NEW YORK and PHOENIX, Feb. 14, 2024 – The NBA G League and Phoenix Suns today announced that the Suns have acquired the right to own and operate an NBA G League team, which is set to debut in the 2024-25 season. With today’s announcement, the NBA G League expands to a record 32 teams, while all 30 NBA teams now own or operate an NBA G League affiliate.

“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. “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.”

A team for the community, the Suns NBA G League team will pay homage to how the Phoenix Suns were named in 1968 through a public contest. Fans will have the chance to name the NBA G League team via an online contest,* now through Feb. 28, by submitting entries to Suns.com/GLeague. The winning submission will receive free tickets for the team’s inaugural NBA G League season and a $1,000 cash prize.

“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 Suns NBA G League team will play its home games in the Phoenix metro area. More details on the venue, as well as the team’s name and logo, will be announced in the spring.

The NBA G League is a proven developer of NBA talent. Almost 60 percent of current NBA players have NBA G League experience, while eight NBA head coaches were NBA G League coaches first. The NBA G League also acts as the NBA’s research and development laboratory, testing innovative rules now used in the NBA, including the Coach’s Challenge and the 14-second shot-clock reset rule.

*G League naming contest rules and eligibility available here.