Orlando Magic Moving D-League Team to Lakeland

LAKELAND, FL — Basketball fans won’t have to make the trek to Orlando to take in professional play much longer. The Magic’s ownership group has announced its intention to purchase the Erie BayHawks and move the D-League team to Lakeland.

The purchase and relocation plans were announced Wednesday morning. The Magic will become the 17th NBA team to own and operate their NBA D-League affiliate when the purchase is completed.

The BayHawks will move to Lakeland from Pennsylvania in time for the 2017-18 basketball season. The team will play 24 home games at The Lakeland Center next year. Season ticket deposits are already being accepted and are available by calling 407-447-2210.

“When we started this process, our goal was to have our development league team closer to home and the perfect fit for us was the City of Lakeland,” Alex Martins, the Magic’s CEO and D-League Team managing partner said in a statement released Wednesday. “Having our D-League team in Lakeland gives us the best opportunity, not only to continue developing our young players, but to extend the Orlando Magic brand across Central Florida.”

“Today's announcement not only shows the continued growth of the NBA D-League but also enables the Magic to develop players close to home and provides fans in Central Florida the opportunity to watch top NBA prospects compete,” Malcolm Turner, NBA D-League president, agreed. “I’m thrilled to welcome the Magic as NBA D-League owners.”

Mayor Howard Wiggs said the team’s decision to make Lakeland its home is a big win for the city.

“Lakeland now has professional basketball and we are excited,” Wiggs said. “This is a great example that Lakeland has a bright future.”

News of the purchase is also good for nearby Winter Haven. The anticipated relocation of the development league team to the area includes plans to create a practice facility in that community.

The Magic also announced that Shelly Wilkes will serve as the BayHawks’ president with Steve Demetriou and Alex Martins serving as minority partners in the team’s ownership.

The NBA D-League season includes 50 regular season games. The post-season runs from November to April. There were 22 teams in the league in the 2016-17 season.

Photo courtesy of The Lakeland Center's Facebook page