Roanoke, Virginia lands NBDL team

by NBDL Press Release
Published on May 18, 2001 under NBA G League (G League)

NBDL Press Release

NBA's MINOR LEAGUE ANNOUNCES FIFTH CHARTER MEMBER

ROANOKE, VA - Roanoke, Virginia has been granted the fifth team in the National Basketball Development League, the NBA's new minor league, which will start play this November. Rob Levine, the NBA's Senior Vice President, New League Development made the announcement today at Roanoke Civic Center, the new home of Roanoke's NBDL team.

"The city's leadership has a vision for what the Roanoke Civic Center will be in the years ahead," said Levine. "We're pleased that the NBDL and SFX Music and Entertainment will play a role in the city's future, and increase the vitality of Roanoke as an entertainment center and sports city for fans across southwest Virginia."

"We're delighted that the NBDL has selected us to be a part of the NBA family and help launch this new league," said Roanoke City Manager, Darlene Burcham. "This is another step in creating a reputation for the city of Roanoke and the Roanoke Valley as an entertainment and sports venue."

The National Basketball Development League will tip off its inaugural season in November 2001 with teams based in eight Southeastern U.S. cities and a 56-game regular season schedule that runs from mid-November through March, followed by playoffs. A total of 24 games will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and ESPN starting on opening night. Regular weekly coverage will begin in December 2001 and continue throughout the regular season and playoffs.

Designed to help grow the sport of basketball both domestically and internationally, the NBDL offers players the opportunity to develop their talent in a highly competitive atmosphere under the NBA's umbrella. In addition to being a source of on-court talent for the NBA's 29 teams, the NBDL will also serve as a diverse human resource pool for the NBA and its teams by training employees in management, operations, public relations, sales and marketing positions in each NBDL city.

Roanoke, VA joins Fayetteville, NC, North Charleston, SC, Huntsville, AL, and Mobile, AL as the first five NBDL cities.

NBDL players must be 20 years of age or older to play in the league. NBDL teams will not have a direct affiliation with specific NBA teams. Development league players will be eligible to play for any NBA team.

NBA G League Stories from May 18, 2001

• Roanoke, Virginia lands NBDL team - OSC Original by NBDL Press Release

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