Phoenix Suns land G League team, ask fans to name team

In 1968, Arizonans submitted over 28,000 entries to name the Suns. Some of the ideas were “Dust Devils,” “Tumbleweeds,” “Scorpions,” and “Dudes.”

Minor league basketball is coming back to the Valley, and you have a chance to name the team.

The Phoenix Suns and NBA G League announced Feb. 14 that the Suns acquired the right to own and operate an NBA G League team.

That team is set to debut in the 2024-25 season and will play in the Phoenix metro area.

“Bringing a G League team to Phoenix was one of my first priorities as owner,” said Mat Ishbia, owner of the Suns and Phoenix Mercury. “Adding a G League team creates another area for us to compete to be the best and will be a vital tool to help develop players and coaches.”

Ishbia launched a contest to name the new team, similar to how the Suns were named in 1968 through a public contest. The person who submits the winning name will get season tickets for the team’s first season and a $1,000 cash prize.

To submit your suggestion for the team’s name, you need to include your name, email, phone number, and zip code.

A winner, along with the city where the team will play, will be announced this spring.

The Suns had a G League team in Prescott Valley from 2016 to 2021 called The Northern Arizona Suns. The Detroit Pistons bought the team and moved it to Detroit.

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