News
November 20, 2024New Professional Basketball Team to Call Schenectady Home
Discover Schenectady is thrilled to announce that Schenectady County has been selected as the new home for The Basketball League’s (TBL) New York Phoenix. Starting in early March 2025, the Phoenix will play all 12 regular-season home games, along with any post-season games, at Armory Studios NY in downtown Schenectady.
The New York Phoenix, owned by Phoenix Sports Management, brings together a winning and experienced leadership team with deep TBL roots including former co-owners of the Albany Patroons who led the team to back-to-back Eastern Conference Championships in 2023 and 2024. CEO Rebecca Clifford, the Capital Region’s only pro sports team woman owner, is joined by Chief Strategy Officer Sam Clifford and Gameday Operations lead Paul Marquardt. The team will be led on the court by Head Coach and General Manager Trevis Wyche, a TBL All-Star and former Patroons point guard, who guided his team to a National Championship.
“We named the team the ‘Phoenix’ to symbolize the rebirth of Schenectady and the return of professional sports to our new home town,” said New York Phoenix CEO Rebecca Clifford. “We’re excited to bring a strong winning basketball legacy to Schenectady County and provide high-quality, family-friendly entertainment.”
“Schenectady County is becoming a vibrant hub for sports tourism, with new facilities and events that bring people together and drive local economic growth,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “From the Mohawk Harbor Events Center to the aquatics center at SUNY Schenectady and the Glenville Cricket Complex, we’re creating more opportunities for both residents and visitors to enjoy top-tier sports. These investments are making Schenectady County a destination for sports fans and families alike, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”
“I’m excited to welcome the New York Phoenix to Schenectady,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “This new professional basketball team will bring great energy and excitement to our community, and it’s wonderful to see Armory Studios NY continuing to host such engaging and family-friendly events. It’s a great opportunity for local fans and another positive addition to our vibrant downtown”
The New York Phoenix player roster will be announced soon, and full game schedule will be unveiled in December. Tickets and additional information will be available at nyphoenixbasketball.com. Ticket sales will begin on November 29th. You can follow the team on Facebook here and Instagram here.
“We are so excited to host a professional basketball team at our amazing Armory in the heart of downtown,” said Mayor Gary McCarthy. “This provides another reason to work, play and stay in Schenectady joining Proctors, Rivers Casino, the new Mohawk Harbor Events Center and many other attractions.”
All home games will take place in Armory Studios NY’s impressive “Studio A,” a 30,000-square-foot, environmentally controlled space with a 50-foot-high trussed ceiling and expansive 150-by-180-foot floor space. Upgrades include a new basketball court, bleacher seating for 1,500–2,200 spectators, and over 125 courtside seats, providing an immersive fan experience.
These enhancements will allow Armory Studios NY to host a wide range of sports activities including basketball tournaments, volleyball, pickleball and soccer on turf that can be installed over the basketball courts. Due to the impressive size of the 90,000 square -foot building, Armory Studios NY will continue to host film and television productions as well as large exhibitions such as Van Gogh and others.
“The New York Phoenix is the latest step in our growth, expanding the variety of events we can offer and what we’re able to bring to downtown Schenectady,” said Ray Legere, Co-Owner of Armory Studios NY. “We’re proud to be partnering with The Basketball League and Discover Schenectady to host this exciting new team in our uniquely capable venue.”
Free parking, including ADA-accessible parking, will be available for all Phoenix games.
The arrival of the New York Phoenix marks a new chapter in Schenectady’s rich sports history, dating back to the 19th century with pro baseball teams like the Dorpians and Electricians; the Mohawk Giants, a Negro League baseball team; and the Schenectady Blue Jays. The Schenectady Frog Alleys baseball team played at Island Park, in what is now a SUNY Schenectady parking lot and just steps away from Armory Studios NY. Since its establishment in 1936, the former Schenectady Armory has hosted a range of sporting events and, under the ownership of Ray and Jeff Legere since 2012, it continues to bring dynamic sports and entertainment to the community.
“The New York Phoenix pro basketball team is another big step in our efforts to build sports tourism in Schenectady County and grow the local economy,” said Todd Garofano, Executive Director of Discover Schenectady. “It’s a win for the county and these games, along with meetings, conventions, film productions and other special events, will drive even more economic activity to our hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses.”
