The Orlando Magic announced Wednesday they have reached an agreement to purchase the Erie BayHawks, their NBA D-League affiliate, and relocate the team to Lakeland. The team will hold its home games at Lakeland Center and is scheduled to begin play in the 2017/18 season.
“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,” said Alex Martins, the Magic’s CEO and a managing partner in the new D-League squad, in a statement.
Orlando entered a three-year hybrid agreement with the BayHawks prior to the 2014/15 season.