The Return of Professional Basketball to Rochester
A new professional basketball team is headed to Rochester. The Rochester Kingz, coached by Anthony Flowers, will debut in The Basketball League (TBL) for the 2025 season.
The Basketball League aims to offer a world-class basketball experience to the community, fans, and business partners. According to the TBL website, ‘The Basketball League is dedicated to delivering a world-class professional basketball experience.’ The league promotes affordable entertainment and community engagement through youth camps, clinics, and nonprofit partnerships.
Alongside basketball, the TBL emphasizes educational opportunities for players, including financial literacy and health and wellness training. Owner Knowledge Allah noted, ‘The Basketball League is a very high-profile league where players are constantly called up to play in the NBA G League and the NBA.’
Rochester’s Basketball Legacy
Rochester has a rich history of professional basketball. The last team in the area, the Rochester RazorSharks, played in the American Basketball Association until 2007, transitioning to the Premier Basketball League afterward. Previously, the city had the NBA team, the Rochester Royals, founded in 1945, which won the 1951 NBA Championship before leaving due to financial struggles.
Upcoming Games and Community Involvement
The Rochester Kingz will temporarily host their home games at James Monroe High School before transitioning to Blue Cross Arena. The season kicks off with games in Newfoundland, Canada, from February 27 to March 1, followed by their first home games scheduled for March 7 and 8.
For further details, fans can visit the Rochester Kingz’s Instagram page for the latest updates.
—As a Rochester native, Justice Marbury strives to amplify voices from minority communities through her journalism, covering local businesses and concerns. Contact her via Instagram @justice_marbury or email jmarbury@gannett.com.
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