Memphis, Tenn. – The Memphis Grizzlies and the NBA Development League announced today that the Grizzlies have acquired the right to own and operate a NBA D-League expansion team that will begin play for the 2017-18 season. With the purchase, the Grizzlies become the 19th NBA team to own and operate a NBA D-League affiliate, while the NBA D-League grows to 23 teams.
“It’s a time of tremendous growth in the NBA D-League and I’m excited to continue our expansion into the South,” said NBA D-League President Malcolm Turner. “I’m thrilled to welcome the Memphis Grizzlies ownership group and franchise into the NBA D-League family of owners and I can’t wait to watch the team compete in the Mid-South next season.