Motor City Cruise

The Motor City Cruise serves as the official development affiliate for the Detroit Pistons, bringing professional basketball to the heart of Michigan. The team plays its home games at the Wayne State Fieldhouse, an intimate venue on a university campus that allows fans to get close to the action and future stars. This setup creates a unique atmosphere where high-energy G League play meets local community engagement.

Before settling in Detroit, the franchise lived a nomadic life across three different cities. It started in 2003 as the Long Beach Jam in the ABA, joined the NBA Development League as the Bakersfield Jam in 2006, and became the Northern Arizona Suns after moving to Prescott Valley in 2016. The Pistons purchased the rights in 2021, ending the travel and establishing a permanent home for player development in the Motor City. [edit]

The franchise traces its roots back to 2003 when it launched as the Long Beach Jam, competing in the American Basketball Association before transitioning to the NBA D-League in 2006. After several successful seasons in California under the name Bakersfield Jam, the team relocated to Prescott Valley, Arizona, in 2016 to become the Northern Arizona Suns. The organization found its true home in 2021 when the Detroit Pistons acquired the franchise and moved operations to Michigan.

Since arriving in Detroit, the Cruise have focused on building a competitive roster while integrating deeply with the local community. Dr. China Jude leads business operations and drives initiatives like the Youth All-Star Draft and open tryouts that give aspiring players a chance to join the training camp. The team celebrated its fifth anniversary in Detroit during March 2026 after posting a 22–14 record in the previous season. [edit]