National Basketball Association

Atlanta Hawks planning new D-League franchise in 2019-20

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

ATLANTA (AP) With two stadiums already under construction and plans for a major arena renovation, the Atlanta metro area is getting yet another new sports facility.

The Hawks announced Thursday they are bringing an NBA Development League team to College Park, an inner suburb that is home to Atlanta's massive airport.

The D-League team will play at a 3,500-seat arena to be built adjacent to the Georgia International Convention Center. The cost of the project and how it will be funded were not revealed, but the Hawks said they will be tenants in a city-owned facility.

The new team will begin play in the 2019-20 season. The Hawks said landing a D-League franchise was vital to player development, especially since it will be located only 8 miles from Philips Arena.