Birmingham's G-League Basketball Team: The Squadron

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Birmingham's new G-League basketball team has a name. The Birmingham Squadron, an affiliate of the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans, will begin its inaugural season in November.

Mayor Randall Woodfin made the announcement Monday and said the team name is a good fit for Birmingham.

"Birmingham is so proud to be part of the NBA G-League," Woodfin said. "It’s the the perfect vibe for the passion and pride that powers our city."

The name was chosen for a variety of reasons, according to team officials. The forst and most obvious reason for thre name is that a group of pelicans is called a squadron, and the Birmingham team is an affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans. But team officials also point to Birmingham's history in aviation — namely the production of planes in the city during World War II.

The Squadron begins play in November, but will not begin home games in Birmingham until December when Legacy Arena at the BJCC is finished with its renovations. Season tickets for the Squadron are currently on sale.