Phoenix D-League Team to Play in Prescott Valley

By Francisco Romero

The NBA Development League debuted in 2001 as sort of a minor league / feeding system to NBA teams. Arizona will be debuting the Northern Arizona Suns next year, as the Phoenix Suns D-League team.

The Phoenix Suns, the NBA Development League and the Town of Prescott Valley, Arizona made the announcement on Tuesday.

The Suns announced that they have acquired the Bakersfield Jam and will be relocating them to the Prescott Valley, Arizona.

“We are thrilled to bring professional basketball to the Town of Prescott Valley,” said Suns President, Jason Rowley through a press release. “In addition to the basketball advantages of our D-League affiliate being close to home, today’s announcement creates endless opportunities to strengthen the connection with our fans in northern Arizona,” he added.

The Northern Arizona Suns will play a 24-game home schedule at the 5,100-seat Prescott Valley Event Center (PVEC) beginning with the 2016-17 season.

The Jam was has been the Suns affiliate the past two season; it was managed by the NBA. After acquiring its rights the Suns will oversee and assume the business operations for the franchise.

“Today’s announcement is exciting not only to have the Phoenix Suns join the ranks of NBA D-League owners, but also to welcome Prescott Valley to the NBA D-League family of communities,” said NBA D-League President Malcolm Turner.  “I’m looking forward to watching the Northern Arizona Suns take the court in November.”

Prescott Valley, Arizona and its community will become a key component to the Suns organization.

“We’re happy to have an organization the quality of the Phoenix Suns in our community and region,” said Prescott Valley Mayor, Harvey Skoog. “It’s an exciting thing to bring the Suns brand and legacy to Prescott Valley.”

About the NBA Development League

The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 19 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2015-16 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2014-15 season boasted NBA D-League experience.