Are the Edmonton Oilers Changing Their Name? The Truth Behind the Rumors

Let's cut straight to the chase: The Edmonton Oilers are not changing their name.

 

Despite a flurry of online speculation, opinion pieces, and the general churn of the sports rumor mill, there are currently no official plans, discussions, or announcements from the team's ownership, the Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG), or the National Hockey League to rebrand the historic franchise.

 

The conversation itself, however, reveals a fascinating tension between a city's industrial heritage and modern-day sensibilities.

 

For decades, the name 'Oilers' has been synonymous with Edmonton.

 

It’s more than just a moniker; it’s a direct nod to the industry that built the city and shaped the province of Alberta.

 

The name was chosen for a simple and powerful reason: Edmonton was, and still is, considered the heart of Canada's oil industry.

 

When co-founder W. D. "Wild Bill" Hunter established the franchise as one of the original 12 teams in the World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1972, the name was a natural fit.

 

Interestingly, for their inaugural 1972-73 season, they were known as the Alberta Oilers.

 

The original plan was to split home games between Edmonton and Calgary, creating a team for the entire province.

 

However, the financial and logistical strain of this arrangement proved impractical after just one season.

 

Ahead of the 1973-74 WHA season, the team permanently planted its flag in the capital city, officially becoming the Edmonton Oilers, a name they have proudly carried ever since, including through their merger into the NHL in 1979 and their dynasty years.

 

So why are there rumors about a name change now?

 

The speculation stems from a growing cultural conversation, not from any internal team decision.

 

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, some columnists and social media commentators have questioned the appropriateness of a name so closely tied to the fossil fuel industry.

 

They argue that celebrating oil conflicts with global efforts to combat climate change.

 

This debate gained some traction locally, especially after Edmonton's CFL team underwent a name change, moving from the "Eskimos" to the "Elks" in response to concerns over cultural sensitivity.

 

That change, while unrelated in its reasoning, demonstrated that the branding of beloved sports franchises is not set in stone.

 

This has led to satirical articles and opinion pieces proposing new, more "green-friendly" names, but these are purely speculative and have not been acknowledged by the team.

 

It's crucial to distinguish this from the history of the NFL's Houston Oilers, a completely separate team in a different sport.

 

That franchise relocated to Tennessee in 1997 and was later renamed the Tennessee Titans, a move that sometimes causes confusion for casual sports fans.

 

The Edmonton Oilers have given no indication they intend to follow a similar path of rebranding.

 

The team's identity is deeply woven into the fabric of the city. From the dynasty of the 1980s with players like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier to the modern era led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers name represents grit, community, and a blue-collar work ethic that reflects Edmonton itself.

 

The logo, featuring the iconic oil drop, has remained remarkably consistent over the decades, undergoing only minor cosmetic tweaks to its color scheme - from the classic royal blue and orange to a period with a darker navy and copper, and back again.

 

This brand stability is a source of pride for the organization and its loyal fanbase, known as Oilers Nation.

 

While the team has embraced progressive initiatives and regularly features specialty logos for events like its Indigenous Celebration, Lunar New Year, and Pride Night, the core brand remains untouched.

 

The primary focus within the organization is not on names, but on winning.

 

Recent news cycles are dominated by discussions of player contracts, off-season acquisitions, and the relentless pursuit of another Stanley Cup.

 

The energy inside Rogers Place is centered on hockey, not on a hypothetical rebranding.

 

For now, and for the foreseeable future, the answer is clear. The team that plays in the heart of Oil Country will continue to be called the Edmonton Oilers.

 

The name is a legacy, a piece of NHL history, and a core part of Edmonton’s identity that the organization appears committed to preserving.

 

 

Our readers top 3 questions

 

Are the Edmonton Oilers officially changing their team name?

 

No, there are no official plans for the Edmonton Oilers to change their name. All reports and discussions are based on external opinion and speculation, not on any announcement from the team or the NHL.

 

Why did the Oilers originally choose their name?

 

The name "Oilers" was chosen in 1972 to reflect Edmonton's central role in Canada's oil industry. The name honors the city's economic and cultural heritage.

 

Has the Edmonton Oilers' name ever changed before?

 

For their first season (1972-73) in the WHA, they were called the Alberta Oilers with the intent to play in both Edmonton and Calgary. They have been the Edmonton Oilers exclusively since 1973 and have kept the name since joining the NHL.