A new chapter in Fayetteville sports history is about to begin as the Fayetteville Liberty prepares to tip off its inaugural professional season. Fayetteville’s newest professional basketball team will make its official debut on March 6, 2026, when they face the Raleigh Firebirds at the Crown Coliseum. Expectations are high, not only for exciting basketball, but for the broader impact the Liberty aims to make on the community and local economy.
Fayetteville has a proud basketball past, having hosted various teams over the years. The city’s last professional franchise, the Fayetteville Patriots, played its final season in 2000. More than two decades later, professional basketball is returning, this time with a renewed vision rooted in service, community engagement, and long-term growth.
A Community-Centered Launch
Last month, the Fayetteville Liberty hosted a media day to formally introduce the organization to the community. The event brought together civic leaders, league executives, and supporters, including Mayor Mitch Colvin, North Carolina Senator Val Applewhite, The Basketball League (TBL) owners Evelyn and David Magley, and team leadership.
Each speaker shared reflections on what the Liberty represents for Fayetteville and what the city can expect in the upcoming season. The event also featured a jersey presentation honoring community partners, sponsors, and early supporters of the franchise.
During the team’s press day event last month on December 12, 2025, which also marked the one-year anniversary of its founding, the organization emphasized its commitment to community impact while highlighting its mission, vision, and plans to serve Fayetteville both on and off the court. The organization has already participated in school events, mentoring sessions, and local outreach initiatives.
A Purpose-Driven Organization
Natasha Smith, Director of Human Resources, outlined the broader mission behind the Liberty and its league. Beyond providing athletes with an opportunity to earn a living playing the game they love, the organization emphasizes life skills, education, financial literacy, nutrition, wellness, and professional development. The Liberty also aims to create meaningful partnerships with local nonprofits, youth programs, and entrepreneurs.
“The league is built on purpose. It’s built on service and on the belief that basketball can change lives – not just on the court, but far beyond it,” Smith shared.
Fayetteville Liberty basketball team in action; Courtesy of The Fayetteville Liberty
Founded on December 12, 2024, the Fayetteville Liberty draws inspiration from the region’s population of more than 350,000 residents, one of the largest concentrations of service members and military families in the nation. The organization’s foundation rests on values of service, sacrifice, resilience, and hope.
“The Liberty is not just a team it’s a community engine,” Smith said. “Our mission is to unite the city, inspire youth, restore belief, and create opportunities on and off the court.”
Why “Liberty”?
The team’s name carries deep significance. When Fort Bragg became Fort Liberty at the time, the organization aligned itself with the heartbeat of the region. The name honors more than 50,000 active-duty service members, 150,000 veterans, and over 260,000 military-connected family members who define the Fayetteville community.
“[It’s the] launch of a promise for Fayetteville – a promise to serve, to inspire, and to build something that outlives us all. Before we entertain, before we compete, we connect,” Smith said.
Voices of Faith, Leadership, and Vision
Pastor Kris Dillard of Marked Church described the Liberty as “a movement of hope,” emphasizing unity, purpose, and responsibility. He spoke blessings over the team, its leadership, and its mission, reminding players and staff that wearing the name Liberty represents freedom, vision, and possibility for everyone watching.
North Carolina Senator Val Applewhite energized the crowd with her own chants of the Fayetteville Liberty and shared personal reflections as a basketball mom. She praised the organization for choosing Fayetteville and investing in the city, calling the franchise a “slam dunk investment” for the community.
L-R: Fayetteville City Mayor, Mitch Colvin pictured with Team Market Owner, Robert Edwards Jr, NC State Senator, Val Applewhite, move the crowd with her speech, Fayetteville Liberty press day – December 12, 2025; Photo Credit: Fayetteville Liberty and The Exclusive Press
“The real win isn’t just on the court,” Applewhite said. “It’s the impact. [Basketball] teaches leadership, build relationships, demand strategies, discipline, teamwork, and trust….You’re not just building a roster for role models, you’re not just running plays but [also] investing in people,” she added.
League Leadership Welcomes Fayetteville
Evelyn Magley, CEO of The Basketball League, described TBL as a God-given vision designed to use basketball as a platform for love and community engagement. With games televised in more than 45 countries, the league brings visibility and economic opportunity to its cities.
“This is not just about basketball,” Mrs. Magley said. “This is about the community…The platform is from a professional level that allows you [and] the community to become involve, so that you can go to the highest levels that you would like within your light.”
David Magley, President of TBL and former NBA player, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that basketball is what the league does not who it is. He stressed the importance of being an asset to the community, from volunteering in schools to mentoring youth. Under their leadership, TBL has grown from eight teams to more than 40 across North America, providing opportunities for hundreds of athletes and countless professionals behind the scenes.
Building Something That Lasts
General Manager Tiras Ray, a Fayetteville native, spoke emotionally about what the moment meant to him. Having grown up in the city, coached in its gyms, and walked its school hallways, Ray described the Liberty as a long-awaited answer to years of hope.
“[Fayetteville Liberty] represents doing things the right way,” Ray said. “We’re not chasing names—we’re building habits. The right roster doesn’t just win games; it builds culture. And culture is how legacies are created.”
The Fayetteville Liberty organization, founded on December 12, 2024, strives to make an impact both on and off the court; Courtesy of Fayetteville Liberty
Head Coach Don Gardner reinforced that message, emphasizing discipline, professionalism, and accountability. He spoke about developing players not just as athletes, but as role models for the city’s youth.
“You never know who’s watching,” Gardner said, emphasizing the importance of players representing the city with pride, both on and off the court.
He also touch on discipline being the key to going further in life. “I wear that [discipline] on my shoulder. I truly believe that anybody that’s discipline and have a dream, you can achieve anything. So that’s what we’re going to instill in our players.“
A Citywide Commitment
Mayor Mitch Colvin welcomed the Liberty as a major addition to Fayetteville’s professional sports landscape, joining teams like the Woodpeckers and Marksmen. He emphasized that sports provide life skills such as commitment, discipline, and teamwork, and called on the entire city to support the Liberty’s success.
A Vision Rooted in Proximity and Hope
Team Market Owner Robert Edwards Jr. closed the event with a powerful reflection on faith, proximity, and perseverance. He spoke about navigating personal and professional transitions and how being surrounded by the right people made the Liberty possible.
“We genuinely believe in building hope in the community, one possession at a time,” Edwards said.
Looking ahead, Edwards views the inaugural season as only the beginning. While 2025 was about building awareness, 2026, he says, is about bridging the gap. As the Fayetteville Liberty prepares to take the court, the message is clear: this is more than basketball – it is a movement built on belief, opportunity, and a shared commitment to the city it proudly represents.
To learn more about the Fayetteville Liberty, including the team, partnerships, tickets, and the upcoming schedule, visit faylibertync.com.
