OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) The Milwaukee Bucks will start an NBA Development League franchise that will play in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, beginning in the 2017-18 season.
The Bucks will become the 20th NBA club to own and operate a D-League franchise as the minor league grows to a record 25 teams next season.
Co-owner Wes Edens says the Bucks are demonstrating the team's commitment to building stronger ties to fans throughout Wisconsin.
Construction on a new Bucks arena is expected to be completed for the 2018-19 season. Public financing will cover $250 million of the roughly $524 million cost for the new building.
Oshkosh is about 85 miles northwest of downtown Milwaukee. The Oshkosh City Council has approved plans for a new 3,500-seat arena to be built near Lake Winnebago.
The city views the project as a new way to spur economic development, much like how the Bucks hope its new arena will help Milwaukee.
''I believe that Oshkosh's Central City is on the verge of a renaissance,'' Mayor Steve Cummings said.
A team in Oshkosh will make it easier for the Bucks to shuttle young players to the minors for seasoning. The Bucks in the past have sent players to D-League teams including those in Westchester County, New York, and Fort Wayne Indiana.
As part of the deal, Fox Valley Pro Basketball will construct the new arena.
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