Dow Event Center a possible location for home games
Midland Daily News, April 10, 2025 League President David Magley was joined by Team Market Owner Kelly Garety and Team President Joseph Garety, as well as Head Coach Isaiah "Zeke" Thomas.
Thomas, the namesake of former Detroit Pistons star Isiah "Zeke" Thomas, said he is proud to be a part of the inaugural team and looks forward to bringing great basketball to the Great Lakes Bay Region.
"I know it means a lot from a professional standpoint, but what it means for the kids and the community impact is huge," said Thomas. "(Saginaw) is a basketball town; we live, breathe, and bleed basketball. That's why we have so many great people from Saginaw on our staff.
"It also gives the community something to do. It's a positive image, and we want to bring as much positive energy to Saginaw as we can. What's better than going out for an evening for a basketball game?"
The team aims to do more than compete, pledging to represent the spirit of Saginaw and foster community growth and pride. Magley is excited for the community to experience the BSL for the first time this year.
"The expectation is that even people who aren't full basketball fans will enjoy the DJ's, the dancers,, mascots, and entertainers," Magley said. "So it's all what you expect pro basketball to be."
The BSL plays from November through April and will be hitting the court this year. When asked about where the team would play, Magley said while they are hoping to play at the Dow Event Center, the home arena of the Saginaw Spirit, nothing has been officially locked in and they are exploring colleges and other venues to compete in.
"We want to make sure we build a good relationship with the right venue," Magley said.
Saginaw is the ninth team to join the BSL. Magley, during the announcement event, said the eventual goal is for the league to have 24 teams and mirror the scope of the Ontario Hockey League. The season will consist of 16 to 20 home games and 16 away games.