In a move that was confirmed by the league on Thursday, the NBA has decided to shut down the G League Ignite team after this season, according to sources briefed on the matter. Launched in 2020, the Ignite served as a development squad for elite draft prospects and veterans, offering them a unique opportunity to be compensated for their skills before entering the NBA draft.

The decision to discontinue the Ignite comes as a result of significant changes in the basketball landscape. With the advent of name, image, and likeness (NIL) regulations and the introduction of the transfer portal in college basketball, pre-draft eligible players now have multiple avenues to earn money and gain NCAA experience while playing in college.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the future of the Ignite team during All-Star Weekend, stating that the league was reassessing its role. He acknowledged the evolving marketplace and expressed his focus on earlier development opportunities for players.

The Ignite team had notable success during its four-year run, with its first two signings, Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga, going on to become the No. 2 and No. 7 picks in the 2021 NBA Draft, respectively. Scoot Henderson, another standout player from Ignite, was selected as the No. 3 overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the previous year's draft. Salaries for elite prospects on the Ignite team were said to have reached as high as $1 million per season.

Since its establishment in 2020, the Ignite team has produced over 10 draft selections, including four top-10 picks. G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim played a crucial role in overseeing the roster and coaching staff of the Ignite team, recruiting respected former NBA players and coaches, Brian Shaw and Jason Hart, as head coaches.

This season, however, the Ignite team has struggled, accumulating a record of 6-40. Despite their team's struggles, prospects Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland are projected to be lottery picks in the upcoming June draft.

The final game for the Ignite team is scheduled for March 28, marking the end of their four-year journey. Abdur-Rahim expressed pride in the contributions the team made to the basketball ecosystem, emphasizing the changing environment in youth and collegiate basketball as the reason for taking this step. He thanked the management, coaching staff, and players who donned the Ignite jersey, while reaffirming the G League's commitment to developing top NBA talent and helping players achieve their dreams.

As the G League Ignite team comes to a close, the basketball landscape continues to evolve, creating new opportunities for pre-draft eligible players. With the NBA turning its focus towards early development initiatives, the future of player development in the league remains an area of keen interest.