Author: Monojit Mandal
The Phoenix Suns have announced their ambitious ambitions to build a new NBA G League franchise, with the expectation that the team will be playing as early as the 2024-25 season. Club governor Mat Ishbia confirmed the decision, expressing his enthusiasm for bringing a G League club to the Valley.
The Phoenix Suns are now the only NBA team without a direct affiliate in the G League. The Portland Trail Blazers, on the other hand, have just announced that their club, Rip City Remix, will enter the G League for the 2023-24 season.
This isn’t the Suns’ first foray into the G League. They bought the Bakersfield Jam in April 2016 and renamed the team the Northern Arizona Suns to ensure their presence in the NBA development league. However, in July 2020, the franchise was sold to the Detroit Pistons and renamed Motor City Cruise.
This transfer represents a major investment in the Suns’ future, both in the short and long term, for Mat Ishbia. Despite the expense of signing star Bradley Beal and terminating the contract of coach Monty Williams, Ishbia remains dedicated to the growth and success of the Suns.
In addition to his G League intentions, Ishbia sought a television rights deal for the Suns and their WNBA rival, the Phoenix Mercury. Although this agreement is expected to reduce broadcasting revenue initially, it is expected to significantly increase the teams’ on-air visibility in the long term.
The Suns’ G League expansion couldn’t come at a better time. As the club depends significantly on key players like Beal, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, the new collective bargaining agreement restricts their line-up possibilities. With the G League providing a low-cost platform for developing new players, the Suns want to complement their team-building strategy with promising youngsters.
As the Suns’ plans take shape, basketball fans across the Valley are eagerly awaiting the debut of their new G League franchise and the potential stars it could generate. The Suns’ future is brighter than ever, with the potential of a competitive and talented squad.