North Dakota is abuzz with the triumphant return of professional basketball to the state, marked by the unveiling of its newest tribally owned team, The Roar. This groundbreaking franchise, based at the illustrious 4 Bears Casino and Lodge, signifies a pivotal moment for North Dakota sports, rekindling a legacy dormant for over a decade. The establishment of The Roar by the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation represents not just a new team, but a vibrant resurgence of high-level sports entertainment in the region.
The state’s rich, though often understated, history with professional hoops dates back to the early 1990s, boasting teams like the Fargo-Moorhead Beez and the Minot SkyRockets. Most notably, the Dakota Wizards captivated fans from Bismarck between 1995 and 2012, eventually reaching the NBA Development League before their relocation. The Roar fills a void left by their departure, signaling the return of organized, competitive basketball to the courts of North Dakota.
What truly sets The Roar apart is its unique ownership structure. This venture marks only the fourth instance of a professional sports team in the United States being wholly owned by a Native American tribe. This pioneering effort by the 4 Bears Casino and Lodge underscores a commitment to both economic development and community engagement, establishing a new paradigm for indigenous involvement in professional sports.
The team will compete in The Basketball League (TBL), a rapidly expanding professional circuit founded in 2017. Initially known as the North American Premier Basketball League, the TBL rebranded in 2018 with just eight teams and has since exploded to include over 40 franchises across North America, providing a platform for more than 600 athletes. The league’s philosophy centers on delivering high-quality, affordable basketball to communities while fostering player growth and community involvement.
The journey to bring professional basketball back to North Dakota has been a two-year endeavor, characterized by persistent effort and strategic collaboration. Initial aspirations to launch for the previous season were met with logistical hurdles, yet the TBL’s enduring interest in the market, driven by surrounding successful sports markets in Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota, ultimately paved the way for this historic agreement with 4 Bears Casino.
The 4 Bears Casino and Lodge is poised to become a central hub for The Roar, hosting 10-15 home games during the inaugural season. The facility is undergoing enhancements, including the construction of a new hotel specifically for players, transforming it into a comprehensive training and residential complex for the team. While the venue has previously hosted various basketball events, this marks the first time it will serve as the permanent home for a professional franchise, solidifying its place in North Dakota sports.
As articulated by Director of Basketball Operations Ward Hilger, the partnership extends beyond just basketball; it embodies a broader vision for showcasing talent and enriching the local culture, from powwows to rodeos. The TBL’s model, with its March to June season, complements traditional basketball calendars, offering a distinct and accessible entertainment option for fans. This focus on community and accessibility is a cornerstone of The Roar’s mission.
The excitement surrounding The Roar’s launch is palpable, not just for the economic stimulus it brings to the 4 Bears Casino and the New Town community, but for the renewed sense of pride and entertainment it offers to the entire state. This return of professional basketball is more than just games; it’s a commitment to fostering local talent, providing affordable family entertainment, and reinforcing North Dakota’s identity as a burgeoning sports destination.
