ORLANDO -- The Orlando Magic and the NBA Development League announced today that the Magic has agreed to purchase the Erie BayHawks and intend to relocate the team to Lakeland, Florida, to begin play during the 2017-18 season. With the purchase, the Magic become the 17th NBA team to own and operate their NBA D-League affiliate.
Located near the heart of Central Florida, Lakeland is approximately 55 miles from downtown Orlando and approximately 35 miles from downtown Tampa. The franchise, which will be owned and operated by the Orlando Magic, will play its 24 home games at The Lakeland Center.