In a meeting with local media outlets this week, New Orleans Pelicans and Birmingham Squadron owner Gayle Benson promised to produce a NBA G League franchise that is more than a basketball team.

“We’re going to invest in this community, just like we invest in New Orleans,” stated Benson. “We’ve done a lot of investing there (New Orleans) in their community and people in organizations, and so we want to do the same thing here. We are laying the groundwork.”

The Birmingham Squadron tip-off their inaugural season in the NBA G League at Legacy Arena this coming December.

Already Investing in Magic City Startups

Earlier this summer, the new NBA minor league team has signaled they will do more for the community than play basketball.

Echoing Benson’s commitment, Pelicans President Dennis Lauscha told the group that one way the team is strengthening their ties to Birmingham is by investing in startups.

“We have a venture capital fund that’s attempting to bring economic development to the region,” said Lauscha, whose alma mater is the University of Alabama . “We invested in two or three companies already in the Birmingham market.”

This summer Benson Capital Partners announced major investments toward local startups Wyndy and Prepaid to Cash.

Fan Experience

Along with economic development, Lauscha, who is also President of the New Orleans Saints, is eager to produce a top notch fan experience here in the Magic City.

“I feel very strongly that Birmingham is a major league city. We’re investing in the game. What you’re going to see is going to be a major league production, said Lauscha.

With some of the most loyal fans, the Saints rank number one year after year in NFL fan experience.. The Pelicans are highly rated too. Benson and Lauscha plan to duplicate the family friendly atmosphere here in Birmingham.

Legacy Arena 3 Birmingham Squadron owner promises more than a basketball team — Legacy Arena in downtown Birmingham under construction. Photo via Nathan Watson for Bham Now

They are also excited to begin their inaugural season in the newly renovated Legacy Arena.

“Kudos to the city and the folks who are working on the arena. It is spectacular and something the community should be very proud of. I’ve been to a number of arenas around the country— this arena is just as beautiful as anything I’ve seen so that’s another reason why we’re here today,” Lauscha added.

The Squadron is Coming

The excitement is building. From the recent naming of the team — the Squadron —which is the word used to describe a flock of Pelicans to the commitment of the owner — Mrs. Benson – one of the most beloved NFL and NBA team owners.