Trail Blazers Announce G League Franchise, Bringing Total to 31 Teams

The G League is now officially bigger than the NBA. Or more accurately, has more franchises after the Trail Blazers announced they are getting one, too.

That brings the G League to 31 teams, including the G League Ignite club. The NBA has 30 teams.

Either way, the Blazers announced their new G League affiliate will play home games at nearby University of Portland.

“I’m excited to welcome Jody Allen and the Trail Blazers ownership group to the NBA G League family,” said NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim in a statement.  “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.”

Blazers GM Joe Cronin added that it will be nice to finally have a G League team to call their own.

“It was very important to our organization to enter the G League with an affiliate here in Portland and strategically strengthen our dedication to player development,” Cronin said. “I would especially like to thank Jody Allen, who is aligned with Dewayne Hankins and myself, to make it a priority to have this team ready for next season as it will serve not only as a developmental tool for players but also for aspiring coaches and staff while we continue to be a mainstay in the community as a whole.”

For more information on the yet-to-be-named franchise, visit the Blazers’ official G League page.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS LAUNCH NBA G LEAGUE TEAM.

Learn More: https://t.co/ptK1bYCGjihttps://t.co/pSXsPKYbyl

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 26, 2023