Sioux Falls Skyforce

The Sioux Falls Skyforce have called South Dakota home since their founding in 1989, making them the oldest continuously operating minor league basketball franchise in the United States. Originally a staple of the Continental Basketball Association, the team transitioned to the NBA G League in 2001 and has since become the primary development affiliate for the Miami Heat. This partnership allows the organization to serve as a critical pipeline for talent, blending local community engagement with professional player development.

For over two decades, the team played at the Sioux Falls Arena before relocating to the Sanford Pentagon in 2013. That move transformed the fan experience by creating an intimate setting where games frequently sell out despite the venue's smaller capacity compared to traditional arenas. The atmosphere inside the Pentagon is electric, driven by a dedicated group of supporters known as FORCE NATION who bring consistent energy to every contest.

Championship success runs deep in the franchise history. During their CBA years, they captured titles in 1996 against the Fort Wayne Fury and in 2005 versus the Rockford Lightning. Since joining the G League, the Skyforce added to their trophy case with victories in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, and most recently in 2023. Their 2015-16 season remains particularly notable, featuring a dominant 40-10 record that propelled them to the title. [edit]

The franchise began play in 1989 within the Continental Basketball Association, establishing itself as a regional powerhouse long before the modern G League era. They spent nearly a decade under different names before adopting the Skyforce moniker in 1990. The team found immediate success in the new identity, reaching four championship finals during their time in the CBA. Two of those appearances resulted in titles, with a decisive victory over the Fort Wayne Fury in 1996 and a sweep of the Rockford Lightning in 2005.

When the CBA folded in 2001, the Skyforce joined the newly formed NBA Development League, now known as the NBA G League. The move marked a new chapter focused on direct player development for NBA teams. Their affiliation with the Miami Heat solidified their role as a key stop for emerging talent, including future stars like Jimmy Butler and Tyler Hansbrough who honed their skills on the court in Sioux Falls.

The 2013 relocation to the Sanford Pentagon changed the physical landscape of the team. Unlike large convention centers or sports complexes, the Pentagon is a multi-purpose facility integrated into the city's infrastructure. This shift allowed the Skyforce to cultivate a unique culture where fans feel closer to the action. The venue became a regular host for events like Scheels Fan Fest, which kicks off the season and draws thousands of attendees for autograph sessions and drills.

Recent seasons have seen the organization maintain its competitive edge. The 2025-26 campaign featured intense playoff pushes where the home crowd played a vital role in securing postseason berths. By late February 2026, the team was preparing for matchups against rivals like the Maine Celtics and Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Leadership changes in September 2026 brought Mario Casamajor as head coach and Liam Doyle as general manager, aligning the team's strategy directly with Miami's philosophy. [edit]