Team Identity

The Bulls are known for their red and black colors, the “Jumpman” logo associated with Jordan, and the “Running of the Bulls” intro. The team plays at the United Center, which they share with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks.

Chicago Bulls History

The Early Years (1966-1984)

Franchise Founding

The Chicago Bulls were founded in 1966 by Dick Klein. The team name referenced Chicago’s meatpacking industry and the “running of the bulls” in Pamplona, Spain. The Bulls joined the NBA as an expansion team alongside the Seattle SuperSonics.

Immediate Success

In their inaugural season (1966-67), the Bulls became the first expansion team in NBA history to make the playoffs. Coached by Johnny “Red” Kerr and led by players like Guy Rodgers and Bob Boozer, the team finished 33-48 but earned a playoff berth.

The 1970s

The Bulls had competitive teams in the 1970s but could not break through against powerhouse teams like the Celtics and Lakers. Notable players included: - Bob Love - Chet Walker - Norm Van Lier - Tom Boerwinkle - Artis Gilmore (joined 1976)

The Bulls reached the Western Conference Finals in 1974 and 1975 but were eliminated both times.

Struggles in the Early 1980s

By the early 1980s, the Bulls were struggling both on the court and financially. The team played in Chicago Stadium, which was outdated compared to newer NBA arenas.

The Jordan Era (1984-1998)

Drafting Michael Jordan (1984)

The Bulls selected Michael Jordan with the third overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft. Jordan went on to become the greatest basketball player in history.

Jordan’s Early Years: - Won Rookie of the Year (1985) - Led league in scoring (1987-1993) - Won Slam Dunk Contest (1987, 1988) - Established himself as a global superstar

However, the Bulls could not overcome the Boston Celtics or Detroit Pistons in the playoffs.

Building a Championship Team

Key Moves: - 1987: Drafted Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant - 1989: Hired Phil Jackson as head coach - 1989: Added Bill Cartwright, John Paxson, B.J. Armstrong

The First Three-Peat (1991-1993)

1991 NBA Champions

The Bulls defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games to win their first championship.

NBA Finals MVP: Michael Jordan

1992 NBA Champions

The Bulls defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in six games.

NBA Finals MVP: Michael Jordan

1993 NBA Champions

The Bulls defeated the Phoenix Suns in six games, completing the first “three-peat” since the 1960s Celtics.

NBA Finals MVP: Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan’s First Retirement: After the 1993 championship, Jordan announced his retirement to pursue a baseball career. He played minor league baseball for the Birmingham Barons during the 1994 season.

The Second Three-Peat (1996-1998)

Return and 72-Win Season (1995-96)

Jordan returned to basketball in March 1995 with a simple “I’m back” fax. The Bulls added Dennis Rodman and had the greatest regular season in NBA history at the time: - Record: 72-10 - Jordan won MVP - Rodman led league in rebounding

1996 NBA Champions: Defeated Seattle SuperSonics in six games

1997 NBA Champions

The Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz in six games. Jordan hit the championship-clinching shot in Game 6.

1998 NBA Champions

In the “Last Dance” season, the Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz again in six games. Jordan’s final shot as a Bull - a championship winner over Byron Russell - is one of the most iconic moments in sports history.

Final Shot: With 5.2 seconds remaining and the Bulls trailing by one, Jordan stole the ball from Karl Malone, crossed over Byron Russell, and hit the game-winning jump shot.

The Post-Jordan Era (1998-Present)

Rebuilding (1998-2003)

Following the second three-peat, the Bulls entered a rebuilding phase: - Phil Jackson departed - Jordan retired (second time) - Pippen was traded - Rodman left - The team struggled, including a 17-65 record in 1998-99

The Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler Era (2001-2005)

The Bulls drafted high school players Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler in 2001, but the experiment produced limited success.

The Derrick Rose Era (2008-2016)

Derrick Rose Arrives

The Bulls selected Derrick Rose with the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Rose immediately transformed the franchise: - Won Rookie of the Year (2009) - Led Bulls to multiple playoff appearances - 2011 NBA MVP (youngest MVP in NBA history at age 22)

2011 Eastern Conference Finals

The Bulls had the best record in the NBA (62-20) and reached the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to the Miami Heat. Rose suffered an ACL injury in the 2012 playoffs that derailed his career.

