The NBA is coming to northern Arizona.
Well, sort of.
On Tuesday, the Phoenix Suns announced the acquisition of the Bakersfield Jam, an NBA Development League squad. The Jam will be relocated to Prescott Valley in time for the 2016-17 season and will be renamed the Northern Arizona Suns.
The team will play a 24-game schedule next season at the Prescott Valley Events Center, a 5,100-seat arena that was the home of the Central Hockey League's Arizona Sundogs from 2006-14.
"In addition to the basketball advantages of our D-League affiliate being close to home, today's announcement creates endless opportunities to strengthen the connection with our fans in northern Arizona," Suns president Jason Rowley said in a statement.
The Bakersfield Jam have been the Suns' D-League affiliate for the past two years, but with Tuesday's announcement, the Suns have become the 15th NBA team to own and operate its D-League squad.
More information on the Northern Arizona Suns, including ticket info, can be found here.
