Pistons partner with Wayne State University announcing $25M basketball arena

(FOX 2) - Wayne State University announced Wednesday the construction of a new $25 million arena to serve men's and women's basketball teams.

The university said the Board of Governors approved plans for a 70,000-square foot arena near the intersection of Warren and Trumbell avenues. The arena will hold about 3,000 fans, and include office space, locker rooms for WSU men's and women's teams, visiting team locker rooms, a concessions area and other ancillary spaces. 

According to the university, the arena is expected to be ready for the 2021-22 basketball season. 

Additionally, the Detroit Pistons will bring an NBA G League affiliate to Detroit to play in the arena. The G League is the NBA's developmental league, which prepares players, officials, trainers, coaches and front office staff for positions in the NBA.

The building will also serve as a hosting spot for Pistons summer camps and clinics, AAU games, possible MHSAA state high school games and other basketball tournaments.

"The fans of Wayne State basketball have waited a long time for this announcement and its promise for the university, our students and our basketball programs," said Rob Fournier, Wayne State University Director of Athletics, in a release. "Our partnership with the Pistons will be transformational."

The university said the new arena will place the Wayne State University athletics program in a stronger position within the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. It will be combined with the Matthaei Center, establishing two facilities for intramural athletic participation.