The Phoenix Suns have acquired the Bakersfield Jam and are relocating the team to Prescott Valley, Arizona.

The Suns become the 15th NBA team to own and operate its NBA D-League affiliate. 

The team will be known as the Northern Arizona Suns and will play a 24-game home schedule at the 5,100-seat Prescott Valley Event Center (PVEC) beginning with the 2016-17 season.

“We are thrilled to bring professional basketball to the Town of Prescott Valley,” said Suns President, Jason Rowley. “In addition to the basketball advantages of our D-League affiliate being close to home, today’s announcement creates endless opportunities to strengthen the connection with our fans in northern Arizona.” 

The Bakersfield Jam has served as the Suns’ single-affiliate NBA D-League team the past two seasons, with the NBA franchise running basketball operations during that time.