The Atlanta Hawks Finalize G League Affiliate Name, The College Park Skyhawks.

The Atlanta Hawks joined the NBA G League this season by having their affiliate in Pennsylvania with the Erie BayHawks. The Hawks intention was to play one season in Erie then move the team to College Park, GA for the 2019-20 season. With this season nearing it’s end and next season is not far away, Atlanta announced the name of their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.

Like the newest team in the G League, the Capital City Go-Go, the Skyhawks name has meaning and history in Georgia. A former Atlanta Hawks mascot, which was last spotted during the 2012-13 season, was named SkyHawk. The details of the team’s uniform and logo will be announced at a later date, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

In a press release, Hawks CEO Steve Koonin voiced his excitement in bringing the Skyhawks to College Park.

“We are excited to introduce the Skyhawks to College Park and bring the future stars of the Atlanta Hawks and our one-of-a-kind entertainment to the Gateway Center,” Hawks CEO Steve Koonin said. “With its proximity, resources and most importantly its enthusiasm, we could not find a better home for the Skyhawks than the city of College Park.”

The Skyhawks will play their home games at Gateway Center, which is located about 20 minutes southeast of Atlanta. The Gateway Center will have 3,500 seats available for G League games, while the arena can hold 5,000 people for concerts and convocations.

The Atlanta Hawks became the 24th NBA franchise to have a G League team and the 25th NBA team to own their own affiliate. There are 27 teams in the G League this season and the New Orleans Pelicans will be the next team to join the league. The Pelicans will be an expansion team next season and will take over the BayHawks.