Orlando Magic & Erie BayHawks Announce Single NBA D-League Hybrid Affiliation

Earlier Monday, the NBA D-League revealed its latest single hybrid affiliation, as the Orlando Magic and Erie BayHawks joined forces for the coming season. In such a relationship, the Magic will control basketball operations, while the local ownership will still maintain control over the business side of things.

For more, continue reading below for statements from each side on the new partnership.

"We are looking forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with the BayHawks," said Orlando Magic Chief Executive Officer Alex Martins. "We feel this hybrid relationship will further assist our efforts in regards to developing NBA talent, while providing Erie with a team they can be proud of. I would like to thank Steve Demetriou. His vision and values fit very well with ours and we are excited about this exclusive affiliation."

The BayHawks, which just finished its sixth NBA D-League season in Erie, have previously been affiliated with the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors and have produced four NBA D-League All-Stars and developed 11 players who earned GATORADE Call-Ups to the NBA. Additionally, the BayHawks have welcomed 15 NBA players on assignment, including Jeremy Lin of the Houston Rockets and Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs.

"We're thrilled to have the Orlando Magic as our new NBA affiliate," said Erie BayHawks majority owner Steve Demetriou. "I've enjoyed getting to know Alex Martins and other members of the Magic management team, and we are extremely excited to join forces with this first class organization. The Magic are aligned with our goals of providing an outstanding product on and off the court that our fans, corporate partners and the Erie community can continue to be proud of."

Earlier this season, BayHawks President Matt Bresee spoke with RidiculousUpside.com about his team's future plans and subsequent hopes for finding a new ideal partner. It would appear as though the organization believes the Magic fit the bill.