Opening night at the Crown Complex on March 6th marked a celebratory start to the season as the team tipped off its inaugural game, bringing excitement and community pride to the city of Fayetteville. The evening’s opening ceremony highlighted the significance of the moment, as David Magley and Evelyn Magley, founders of The Basketball League, were in attendance to support the historic milestone. Evelyn Magley made a special appearance on the court to help officially launch the home opener.
Fans filled the arena with energy, enthusiastically cheering on the team and creating an atmosphere that reflected strong community support. Several local organizations and sponsors were also present for the occasion, including Build Better Youth and the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, among others.
Local leadership also showed their support. Kirk deViere, Cumberland County Commissioner’s Chairman, attended the game alongside his family, representing the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. North Carolina rapper Petey Pablo had been scheduled to attend the event but was unable to make it due to a flight delay. Despite the scheduling change, the night’s entertainment continued without missing a beat. The halftime show featured an electrifying performance by the Hoke County High School Marching Band, which energized the crowd and added to the celebratory atmosphere.
L-R: Cumberland County Commissioner’s chairman, Kirk deViere enjoys courtside seats with his wife and son; Fayetteville Liberty General Manager Tiras Ray and Market Owner Robert Edwards Jr; and the Liberty team being introduced on the court for the season opener. Photo Credit: Tracey Morrison/The Exclusive Press
On the court, the home team capped off the memorable evening with a victory, defeating the Raleigh Firebirds 93–86. Small forward Tyreik McCallum led the scoring effort with 22 points and seven rebounds. Power forward Deandre Mason delivered a strong performance with 14 points, two assists, and 15 rebounds, while guard Titus Gary contributed 13 points, two assists, and four rebounds.
The two teams are set to meet again when Fayetteville faces the Raleigh Firebirds on Friday, March 13, at 6:30 p.m. in Raleigh, continuing what could become an exciting early-season rivalry.
Photo Highlights: Scenes from Friday’s opening night matchup as the Fayetteville Liberty faced the Raleigh Firebirds on March 6, 2026; Photo Credit: Tracey Morrison/The Exclusive Press
The Fayetteville Liberty competes in The Basketball League (TBL), a professional basketball organization founded in 2017 that provides opportunities for athletes, coaches, and communities across the United States. Fans can watch TBL games through the league’s streaming platform, TBL TV, which broadcasts games throughout the season.
For more information about the Fayetteville Liberty, including upcoming games, tickets, and team updates, visit the team’s official website at https://www.fayettevilleliberty.com.
