Grand Rapids Gold Named Best G-League Franchise By NBA Commissioner

The Van Andel Arena plays host to a variety of events, but its most consistent appearances come from its sports teams: the longtime Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team, the Grand Rapids Rise women's volleyball team, and the Grand Rapids Gold men's basketball team, a G League affiliate of the Denver Nuggets.

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The Gold has been a hit for the city for over a decade, consistently providing excellent mid-game entertainment and fun theme nights like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Paw Patrol. Buckets, the Gold's mascot, has become a local celebrity, even making an on-stage appearance at the new Acrisure Amphitheater.

Grand Rapids Gold via Facebook

Now in year 12 of playing basketball in Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Gold had its best year yet, despite an 11-25 record. The franchise's success was recently recognized by the NBA Commissioner with the incredible honor of Franchise of the Year and Team Executive of the Year for the third year in a row.

READ MORE: How Van Andel Arena Transforms for Every Event

The Grand Rapids Gold's Best Year Yet

Now in year 12 of playing basketball in Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Gold had its best year yet, despite an 11-25 record. In an announcement video posted on the Gold's Facebook page, the team finished the year with the most gate receipts, ranked second in total attendance, and set a franchise record for partnership sales. It is the team's first time getting the award.

Much of the credit goes to Steve Jbara, the Team Executive, who was recently named Team Executive of the Year for the third year in a row by the G-League's team presidents, an incredible feat to be voted the winner multiple times. Last year, the Gold won the Promotion of the Year award for their "Elf" themed jerseys.

The Gold isn't slowing down anytime soon. If you've never had a chance to see a game and try catching one of their Tees-for-Three shirts, the next season will start in November. Games are also broadcast on NBAGLeague.com.