Columbus, Ohio — The Columbus Wizards are making a strategic leap in their basketball journey. After two seasons in the American Basketball Association (ABA), the Wizards announced Tuesday that they will join The Basketball League (TBL) for the 2026 season. The move represents a key milestone not just for the franchise, but for the city of Columbus, which continues to expand its footprint in the national sports landscape. The official announcement came during a midday press conference at Otterbein University’s Rike Center, a venue that will also serve as the team’s home floor beginning next year. Located in Westerville, the Rike Center seats approximately 3,100 and is set to host 12 regular-season home games as part of TBL’s February–May calendar. For team president Casey Gillespie, the decision to join TBL was the culmination of two years of planning and dialogue with league executives. He called the move “an evolution” of the Wizards’ mission.
“This is a huge moment for our team and for basketball fans in Columbus,” Gillespie said. “We’re proud to become part of the TBL family and excited about what this means for our players, our community, and the next chapter of this franchise.”
Founded in 2017, The Basketball League has expanded to 32 active teams with more on the way. The league operates as a professional minor league platform—a tier below the NBA G League but increasingly recognized for its developmental opportunities. Its focus on community engagement and player advancement has drawn attention from both international scouts and domestic talent evaluators. Gillespie emphasized that joining TBL aligns with the Wizards’ vision of building a competitive and sustainable program centered around opportunity.
“The TBL does a phenomenal job of identifying and supporting talent that’s on the rise,” he said. “This allows us to strengthen our roster, upgrade our operations, and deliver a higher-level product on the court.”
The Wizards’ rise has been steady but deliberate. Since launching as an ABA expansion team, Columbus has built a regional following through grassroots marketing, high-energy home games, and a commitment to developing in-state talent. The jump to TBL is widely seen as a validation of those efforts and a signal of where the team wants to go. In addition to the league announcement, the team confirmed that open tryouts will be held in September, giving both local and national prospects a chance to compete for roster spots. A new head coach will be named later this summer, and the front office is expected to expand ahead of preseason camp. The franchise is also rolling out a rebranding campaign that includes an updated logo featuring a wizard summoning a basketball above the Columbus skyline. The design, Gillespie said, reflects the team’s identity as both performance-driven and deeply rooted in the community. The Wizards’ entry was highlighted on the TBL’s official website Tuesday afternoon and has since been reported by several Central Ohio media outlets, including ABC6/WSYX.
“We’ll be playing 12 at the Rike and 12 on the road,” Gillespie told ABC6. “We’re expecting a high level of play and are committed to showcasing talent from across Ohio and beyond.”
For Columbus, a city with a passionate college basketball scene and a growing appetite for pro sports, the Wizards offer a new homegrown brand. They also fill a unique lane in the market—bridging the gap between grassroots hoops and the global pro game. TBL Commissioner David Magley, a former NBA player and high school coach, has often described the league’s mission as being “about more than basketball.” Under his leadership, the league has emphasized mentorship, financial literacy, and community integration as pillars of each franchise’s responsibility. As for what fans can expect in 2026, Gillespie said the goal is clear: field a competitive, exciting product while helping players reach the next level.
“We know what Columbus can be when it rallies behind a team,” he said. “We’ve felt that energy in the ABA. Now we’re ready to bring it into the national conversation.”
