The Detroit Pistons have purchased the G League Northern Arizona Suns from the Phoenix Suns and will move it to a new Wayne State University arena currently under construction for the 2021-22 season.
The Pistons will maintain an affiliation with the Grand Rapids Drive through the 2020-21 NBA G League season. The Phoenix Suns will continue to operate the Northern Arizona Suns for the 2020-21 season.
The plan for several years has been for the Pistons to operate a G League team at the new $25-million arena, near the corner of Warren and Trumbull avenues. The 70,000 square-foot venue will feature a seating capacity for approximately 3,000 fans, and is scheduled to open in time for the 2021-22 basketball season. The facility, located less than two miles from both Little Caesars Arena and the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center, will be used by Wayne State’s men’s and women’s programs.
“I’m excited to welcome Tom Gores and the Detroit Pistons as NBA G League owners,” said NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim. “It’s always bittersweet for a team to relocate, and I thank Robert Sarver and the Phoenix Suns for their time in this league and the fans in Northern Arizona for their ongoing commitment to the team. I’m sure the fans in Detroit will welcome the team with open arms and I look forward to watching NBA G League basketball at Wayne State for seasons to come.”
In addition to playing games on the school’s campus, a move that will generate revenue and usage of the new facility, the organization will work with Wayne State administrators to create programs and internship opportunities for students in fields like sports marketing, community relations, physical therapy, rehabilitation and sports and entertainment business operations.
Rendering courtesy Wayne State Warriors.
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