Pelicans to operate G League team in Birmingham, Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - The New Orleans Pelicans will field a G League team in Birmingham starting in the 2022-23 season.

The Pelicans announced Wednesday they have acquired the rights to the NBA G League team, giving the developmental league 28 teams by the 2019-20 season.

The team, which hasn’t been named, will play next season as the Erie BayHawks in Pennsylvania while Birmingham’s Legacy Arena is renovated.

The downtown arena will undergo a $123 million renovation and expansion before the team begins play in Alabama. The upgrades include a new facade, new entrances and an expansion that allows for a new suite level and premium club space.

The Pelicans will partner with the BayHawks’ current management to operate the team in Erie.

Erie has had an NBA G League team since the 2008-09 season.

___

More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports