Grand Rapids Drive Announce New Name and Logo

New affiliate of the Denver Nuggets will be known as the Grand Rapids Gold

A full video announcement from the Gold can be viewed here

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (July 7, 2021) – The Grand Rapids Drive, presented by Metro Health - University of Michigan Health (becoming University of Michigan Health-West), announced today the team will be known as the Grand Rapids Gold beginning with the 2021-22 season. The new name and logo honor the Gold’s new affiliation with the Denver Nuggets, which was announced earlier this year.

“This new affiliation and corresponding name change is one of the biggest moves we’ve made as a franchise,” shared Steve Jbara, president of the Grand Rapids Gold. “Aligning ourselves further with the Denver Nuggets, a team that recently advanced past the first round of the NBA playoffs for the third consecutive season, further elevates the professional basketball experience here in Grand Rapids, and we couldn’t be more excited to get back on the court this fall.”

The Grand Rapids Gold name celebrates Colorado’s world class mining heritage, while the colors incorporated are those used by the Denver Nuggets since 2018. The Gold’s new primary and secondary logos include a small river within each “R” to honor one of Grand Rapids’ famous nicknames, River City.

“We are extremely excited about the new name and logo of the Grand Rapid Gold,” said Nuggets President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly. “We feel the new look aligns well with both the Nuggets and Grand Rapids organizations and are excited to see it in action on the court next season.”

The Grand Rapids Gold have been a pivotal NBA G League franchise since their founding in 2006. The team moved to Grand Rapids in 2014 after being purchased by SSJ Group, a market touted as the best in America for minor league sports by Sports Business Journal. The Gold have ranked in the top 5 in NBA G League attendance, drawing more than 3,000 fans per game. This will be the organization’s seventh season in Grand Rapids, playing at the DeltaPlex Arena.

For media-related inquires and interview requests, contact Rob Johnson at rjohnson@nbagrandrapids.com or 616-216-4600. For more information on the Grand Rapids Gold, visit www.nbagrandrapids.com

About the NBA G League

The NBA’s official minor league, the NBA G League prepares players, coaches, officials, trainers and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring a total of 29 teams with 28 teams having direct affiliations with NBA franchises ahead of the 2020-21 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family friendly atmosphere. A record 45% of all NBA players at the start of the 2020-21 season boasted NBA G League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA Cares programs.

About the Grand Rapids Gold

The Grand Rapids Gold are a member of the NBA G League and affiliated with the Denver Nuggets. The organization is committed to providing an elite level of basketball to the West Michigan community, while also investing in and contributing to the West Michigan community. The team is owned by SSJ Group, LLC. For more information about the organization, visit www.nbagrandrapids.com and follow the team on its social media channels.

About Kroenke Sports & Entertainment

Denver-based Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) is one of the world's leading ownership, entertainment and management groups. KSE’s portfolio of professional sports teams and venues include: Arsenal F.C. (EPL), the Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Rapids (MLS), Colorado Mammoth (NLL), SoFi Stadium, Emirates Stadium, Ball Arena, Dick’s Sports Goods Park and the Historic Paramount Theatre. Additional properties under KSE's umbrella include Altitude Sports & Entertainment, a 24-hour regional television network and Altitude Authentics, the company's official retail provider.