The sporting world can now add an entire roster of Texas Legends to the history books: The newest NBA D-League franchise has a team name!
The Texas Legends begin play this November at their home in the Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco, Texas. Team owners, Donnie Nelson and Evan Wyly, revealed their team name during a “Birthday Party” press conference just prior to the Harlem Globetrotters game on Saturday evening.
“Texas Legends is a tribute to the men and women who helped make our great state what it is today!” Nelson commented. “From early pioneers of freedom to modern day heroes, we celebrate those who’ve sacrificed greatly and achieved the honorable.”
The team is “Legendary” even prior to drafting players. Nelson and Wyly made history by hiring Nancy Lieberman as the Texas Legends’ head coach. Lieberman is the first female head coach in NBA and NBA D-League history. In addition to Lieberman, 1986 Slam Dunk Champion, “Spud” Webb is the team’s President of Basketball Operations, and NBA coaching legend Del Harris is the team’s General Manager.
“Our team name, Texas Legends, is a great fit because the NBA Development League is where future NBA legends are born!” Wyly added.
Thousands of name submissions came from the Metroplex, all corners of the United States, and even as far away as Europe, China, and Australia. Fans sent in name choices which were then narrowed down to 40, and then a final three candidates.
“We’ve got a Legendary staff, and we will have a Legendary franchise,” Webb commented. “Anytime a new franchise announces its team name it is a historic day, but to have such a unique name makes it even more exciting. We’ve gotten off to a great start the past few months, and now with a team name it’s going to be a slam dunk.”
The Texas Legends is the 17th team in the NBA D-League franchise.
“The Texas Legends will be a franchise that is a tremendous opportunity for any player.” Harris concluded. “This is the purpose of the NBA Development League – developing players both on and off the court – and preparing them for an NBA opportunity. As a Texas Legend, you get the opportunity to become an NBA legend.”
