North Dakota is set to ignite its professional sports scene with the exciting arrival of The Roar, the state’s pioneering tribally-owned professional basketball team. Making its home at the 4 Bears Casino and Lodge, this new franchise signals a significant revitalization of high-level athletic entertainment and deep community engagement across the region, promising a unique blend of competitive play and local integration.
While some might hail The Roar as North Dakota’s ‘first’ professional basketball endeavor, the state actually boasts a rich, albeit fragmented, history of hosting pro teams, including the Dakota Wizards and Fargo-Moorhead Beez. However, The Roar distinguishes itself not only by marking the return of professional basketball after more than a decade but, more importantly, as the first tribally owned sports franchise in North Dakota, representing a pivotal cultural and economic milestone.
The Roar will compete within The Basketball League (TBL), a rapidly expanding organization founded in 2017. Initially known as the North American Premier Basketball League, the TBL has grown from a modest eight teams in its inaugural 2018 season to over 40 teams across North America, showcasing more than 600 players and solidifying its reputation as a viable pathway for emerging basketball talent.
The journey to bring professional basketball back to North Dakota has been a dedicated two-year effort. League commissioner Dave Magley revealed that the initiative stemmed from an inbound inquiry from Ward Hilger, a testament to the local drive and interest. The commitment shown by the 4 Bears Casino and Lodge, including their deep dive into the TBL’s successful operational model, ultimately paved the way for this exciting new venture, highlighting a strategic expansion into surrounding markets like Montana and Wyoming.
A core tenet of The Roar’s mission is a profound commitment to community involvement, a distinguishing feature for this tribally owned sports entity. Beyond providing accessible and affordable professional basketball entertainment, the team aims to offer players a high-level competitive environment while instilling the crucial values of community stewardship. This dedication extends to various outreach programs, including youth clinics and local tryouts, fostering a direct connection with the North Dakota community.
Under the guidance of General Manager Derrick Hammonds, The Roar is actively assembling a roster of elite talent. The team plans to recruit 12-15 players, drawing from a pool of former NBA draft picks, G-League veterans, and standout college athletes. Hammonds’ extensive search for a head coach and players underscores the franchise’s dedication to high-caliber performance and its role in developing future professional basketball stars.
The 4 Bears Casino and Lodge is poised to transform into a vibrant hub for professional basketball. With plans for 10-15 home games during the inaugural season, the facility is undergoing enhancements, including constructing a new hotel for players. Having previously hosted various basketball events, the lodge is now set to become a permanent training and competition center, providing an ideal venue for the team’s operations and fan experience.
Ultimately, The Roar promises more than just basketball games; it’s about delivering a family-oriented and high-energy entertainment package. CEO Patrick Packineau emphasizes that fans will experience top-tier athletic performances coupled with an atmosphere that reflects the team’s commitment to positive community engagement. This blend of elite play and local values ensures that every game is not just a spectacle but a valuable experience for attendees.
