Key Dates and Transactions: 1986
1 9 8 6 |
| May 6 |
|
Billy Cunningham and theatrical producer Zev Bufman announce plans to bring an NBA expansion team to South Florida. |
| May 29 |
The Miami City Commission approves plans to build an arena in Miami. |
| June 9 |
Cunningham and Bufman formally apply for an NBA expansion franchise. |
| July 30 |
Entertainer Julio Iglesias joins the ownership group. |
| July 31 |
Lewis Schaffel, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the New Jersey Nets, resigns to officially join the ownership group. |
| August 4 |
Ground is broken on Miami Arena. |
| September 9 |
Ted Arison, owner of Carnival Cruise Lines, becomes a partner in the Miami effort. |
| October 16 |
The Miami franchise selects the name HEAT from 20,000 entries. The winning entry was by Stephanie Freed. |