The Fall

Rose suffered multiple injuries that limited his effectiveness and availability. The Bulls remained competitive but could not reach the Finals, losing to the Heat and later the Cavaliers in the playoffs.

Recent Years (2016-Present)

Jimmy Butler Era

Jimmy Butler emerged as a star, but the Bulls traded him to Minnesota in 2017, beginning another rebuild.

The Current Era

The Bulls have rebuilt around Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic, returning to the playoffs in 2022.

Franchise Timeline

Chicago Bulls Championships

NBA Championships

1991 NBA Champions

Coach: Phil Jackson
Regular Season Record: 61-21
Finals Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
Result: Won series 4-1

The Bulls won their first NBA championship, defeating the Lakers in five games. This victory established the Jordan-Pippen-Jackson dynasty.

NBA Finals MVP: Michael Jordan - Averaged 31.2 points, 11.4 assists, 6.6 rebounds - Won first of six Finals MVPs

Notable Players: - Michael Jordan - Scottie Pippen - Horace Grant - Bill Cartwright - John Paxson - B.J. Armstrong - Craig Hodges

Key Moment: In Game 5, the Bulls won their first championship at the Great Western Forum. Jordan celebrated his first title emotionally, holding the trophy and crying.

1992 NBA Champions

Coach: Phil Jackson
Regular Season Record: 67-15
Finals Opponent: Portland Trail Blazers
Result: Won series 4-2

The Bulls defeated the Trail Blazers to win their second consecutive championship. The series featured Jordan’s “shrug” game (Game 1) after hitting six three-pointers.

NBA Finals MVP: Michael Jordan - Averaged 35.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists

Notable Players: - Michael Jordan - Scottie Pippen - Horace Grant - B.J. Armstrong - Scott Williams - Cliff Levingston

Key Moment: Jordan’s shrug after hitting his sixth three-pointer in Game 1 became an iconic image. After the championship, the Bulls celebrated at Grant Park with a massive rally.

1993 NBA Champions

Coach: Phil Jackson
Regular Season Record: 57-25
Finals Opponent: Phoenix Suns
Result: Won series 4-2

The Bulls completed the first “three-peat” since the 1960s Celtics, defeating Charles Barkley and the Suns. Jordan averaged a Finals-record 41.0 points per game.

NBA Finals MVP: Michael Jordan - Averaged 41.0 points (NBA Finals record) - 8.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists

Notable Players: - Michael Jordan - Scottie Pippen - Horace Grant - B.J. Armstrong - Bill Cartwright - Scott Williams

Key Moment: John Paxson hit the championship-clinching three-pointer in Game 6 with 3.9 seconds remaining. Jordan retired after the season to pursue baseball.

1996 NBA Champions

Coach: Phil Jackson
Regular Season Record: 72-10 (NBA record at the time)
Finals Opponent: Seattle SuperSonics
Result: Won series 4-2

The Bulls had the greatest regular season in NBA history (72-10) and won their fourth championship in six years. Dennis Rodman joined the team, providing rebounding and defense.

NBA Finals MVP: Michael Jordan - Averaged 27.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists

Notable Players: - Michael Jordan - Scottie Pippen - Dennis Rodman - Toni Kukoc - Ron Harper - Luc Longley - Steve Kerr

Key Moment: The 72-win season record stood until the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors won 73 games. Jordan won the MVP award and celebrated his return to championship glory.

1997 NBA Champions

Coach: Phil Jackson
Regular Season Record: 69-13
Finals Opponent: Utah Jazz
Result: Won series 4-2

The Bulls defeated the Jazz in a competitive series. Jordan hit the championship-clinching shot in Game 6 at the United Center.

NBA Finals MVP: Michael Jordan - Averaged 32.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists

Notable Players: - Michael Jordan - Scottie Pippen - Dennis Rodman - Toni Kukoc - Ron Harper - Luc Longley - Steve Kerr

Key Moment: Steve Kerr hit the championship-winning shot in Game 6 after Jordan passed him the ball with 5 seconds remaining. Jordan’s “flu game” (Game 5) is one of the most legendary performances in NBA history, scoring 38 points while battling illness.

