Helena Frye
The NBA G League, previously known as the NBA D-League, is a professional basketball league in North America. It serves as a developmental league for the NBA and currently comprises 31 teams. The league offers an avenue for players who are not yet eligible for the NBA draft to gain experience and develop their skills. To join the G League, players can participate in local tryouts, showcase their talents, and undergo an evaluation process to be assigned to a team. The league has a minimum age requirement of 19 years old and provides an alternative path to the NBA for players who do not wish to attend college. With a dynamic structure, the G League has evolved from its initial eight teams, fostering a competitive environment that fuels the passion for basketball among athletes and fans alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| League Name | NBA G League (formerly the National Basketball Development League or NBDL, then the NBA Development League or NBA D-League) |
| Founding | 2001 |
| Number of Teams | 31 |
| Affiliation | Each team is affiliated with one or more NBA teams except for the independent Mexico City Capitanes |
| Player Age | Players must be at least 19 years old by the end of the calendar year |
| Contracts | Select contracts are offered to players who are not yet eligible for the NBA draft |
| Salary | Players earn up to $125,000 per season |
| Team Size | Teams have a maximum of 8 players |
| Player Skill Level | Varied skill levels, with a mix of rec league players and higher-level athletes |
| Team Formation | Teams are divided equally based on talent and experience to ensure a balanced playing field |
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What You'll Learn
Player eligibility requirements
To be eligible to play in the NBA G League, players must be at least 18 years old. The NBA, on the other hand, requires players to be at least 19 years old and a year out of high school to sign a contract or be eligible for the draft.
The G League offers select contracts to players who are not yet eligible to enter the NBA draft. These contracts are an alternative for players who do not want to or cannot attend college, with players earning up to $125,000 per season.
Players who are already in college and want to enter the NBA draft must be at least 22 years old. This rule applies to international players who want to join college basketball programs in the US.
College basketball players who want to enter the NBA draft must declare their eligibility. This means that they must have graduated from a four-year college or university in the US and have no remaining intercollegiate basketball eligibility.
It is important to note that the eligibility requirements for the NBA draft have changed several times throughout its history. For example, in the early days of the NBA, there was no requirement for players to have played in college. However, a rule was eventually established that players had to wait eight years after high school graduation before becoming eligible for the draft. This rule was challenged by players like Spencer Haywood, who left college after his freshman year to join the rival league, the American Basketball Association (ABA).
To summarise, the player eligibility requirements for the G League and the NBA draft differ, with the G League being more accessible to younger players who are not yet ready for the NBA.
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Team affiliations
The NBA G League, formerly the NBA Development League or NBA D-League, is the NBA's official minor league. There are two types of affiliations: one-to-one affiliation and hybrid affiliation. In a one-to-one affiliation, the NBA team fully owns and operates its NBA G League team. This began in 2006 when the Los Angeles Lakers bought the Los Angeles D-Fenders, renamed the South Bay Lakers in 2017. This was followed by the San Antonio Spurs purchasing the Austin Toros (now the Austin Spurs) in 2007, and the Oklahoma City Thunder purchasing the Tulsa 66ers (now the Oklahoma City Blue) in 2008.
The hybrid model of affiliation is a single-affiliation partnership in which the G League team remains independently owned while the affiliate NBA team runs and finances basketball operations. In 2009, the Houston Rockets entered the first single-affiliation partnership with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. This began a trend of NBA and D-League teams entering into single-affiliation agreements. Other examples include the Cleveland Cavaliers purchasing the New Mexico Thunderbirds to become the Canton Charge, and the Golden State Warriors purchasing the Dakota Wizards, with the Warriors moving the Wizards a year later to become the Santa Cruz Warriors.
In the 2006-07 season, 19 NBA teams assigned 24 players to D-League rosters, and 14 NBA teams called up 16 players. During the 2007-08 season, each of the 14 D-League teams was affiliated with one to three NBA teams, and the NBA teams could assign players in their first two seasons to play in the D-League. Since the 2024-25 season, all 30 NBA teams have an owned or operated NBA G League affiliate.
NBA G League players generally do not sign contracts with individual teams but with the league itself. G League team rosters consist of a total of 12 players, 10 (or fewer) being G League players and two (or more) NBA players. There are nine different paths a player can take to the NBA G League. Firstly, NBA teams can assign players to their NBA G League affiliate and recall them at any time. Secondly, NBA teams can sign players with four years of service or fewer to two-way contracts, allowing them to retain their rights while the player spends the bulk of the season in the NBA G League. Thirdly, NBA teams can draft players and sign them to NBA G League contracts, thus retaining their rights through the "Draft Rights Player" rule. Finally, NBA teams can designate up to four players that they cut during training camp as "affiliate players," meaning those players will join that team's NBA G League affiliate (should the players choose to sign into the NBA G League).
