Turning Our Attention to the 2021-22 Season

GRAND RAPIDS DRIVE OPT OUT OF 2020-21 NBA G LEAGUE SEASON

Drive Begin Planning for 2021-22 Season and New Affiliate Announcement

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (January 8, 2021) – The Grand Rapids Drive announced today that they will opt out of the NBA G League’s 2020-21 season. The 2020-21 season would have been the team’s final year as an affiliate of the Detroit Pistons, following the Pistons recent purchase of Phoenix’s G League franchise last year. The Drive will now turn their attention to the 2021-22 season, which is expected to include a new affiliate announcement.

“This was the right decision for our team, as we discussed both the safety and logistics surrounding a shortened, single-site season in Orlando,” shared Steve Jbara, president and co-owner of the Grand Rapids Drive. “Our focus turns now to the 2021-22 season, including an exciting new affiliate that will allow us to further elevate the professional basketball experience in West Michigan for our partners, players and fans.”

The NBA G League recently announced a single-site season in Orlando due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 17 of the 29 NBA G League teams, along with the newly formed G League Ignite team, elected to participate in the season. A complete game and broadcast schedule, beginning in February, will be announced at a later date.

“Our team remains committed to Grand Rapids,” noted Ben Wallace, co-owner of the Grand Rapids Drive. “A new affiliate announcement may mean a new team name and logo, but this is home and we’re looking forward to sharing more details about our future soon as decisions are finalized with both our new affiliate and the NBA.”

A full video announcement from the Drive can be viewed here.

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