Skip to Main Content

Grand Rapids - Comstock, Michigan Ranked in Sports Business Journal's 2022 Top 10 Minor League Markets

By Grand Rapids Gold Staff /September 20, 2022

Grand Rapids-Comstock Park, Michigan was just ranked No. 6 in the Sports Business Journal 2022 Top Minor League Markets. The Sports Business Journal began publishing this ranking in 2005 and has produced the top 10 list every year since. Due to the impact of the pandemic, the 2021 study was postponed to this year. This year's study included 195 markets, 34 leagues, and 320 professional teams.

The Gold’s move downtown to Van Andel Arena has been noted as a reason for this ranking. David Broughton stated, “The arena was renovated in 2020, and this summer’s relocation of the Gold from an old arena in the suburbs to Van Andel downtown should certainly provide the market a boost.”

In 2019, Grand Rapids-Comstock Park, Michigan ranked No.1 in the Top 10 Minor League Markets. Grand Rapids has ranked in the Top 10 list a total of 4 times.

“The majority of each market’s total score comes from its ability to retain its franchises, maintain the venues and attract spectators to games.” David Broughton of the Sports Business Journal stated. Grand Rapids, MI had a 2022 score of 73.78.

Stay up to date with all things Gold by following us on social media @NBAGrandRapids on Twitter and Grand Rapids Gold on Instagram & Facebook.

For media-related inquiries and interview requests, contact Shaneé Marvin, 269-330-0036, smarvin@nbagrandrapids.com or Brittney Whitefield, 248-563-8736, bwhitefield@nbagrandrapids.com. 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 30 teams, 28 with direct affiliations to NBA franchises for 2021-22, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. 54 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2021-22 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 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.