Nov. 10--The Bulls scheduled a 2 p.m. news conference Wednesday at the United Center with Hoffman Estates representatives after the village board approved the team's plan to start a Development League franchise there for the 2016-17 season.
Though the lease agreement isn't finalized, the team is expected to win approval for 24 home games to be played at Sears Centre from November to April. The pending lease agreement is for five years, with renewal options up to 15 additional years.
From a business standpoint, the franchise provides branding and community outreach opportunities. On the basketball side, the proximity of the franchise would allow for more harmonious use than with the Bulls' former Development League affiliate, the Iowa Energy.
For instance, promising young big men Bobby Portis and Cristiano Felicio could receive valuable game conditioning and action with brief Development League stints while returning to practice with the Bulls. Players rehabilitating from injury also could be sent to the unnamed affiliate for conditioning.
At the news conference, the Bulls are expected to announce a contest for fans to name the franchise. NBA-owned Development League teams are becoming more common, with the Brooklyn Nets recently becoming the 12th such franchise in the 19-team league.
