The Wayne State University Board of Governors has approved a plan to build a new $25MM athletic facility that will house its basketball teams, according to Rod Beard of The Detroit News, who writes that the new 3,000-seat arena is expected to be ready for the 2021/22 basketball season (Twitter link).
In addition to hosting the Wayne State men’s and women’s basketball teams, the building is also on track to become the new home for the Pistons‘ G League affiliate. Currently, the Pistons’ NBAGL club plays its home games up I-96 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
As Beard details, the Pistons have been increasing their foothold in the city of Detroit in recent years, having relocated from The Palace of Auburn Hills to the Little Caesars Arena in 2017. A new downtown practice facility is scheduled to be completed this September.
It’s not clear yet if the Pistons intend to relocate their current affiliate, the Grand Rapids Drive, to Detroit, or whether the club will assume control of a new expansion G League team. Either way, the move won’t go into effect until at least the 2021/22 season.
[UPDATE: Drive look to remain in Grand Rapids]
Additionally, because the new building will be owned by Wayne State University, the Pistons’ G League affiliate will have to reach a formal lease agreement, which is still pending, as Beard notes.