1998 NBA Champions

Coach: Phil Jackson
Regular Season Record: 62-20
Finals Opponent: Utah Jazz
Result: Won series 4-2

The Bulls completed their second “three-peat” and sixth championship in eight years. This was Jordan’s final game as a Bull, punctuated by his iconic final shot.

NBA Finals MVP: Michael Jordan - Averaged 33.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists

Notable Players: - Michael Jordan - Scottie Pippen - Dennis Rodman - Toni Kukoc - Ron Harper - Luc Longley - Steve Kerr

The Final Shot: With the Bulls trailing by one and 20 seconds remaining, Jordan stole the ball from Karl Malone, crossed over Byron Russell, and hit a jump shot with 5.2 seconds left to give Chicago the lead. It was Jordan’s final shot as a Bull and the most iconic moment in franchise history.

Conference Championships

The Bulls have won the Eastern Conference 6 times, all during the Jordan era: - 1991 - 1992 - 1993 - 1996 - 1997 - 1998

The Bulls have never lost an Eastern Conference Finals series.

Division Championships

The Bulls have won 9 Central Division championships: - 1975 - 1991 - 1992 - 1993 - 1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 2011 - 2012

Playoff History

The Bulls have qualified for the NBA playoffs 37 times in franchise history (through 2023), with 6 championships and 6 Finals appearances (undefeated in Finals).

NBA Finals Record

The Bulls are 6-0 in NBA Finals appearances, one of only three teams (along with the Celtics and Lakers) with multiple championships to never lose in the Finals.

Chicago Bulls Team Records

Single Season Records

Best Regular Season Records

The 1995-96 team’s 72 wins stood as the NBA record until the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors won 73 games.

Worst Regular Season Records

Points Scored (Single Season)

Fewest Points Allowed (Single Season)

All-Time Franchise Records

Overall Record (1966-Present)

• Total Games: 4,500+
• Overall Record: 2,300-2,200 (.511 winning percentage)
• Playoff Record: 186-158 (.541)
• NBA Championships: 6
• Conference Championships: 6
• Division Championships: 9

Individual Single-Season Records

Points (Single Season)

Points Per Game (Single Season)

Rebounds (Single Season)

Assists (Single Season)

All-Time Career Records

Career Points

Career Rebounds

Career Assists

Retired Numbers

Streaks and Notable Feats

Winning Streaks

• Longest Overall: 18 games (1995-96)
• Longest Home: 44 games (1995-96)
• Longest Road: 16 games (1995-96)

Home Records

• Best Home Record: 39-2 (1995-96)
• Best Road Record: 33-8 (1995-96)

Individual Streaks

• Consecutive 20-Point Games: Michael Jordan, 72 games (1986-87)
• Consecutive 30-Point Games: Michael Jordan, 10 games (multiple occasions)

Playoff Records

Individual Playoff Records

Points (Single Playoff Run): | Rank | Player | Year | Points | |------|--------|------|--------| | 1 | Michael Jordan | 1992 | 759 | | 2 | Michael Jordan | 1993 | 666 | | 3 | Michael Jordan | 1991 | 529 | | 4 | Michael Jordan | 1998 | 680 | | 5 | Michael Jordan | 1996 | 552 |

Points Per Game (Single Playoff Run - Minimum 10 games): | Rank | Player | Year | PPG | |------|--------|------|-----| | 1 | Michael Jordan | 1993 | 35.1 | | 2 | Michael Jordan | 1992 | 34.5 | | 3 | Michael Jordan | 1998 | 32.4 | | 4 | Michael Jordan | 1991 | 31.1 | | 5 | Michael Jordan | 1996 | 30.7 |

Chicago Bulls Legendary Players

Basketball Hall of Famers

Michael Jordan (2009)

Position: Shooting Guard
Years: 1984-1993, 1995-1998

Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. His combination of athleticism, skill, competitiveness, and clutch performance made him a global icon.

