National Basketball Association

Magic want to bring NBA Development League team to Florida

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:44 p.m. ET

foxsports

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- The Orlando Magic are looking to bring an NBA Development League team to Florida.

The Magic said Thursday they're targeting two facilities in Orlando, plus others in Daytona Beach, Estero, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Kissimmee and Lakeland as potential homes.

The team is looking for a direct one-to-one affiliate, with the 2017-18 season as the proposed start target. The Magic control the basketball operations of the NBDL's Erie Bayhawks, but not the off-the-court business.

The Magic are in the second year of a three-year deal with Erie.

Magic CEO Alex Martins says bringing a team to the Orlando area will help grow the franchise's brand and assist with player development.

The NBDL has 19 franchises and will grow to 22 next season, with more expansion planned in the coming years.