The G League Ignite franchise will move its operations to Henderson, Nevada, for the 2022/23 season, the league announced in a press release.
The franchise will play its home games in the Dollar Loan Center, a multi-purpose facility that opened in March and can hold more than 5,000 fans. The building also serves as the home arena for teams in the American Hockey League and the Indoor Football League.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Foley Entertainment Group, The Dollar Loan Center and the City of Henderson to create a new home for Ignite in a first-class facility near one of the world’s premiere and entertainment destinations,” said G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim. “With avid sports fans in the Las Vegas area who have quickly embraced their hockey, football and WNBA teams, we can’t wait for NBA G League Ignite to showcase its future NBA stars and exciting brand of basketball.”
G League Ignite was launched in 2018 as an alternative to college for young basketball players. The franchise played its first season in 2020/21 and has produced three top-10 draft picks in two years: Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga and Dyson Daniels.
The Ignite team now has a permanent location after training in Walnut Creek, California, last season and playing its home games in Las Vegas.
“NBA G League Ignite is another elite professional sports organization that we are thrilled to bring to the Henderson community and The Dollar Loan Center,” said Foley Entertainment Group CEO Kerry Bubolz. “These future NBA stars will get a first-class home and we know our fans will enjoy seeing such talented players in an intimate, family-friendly arena.”
nba will be there soon
In fairness, the G League Ignite did not really PRODUCE those 3 top 10 picks. Those 3 would have likely been top 10 picks if they had played for Sister Mary’s Orphanage and Discount Tire Store.