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Contracts and salaries
G League players sign standard one-year contracts with the league, not individual teams, according to three different salary scales. The standard salary for a G League player in the 2022-2023 season was $40,500, which is approximately $8,000 per month or $800 per game. The lowest salary a G League player can earn is $7,400 per month or $37,000 for a five-month season. This is also the median salary and the salary that most players in the league receive.
There are different categories of players in the G League, with different types of contracts. Previously, there were three salary classifications, with A players earning $25,000, B players earning $19,000, and C players earning $13,000. Players on two-way contracts have the opportunity to earn more than the standard salary, with earnings ranging from $125,000 to $500,000. These contracts are signed with an NBA team in addition to the G League team, and players are paid a flat amount equivalent to half the minimum of an NBA rookie contract.
In addition to salaries, G League players also enjoy benefits such as housing and insurance coverage, which are provided by the league. These benefits add significant value to the overall compensation package, making the G League an appealing option for aspiring athletes. Players also receive a small per diem to cover daily expenses, while bigger expenses such as housing are paid for by the NBA.
The potential earnings for G League players can vary based on their contracts, performance, and affiliation with NBA teams. Players who go to the NBA from the G League are paid a prorated salary of the league up to a minimum of 100 days. Additionally, NBA teams can sign free agents to 10-day contracts, with a player able to be signed to a maximum of two consecutive 10-day contracts before the team must either sign them for the remainder of the season or release them.
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Tryouts and evaluations
Tryouts:
- Find Tryout Opportunities: Keep an eye out for local tryouts conducted by D-League teams. The official NBA G-League website often lists "Local Tryouts" under their "Key Dates" section. You can also follow specific teams on their websites and social media channels to stay updated on their tryout camps and dates.
- Register and Prepare: Once you've identified the tryouts you want to attend, register for them. This may involve filling out forms, paying fees, and submitting any required documentation. Use the time leading up to the tryout to work on your skills, fitness, and basketball IQ.
- Attend the Tryout: On the day of the tryout, arrive early and be well-rested and hydrated. Bring all the necessary equipment, including your basketball gear and any additional items requested. During the tryout, showcase your skills, work ethic, and ability to follow instructions.
Evaluations:
- Understanding the Process: After tryouts, teams will evaluate players based on their performance and potential. This evaluation process aims to identify players who fit the team's needs and have the skills and attitude to contribute to the program.
- Demonstrate Your Value: During evaluations, coaches and scouts will assess your basketball skills, athleticism, and understanding of the game. They will also consider your coachability, work ethic, and how well you work with others. Ensure you give your best effort and showcase your unique strengths.
- Feedback and Selection: Following the evaluations, coaches will provide feedback and make selections for their teams. They may offer specific advice for improvement or invite you to join the team. If you are not selected, don't be discouraged. Seek feedback and work on your development plan to improve for the next opportunity.
Remember, the tryout and evaluation process can be competitive, but it's important to stay focused, confident, and respectful throughout. Show your passion for the game, and don't be afraid to highlight your unique skills and strengths. Good luck on your journey towards joining a D-League basketball team!
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League structure and history
The NBA G League, or simply the G League, is a professional basketball league in North America that serves as the developmental league of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The league was founded in 2001 as the National Basketball Development League (NBDL), comprising eight teams located in the Southeastern United States. In 2005, it was renamed the NBA Development League (NBA D-League) as part of a new collective bargaining agreement with the NBA, with the goal of appealing to more fans by showcasing its connection to the NBA.
The D-League expanded after 2005, with a plan to develop it into a true minor-league farm system. By 2014, one-third of NBA players had spent time in the league, a significant increase from 23% in 2011. The league continued to grow, and in 2017, it received its current name, the NBA G League, through a sponsorship deal with Gatorade, becoming the first U.S. professional sports league named for an advertiser.
As of the 2024-25 season, the G League consists of 31 teams, with 30 of them being single-affiliated or owned by an NBA team. The Mexico City Capitanes are the only independent team. The league has various ownership models, with some NBA clubs directly owning G League teams and others having single-affiliate partnerships where the G League team remains independently owned while the NBA team manages basketball operations.
The G League has offered select contracts to players not yet eligible for the NBA draft since the 2019-20 season. These contracts provide an alternative for players who do not wish to attend college, allowing them to earn up to $125,000 per season. The league has also adapted to challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, by postponing seasons and playing games in isolation bubbles.
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Frequently asked questions
The D-League, short for the NBA Development League, is a professional basketball league in North America that serves as the developmental league of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
To join the D-League, you must be at least 19 years old by the end of the calendar year. The league comprises 31 teams, and each player will go through an evaluation process before being assigned to a team.
The D-League offers an opportunity for players to develop their skills and gain experience playing in a competitive basketball league. It also provides a pathway to the NBA, with one-third of NBA players having spent time in the D-League as of 2014.
Yes, since 2019, the G League has offered select contracts to players who are not yet eligible for the NBA draft. These contracts are an alternative for players who do not want to or cannot attend college, with players earning up to $125,000 per season.
