It’s the end of the line for the Erie BayHawks. At least, that’s what the G League franchise said in a news release, announcing they will be ceasing operations.
“We’ve made the determination that we will cease operations in the coming weeks due to not being unable to find another NBA partner, or other adequate opportunity, to keep G League basketball in Erie,” the statement read.
The current franchise will be relocated to Birmingham, Ala., where it will serve as the affiliate for the New Orleans Pelicans. Minor league basketball has long been a staple in Erie, dating back to the 1990s with the Erie Wave of the old World Basketball League.
The BayHawks became the Lakeland Magic in 2017, and then the College Park Skyhawks in 2019. Each time, they were able to keep the franchise afloat in Erie and locate a new partner. Clearly, things have changed for the time being.
The BayHawks made their debut in the 2008-09 season. They have been affiliated with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks and Pelicans. This year’s team also shared operations with the Washington Wizards.
