On Thursday, the NBA G League and the Phoenix Suns announced that the Suns acquired the rights to own and operate an NBA G League team.
The unnamed team, set to debut in the 2024-25 season, gives all 30 NBA teams a G League affiliate and expands the League to 32 total teams.
“Bringing a G League team to Phoenix was one of my first priorities as owner,” said Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury team owner Mat Ishbia in a statement. “Adding a G League team creates another area for us to compete to be the best and will be a vital tool to help develop players and coaches. Just like the Suns and Mercury, our G League team will serve as a community asset and make a positive impact on and off the court.”
Like the Portland Trailblazers, who named its G League team “Rip City Remix,” the Suns will look to the culture to name the team by also recreating history.
In 1968, team ownership held a public contest to name the team, which became the Phoenix Suns.
Now fans will be able to vote on a team name through an online contest that runs through the end of this month. Fans can submit their entries at Suns.com/GLeague and the winner gets free tickets to the team’s inaugural season and $1,000 in cash.
The team’s name and logo will be announced sometime during the spring.
“We are honored to welcome Mat Ishbia and the Phoenix Suns to the NBA G League, and are thrilled to achieve our long-stated goal that each of the 30 NBA teams has an NBA G League affiliate,” said NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim. “The NBA G League has never been more valuable to NBA teams than it is today, and the Suns’ investment only reinforces that reality. I can’t wait to join fans in the Valley next season to enjoy the unique brand of NBA G League basketball.”
The team’s home venue has yet to be announced but the games will be played in the metro Phoenix area.
