Milwaukee Bucks Make Purchase Of Fox Valley D-League Team Official

At a press conference in Oshkosh on Wednesday, the Milwaukee Bucks officially announced the purchase of a D-League team based in the Fox Valley.

After a lengthy process of applications from around the state of Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Bucks have officially announced Oshkosh as the location for the team’s new D-League franchise.

The yet to be named D-League affiliate will begin playing in a brand new arena in the Fox Valley area starting from the beginning of the 2017-18 season.

The news was announced in a statement released on the team’s official website, as well as in an accompanying press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

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The press conference saw a number of the key figures involved in the process of securing and awarding the franchise to Oshkosh share their thoughts on the process up to this point, and the future of the new D-League franchise.

They included Milwaukee Bucks president Peter Feigin, general manager John Hammond, NBA D-League president Malcolm Turner, Oshkosh Mayor Steve Cummings, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Oshkosh City Manager Mark Rohloff, and Greg Pierce of Fox Valley Pro Basketball.

Although not on-stage at the official announcement, Bucks co-owner Wes Edens commented on the acquisition in the team’s statement.

"“Our ownership group has been steadfast in its commitment to both build a championship-caliber basketball program and develop stronger partnerships with fans and communities throughout the state of Wisconsin. We’re thrilled to announce this partnership with the City of Oshkosh, Greg Pierce and his team, and the incredible basketball fans throughout the Fox Valley. This new team will be an invaluable resource for our basketball staff and an incredible vehicle for connecting with Wisconsin’s passionate sports fans.”"

Speaking at the official press conference, Bucks general manager John Hammond explained just how important the addition of a D-League team is to the Bucks overall, and how the organization feels about the Oshkosh location as a fit.

"“For us to continue to develop towards a championship caliber team, we have to have this.We felt very secure that this is where we’re supposed to be, where we want to be, and this is where we’re going to call home.”"

That was a sentiment echoed by Peter Feigin, who emphasized how not only does the addition of this Oshkosh team help the Bucks to grow basketball in Wisconsin, but also to continue to contribute to redevelopment efforts around the state.

"“When our owners bought the Milwaukee Bucks almost three years ago, one of the goals was how to build basketball in the state of Wisconsin. Truly, this is the biggest opportunity, and this should and will be this state’s game.The passion, the appetite, the thirst that this community has had to partner with the Milwaukee Bucks has really been overwhelming. We can’t be more thankful, we can’t be more excited to start this today together, to really help rebuild the city of Oshkosh. Much like we’re doing in the city of Milwaukee.”"

NBA D-League president Malcolm Turner spoke about the continued expansion of the NBA’s minor league system, and how the Bucks will become the 20th NBA franchise to make the jump to having a sole affiliate from next season onwards.

"“NBA teams are increasingly recognizing the NBA D-League’s value in providing opportunities to players, coaches and front office executives. A record two-thirds of NBA teams now own an NBA D-League affiliate, and I’m excited to welcome Wes Edens, Marc Lasry, Jamie Dinan and the Bucks to that list.”"

There was just as much joy and enthusiasm surrounding the announcement from those on the Oshkosh side of the table too. Steve Cummings, the city’s Mayor, spoke of the potential impact the arrival of the team could have on the perception and the transformation of Oshkosh.

"“I believe that Oshkosh’s Central City is on the verge of a renaissance. The Bucks’ selection of Oshkosh as its location for their D-League team reinforces our reputation as a great place to work, play and learn. The new arena will be the cornerstone of a revived central city that will attract visitors and greater development opportunities to Oshkosh.”"

Throughout the application process, Greg Pierce of Fox Valley Pro Basketball was one of the driving forces to bring the team to Oshkosh. Pierce, whose group have had an important role in not just the lobbying process, but also the logistics surrounding the construction of a new arena, was another who highlighted the scale of the opportunity that this announcement affords Oshkosh.

"“When we pitched this idea, the Fox Valley’s response was so immediate and enthusiastic, we knew this would be the ideal location for the team to expand. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Building a new arena, bringing the Sawdust District vision to life and expanding the sports and entertainment options in our region will have a transformative impact on our community.”"

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett was also on hand, and he spoke about how the Bucks owners have delivered on their promises in his city to date.

"“It was almost three years when the Bucks came to Milwaukee and said we’re going to be something special with the new ownership team. Like many Wisconsinites I was thinking, I’ll believe it when I see it. Now, two-and-a-half years later, I believe it. And I’m telling you, you should believe it. These guys are for real. They care about community. They understand the need to have the community and the basketball team as part of the same family.”"

Away from the soundbites, the launch of the team’s official D-League website also offered fans a much greater insight into the Bucks’ new franchise.

Although the team’s nickname is yet to be decided (the website includes an option to suggest a name), “Fox Valley Basketball” is displayed boldly in the NBA D-League’s official type face. Rather than just being tied to Oshkosh, this seems to be an indication that the team will be named to include the greater Fox Valley community.

Beyond that, the site also includes a look at some of the renderings of the proposed 3,500 capacity arena.

Again, if you haven't checked out the D-League team's website yet, you should probably do it now.https://t.co/iWy81bj5TI pic.twitter.com/5tJJEpeQ64
— Behind the Buck Pass (@BehindTheBucks) February 8, 2017

The arena which will be built on an eight acre site, and cover 64,300 sq. ft., will include a team store, four concession stands and a Sports Bar and Lounge.

Although many more important decisions remain to be made, most notably selecting a coaching and basketball ops team, Wednesday marked significant progress for the Milwaukee Bucks in their continued effort to improve and develop talent, while also building on the team’s brand around Wisconsin.

Next: Milwaukee Bucks: What To Expect From Roy Hibbert, Spencer Hawes

As team president Peter Feigin noted in the press conference, “This D-League team is not part of the fabric of the Bucks, it is the Bucks.”