Career Stats (Bulls): - Games: 930 - Points: 29,277 (franchise record) - Rebounds: 5,836 - Assists: 5,012 - Steals: 2,306 - Field Goal %: .505

Jordan won six NBA championships, six Finals MVPs, five regular-season MVPs, and was a 14-time All-Star. He led the NBA in scoring 10 times (all with the Bulls).

Accolades: - 6x NBA Champion - 6x NBA Finals MVP - 5x NBA MVP (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998) - 14x NBA All-Star - 10x NBA Scoring Champion - 1x Defensive Player of the Year (1988) - 1985 Rookie of the Year

Jordan’s number 23 is retired by the Bulls.

Scottie Pippen (2010)

Position: Small Forward
Years: 1987-1998, 2003-2004

Pippen was Jordan’s perfect complement - a defensive wizard who could guard multiple positions while also being a versatile offensive threat.

Career Stats (Bulls): - Games: 856 - Points: 15,123 - Rebounds: 5,726 - Assists: 4,494 (franchise record) - Steals: 1,792

Pippen was a 7-time All-Star, 6-time NBA champion, and one of the greatest defenders in NBA history.

Accolades: - 6x NBA Champion - 7x NBA All-Star - 3x First-Team All-NBA - 8x First-Team All-Defense - 1994 All-Star Game MVP

Pippen’s number 33 is retired by the Bulls.

Dennis Rodman (2011)

Position: Power Forward
Years: 1995-1998

Rodman joined the Bulls for the second three-peat, providing elite rebounding and defense.

Career Stats (Bulls): - Games: 199 - Rebounds: 2,807 - Points: 1,333

Rodman led the NBA in rebounding all three seasons with the Bulls.

Accolades: - 3x NBA Champion (with Bulls) - 2x Defensive Player of the Year (with Detroit) - 2x All-Star - 7x Rebounding Champion

Artis Gilmore (2011)

Position: Center
Years: 1976-1982, 1987

Gilmore was a dominant center who anchored the Bulls before the Jordan era.

Career Stats (Bulls): - Games: 482 - Points: 9,288 - Rebounds: 4,542 - Blocks: 1,029

Bob Love (2010)

Position: Small Forward
Years: 1968-1976

“Butterbean” Love was a three-time All-Star and the Bulls’ leading scorer before Jordan.

Career Stats: - Games: 592 - Points: 12,623 (3rd in franchise history) - Rebounds: 4,448

Love’s number 10 is retired by the Bulls.

Jerry Sloan (2009)

Position: Guard
Years: 1966-1976

Sloan was known as the “Original Bull” for his tough, hard-nosed play.

Career Stats: - Games: 696 - Points: 10,233 - Rebounds: 4,959 - Assists: 1,573

Sloan’s number 4 is retired by the Bulls.

1990s Dynasty Core

Toni Kukoc

Position: Forward
Years: 1993-2000

The Croatian star was the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in 1996 and provided scoring punch off the bench.

Career Stats (Bulls): - Games: 471 - Points: 7,625 - Sixth Man of the Year (1996)

Steve Kerr

Position: Guard
Years: 1993-1998

Kerr was a sharpshooting role player who hit the championship-winning shot in 1997.

Career Stats (Bulls): - Games: 340 - Three-Point %: .464 (NBA record for a season in 1994-95)

Kerr is now a successful NBA head coach with the Golden State Warriors.

Luc Longley

Position: Center
Years: 1994-1998

Longley was the starting center for the second three-peat, providing size and interior presence.

Ron Harper

Position: Guard
Years: 1994-1999

Harper transitioned from a scoring guard to a defensive specialist with the Bulls.

Bill Cartwright

Position: Center
Years: 1988-1994

Cartwright was the starting center for the first three-peat, providing veteran leadership.

John Paxson

Position: Guard
Years: 1985-1994

Paxson hit the championship-winning three-pointer in 1993 and later became an executive with the Bulls.

Horace Grant

Position: Power Forward
Years: 1987-1994

Grant was the starting power forward for the first three-peat, providing defense, rebounding, and a reliable mid-range jumper.

B.J. Armstrong

Position: Guard
Years: 1989-1995

Armstrong was the point guard for the first three-peat, an All-Star in 1994.

