Pistons Announce Purchase of Northern Arizona G League Team from Suns

The Detroit Pistons announced Wednesday they've completed the purchase of the Northern Arizona Suns, the G League affiliate of the Phoenix Suns, and will relocate the organization to Detroit.

Play for the rebranded team is scheduled to begin during the 2021-22 G League season.

The formal announcement confirmed the squad will play its home games at the new arena being constructed at Wayne State University.

"This is another important investment in our franchise and in the city of Detroit," Pistons owner Tom Gores said. "Having an NBA G League team near our new performance center will be an advantage for our front office, our coaching staff and our young players. It will also generate more economic activity in the area and serve as a catalyst for additional development."

Detroit currently utilizes the Grand Rapids Drive, which is owned by SSJ Group, as its G League affiliate. The announcement confirmed that relationship will continue for the 2020-21 campaign.

"I'm excited to welcome Tom Gores and the Detroit Pistons as NBA G League owners," G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim said. "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."

The G League features 28 teams. It's scheduled to add an expansion franchise, the Capitanes de Ciudad de Mexico, beginning with the 2020-21 season.

Earlier this year, it announced the creation of a "professional path" program to give top prospects the option of jumping right to pro basketball out of high school during the one-year period before they can declare for the NBA draft.

The Drive have been associated with the Pistons since 2014.