Capitanes Becomes First NBA G League Team Outside North America

Mexico City basketball club Capitanes has become the first NBA G League franchise outside of North America.

The NBA G League’s 29th team was announced on Thursday. It will begin playing in the G League at the start of the 2020 – 2021 season.

The team will play its home games at the Gimnasio Juan de la Barrera in Mexico City. 

“Bringing an NBA G League team to Mexico City is a historic milestone for the NBA which demonstrates our commitment to basketball fans in Mexico and across Latin America,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. 

“As the first G League franchise based outside of the U.S. and Canada, we look forward to welcoming Capitanes to the NBA family.”

Want $250 to bet on the NBA?

NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim says that this move will help to grow the NBA in Latin America.

“The NBA G League has long been focused on growing the game in Latin America and internationally. Having a team in Mexico City is an important step in realizing that vision,” said Abdur-Rahim. 

“I’m proud to welcome Capitanes to the G League and look forward to watching the team play at Gimnasio Juan de la Barrera next season.”

Capitanes Co-Owner Gilberto Hernández said that the team is “honored” to join the NBA family. 

“Capitanes is honored to be the NBA G League’s 29th team and first from Mexico,” said Hernández. 

Read: Kawhi Leonard Returns To Toronto Triumphantly

“This is a landmark moment not only for our organization, but for the game of basketball and our passionate fans in Mexico. We are thrilled to be a part of the NBA family and can’t wait to begin competing in the G League next season.” 

Capitanes will compete in the G League for an initial term of five years.