Other Franchise Legends

Derrick Rose (2008-2016)

Position: Point Guard

Rose was the youngest MVP in NBA history (2011) and brought the Bulls back to contention before injuries derailed his career.

Career Stats (Bulls): - Games: 406 - Points: 8,001 - Assists: 2,516

Jimmy Butler (2011-2017)

Position: Guard/Forward

Butler developed from a late first-round pick to a superstar with the Bulls before being traded to Minnesota.

Career Stats (Bulls): - Games: 399 - Points: 7,779

Luol Deng (2004-2014)

Position: Small Forward

Deng was a model of consistency and a two-time All-Star with the Bulls.

Joakim Noah (2007-2016)

Position: Center

Noah was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2014 and the emotional leader of the Bulls during the Rose era.

Chet Walker

Position: Forward
Years: 1969-1975

Walker was a seven-time All-Star who provided consistent scoring.

Norm Van Lier

Position: Guard
Years: 1971-1978

Van Lier was a three-time All-Star and one of the best defensive guards of his era.

Tom Boerwinkle

Position: Center
Years: 1968-1981

Boerwinkle was a skilled passing center who spent his entire career with the Bulls.

Chicago Bulls Rivalries

Primary Rivalries

Detroit Pistons

The Bulls-Pistons rivalry defined the late 1980s and early 1990s. The “Bad Boy” Pistons physically bullied Jordan before the Bulls finally overcame them.

Key Moments: - 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Pistons defeated Bulls in 5 games - 1989 Eastern Conference Finals: Pistons swept Bulls (“Jordan Rules”) - 1990 Eastern Conference Finals: Pistons defeated Bulls in 7 games - 1991 Eastern Conference Finals: Bulls swept Pistons, beginning their dynasty - The Pistons walked off the court without shaking hands after the 1991 sweep

New York Knicks

The Bulls and Knicks met in the playoffs five times in the 1990s, with the Bulls winning every series.

Key Moments: - 1991 Eastern Conference First Round: Bulls won 3-0 - 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Bulls won 4-3 (Game 7 at Chicago Stadium) - 1993 Eastern Conference Finals: Bulls won 4-2 (Charles Smith blocked four times in Game 5) - 1994 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Knicks won 4-3 (Jordan was retired) - 1996 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Bulls won 4-1

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers pushed the Bulls to the brink in the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals, taking the series to seven games.

Key Moment: 1998 Eastern Conference Finals, Game 7 - Bulls narrowly defeated the Pacers to advance to the NBA Finals and complete their second three-peat.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Bulls eliminated the Cavaliers multiple times in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Key Moment: “The Shot” - Michael Jordan’s buzzer-beater over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 First Round, one of the most iconic moments in NBA history.

Miami Heat

The Heat became a rival during the 2010s, particularly after signing LeBron James.

Key Moments: - 2011 Eastern Conference Finals: Bulls lost to Heat - 2013 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Bulls lost to Heat - Intense regular-season matchups

Other Rivalries

Utah Jazz

The Jazz faced the Bulls in the 1997 and 1998 NBA Finals, losing both series.

Key Players: Karl Malone, John Stockton vs. Jordan, Pippen, Rodman

Seattle SuperSonics

The SuperSonics faced the Bulls in the 1996 NBA Finals.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers faced the Bulls in the 1992 NBA Finals.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers faced the Bulls in the 1991 NBA Finals, the first Finals of the Jordan dynasty.

Rivalry Statistics

Playoff Series vs. Major Rivals

NBA Finals Record

The Bulls are 6-0 in NBA Finals, defeating: - Los Angeles Lakers (1991) - Portland Trail Blazers (1992) - Phoenix Suns (1993) - Seattle SuperSonics (1996) - Utah Jazz (1997, 1998)

Chicago Bulls Stadium History

United Center (1994-Present)

Overview

The United Center has been the home of the Chicago Bulls since 1994. Located on Chicago’s West Side, it is one of the premier venues in the NBA.

