Suns become last NBA team to acquire G League affiliate

The Phoenix Suns have acquired the right to own and operate their own G League franchise, the G League announced Wednesday.

Phoenix becomes the last NBA franchise to add a G League affiliate.

"We are honored to welcome Matt 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," G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim said.

The G League will now expand to 32 teams following the announcement.

"Bringing a G League team to Phoenix was one of my first priorities as owner," Suns owner Matt Ishbia said.

"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."

The team will be based in the Phoenix metro area and will debut during the 2024-25 season. Its name will be chosen by fans through an online contest. Details on the team name and logo will be announced in the spring.

Ishbia purchased the Suns, along with the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, for $4 billion in 2022.