The Portland Trail Blazers and the NBA G League just announced that the Trail Blazers have acquired the right to own and operate an NBA G League team! Launching in the Chiles Center on the University of Portland campus in North Portland, the team is expected to debut in the 2023-24 season. The name and the brand identity of the team will be announced at a later date, along with the front office personnel and coaching staff.
Chiles Center, which opened in 1984, serves as the home for the University of Portland’s Division I athletics programs competing in the West Coast Conference. With nearly 5,000 seats, the arena has hosted numerous high-profile events and is the perfect home for the new team.
“I’m excited to welcome Jody Allen, and the Trail Blazers ownership group to the NBA G League family. The NBA G League continues to grow to meet the developmental demands of NBA teams, and today’s announcement is further proof of the value the league provides to the NBA every day. I can’t wait to watch the team tip off at the Chiles Center next season.” – Shareef Abdur-Rahim, NBA G League President
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS LAUNCH NBA G LEAGUE TEAM.
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 26, 2023
Learn More: https://t.co/ptK1bYCGjihttps://t.co/pSXsPKYbyl
For those who argue over the existence of the G League, it’s important to note why it was developed in the first place. Formerly known as the NBA Development League, or NBA D-League, this has always been the NBA’s official minor league. Beyond serving as the league’s research and development “laboratory,” the G League prepares players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA. Being “NBA ready” is critical for any professional looking to sustain a career in the NBA.
