The NBA G League Ignite program, which offered top high school prospects a professional path to the NBA draft, will be discontinuing operations after the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season.
This surprising move comes as the landscape of youth and amateur basketball continues to shift.
Background on the G League Ignite
The Ignite was established in 2020 as an alternative option for elite high school players who did not want to enroll in college but needed a year of development before entering the NBA draft.
With professional coaching, high-level competition, and salaries upwards of $500k, the Ignite aimed to prepare players for the pro game.
Over its first three years, the Ignite program has made a sizable impact, with 10 Ignite players having already been drafted to NBA teams.
This includes top picks like Jalen Green (No. 2 in 2021) and Scoot Henderson (No. 3 in 2023).
Why Is the Ignite Being Discontinued?
According to the league’s official statement, the Ignite is being shut down primarily due to recent changes in regulations around amateur basketball in the NCAA and high school levels.
Most notably, the NCAA‘s adoption of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies in 2021 now allows student-athletes to earn money from endorsements while retaining college eligibility.
This has led to a proliferation of NIL deals and partnerships in men’s college basketball, funded by collective groups and boosters.
With increased earning potential in the college game, the G League Ignite no longer offers the same financial incentive it once did. Elite prospects now have more options to get paid even if they attend university.
The Advent of High School Basketball Academies
Another factor is the emergence of prep basketball academies as a developmental stepping stone between high school and college.
Programs like Overtime Elite pay salaries upwards of $100k for top talent to train and study for a year before entering NCAA basketball.
Between earning potential in college and structured basketball programs before enrollment, the Ignite‘s value proposition has been squeezed from both directions. Hence, the NBA decided discontinuation was prudent.
Reflecting on the Ignite’s Impact
Over its four year life span, the NBA G League Ignite made a largely positive impact:
- Gave 10 players an alternative path to the NBA outside of NCAA basketball
- Four Ignite players have been selected as NBA lottery picks
- Provided access to professional infrastructure like coaches, facilities, sports medicine
- Offered financial compensation and endorsements at a developmental level
Former Ignite players have praised their experience in preparing them for NBA careers.
Milwaukee Bucks forward MarJon Beauchamp said of his Ignite tenure:
“Definitely just playing against NBA players and getting the feel of the terminology. And I feel like I learned a lot off the court too.”
Given the changing basketball ecosystem, discontinuing the Ignite does make strategic sense. But the program still served its purpose for many individuals who benefited from it over the past four years en route to the NBA.
What About Current Ignite Players?
As for players currently on Ignite contracts like Holland, Buzelis, and Tyler Smith?
They will finish out the 2023-2024 Ignite season before entering the 2024 draft.
These three are fringe lottery selections as of now, but have a full year left to improve stock. An Ignite squad playing its swan song campaign will hope to go out on a high note by showcasing their prospects effectively one last time.
Sources:
www.cbssports.com/nba/news/g-league-ignite-shutting-down-nba-cites-ncaas-nil-policy-as-reason-for-ending-developmental-team/
eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2024/03/22/nba-g-league-ignite-shutting-down-why/73065462007/
zkrainynba.com/nba-news-nba-rozwiazuje-druzyne-mlodych-talentow-eksperyment-w-g-league-nie-wypalil/