Address: 1901 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612

Capacity and Configuration

• Basketball Capacity: 20,917
• Hockey Capacity: 19,717
• Total Square Footage: 960,000 square feet

The House That Jordan Built

The United Center was built during the Bulls’ dynasty and is often called “The House That Jordan Built” due to the revenue generated by Michael Jordan’s popularity.

Opening: September 1994 Cost: $175 million Architect: HOK Sport

The arena is shared with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks.

Features

• Michael Jordan Statue: “The Spirit” statue stands outside the arena
• Madhouse on Madison: Nickname for the arena’s intense atmosphere
• Jim Cornelison: Performs national anthem before games (shared with Blackhawks)
• Lights: Dimmed arena with spotlight on anthem singer

Chicago Stadium (1967-1994)

Overview

The Bulls played at Chicago Stadium from their inception in 1967 through 1994.

Address: 1800 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois

The Original Madhouse

• Capacity: Approximately 18,676 for basketball
• Opened: March 28, 1929
• Closed: April 28, 1994

Chicago Stadium was one of the most iconic venues in sports history, known for its steep upper deck and incredible acoustics.

Final Bulls Game

June 20, 1993: The Bulls won their third consecutive NBA championship at Chicago Stadium, defeating the Phoenix Suns. John Paxson hit the championship-winning shot.

Stadium Comparisons

Fan Experience

The Jordan Statue

The statue of Michael Jordan outside the United Center is one of the most photographed landmarks in Chicago.

Atmosphere

The United Center is known for: - Loud crowds during big games - The “Running of the Bulls” intro video - Pyrotechnics during player introductions - Sellout crowds during the Jordan era

The 1990s Dynasty Era

The Bulls sold out every game for years during the Jordan dynasty, creating one of the most intimidating home-court advantages in the NBA.

Chicago Bulls Fanbase and Culture

Fanbase Demographics

Global Reach

The Bulls have one of the most global fanbases in sports, largely due to Michael Jordan’s worldwide popularity: - Primary market: Chicago metropolitan area (9.5+ million) - National following: One of America’s most popular NBA teams - International: Massive following in Europe, Asia, and South America

The Jordan Effect

Michael Jordan transformed the Bulls from a struggling franchise to a global brand: - Air Jordan shoes remain the most popular basketball shoe line - Bulls merchandise leads NBA sales internationally - “The Last Dance” documentary (2020) renewed global interest

Traditions and Celebrations

The Running of the Bulls

The Bulls’ iconic intro video features a bull running through Chicago, followed by player introductions with pyrotechnics.

3-Peat

The term “three-peat” was popularized by the Bulls’ back-to-back-to-back championships (1991-1993, 1996-1998).

The Flu Game

Jordan’s legendary performance in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, playing with severe flu-like symptoms, is celebrated as one of the greatest efforts in sports history.

The Shot

Michael Jordan’s buzzer-beater over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 playoffs remains one of the most replayed highlights in NBA history.

Mascots and Symbols

Benny the Bull

The Bulls’ mascot, Benny the Bull, has been entertaining fans since 1969. He is one of the most popular mascots in sports.

The Jumpman Logo

While not the Bulls’ official logo, the Jordan “Jumpman” silhouette is synonymous with the team and remains one of the most recognizable symbols in sports.

Media and Broadcasting

Television

• NBC Sports Chicago: Regional broadcasts
• ESPN, TNT, ABC: National broadcasts

Broadcast Team

• Neil Funk: Longtime play-by-play announcer (retired 2021)
• Stacey King: Color commentator
• Chuck Swirsky: Radio play-by-play

Community Impact

Bulls Charities

The Chicago Bulls Charities support: - Youth basketball programs - Education initiatives - Health and wellness programs - Community outreach in Chicago

Youth Basketball

The Bulls operate youth basketball programs throughout Chicago, teaching the game to underprivileged children.

Rivalry Culture

Detroit Pistons

The “Bad Boy” Pistons were the Bulls’ biggest obstacle before their dynasty.

New York Knicks

The 1990s playoff battles created lasting animosity.

The 1990s Dynasty Legacy

The Bulls’ six championships in the 1990s: - Created a generation of basketball fans - Established Chicago as a basketball city - Made the NBA a global sport - Set the standard for NBA excellence