FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fayetteville, NC – A new chapter in Fayetteville’s sports history is about to be written. The Fayetteville Liberty, Fayetteville’s first professional basketball franchise since the Fayetteville Patriots (NBA D-League), is preparing to launch its inaugural season in March 2026 as part of The Basketball League (TBL).
With the guiding vision of “Building Hope in the Community One Possession at a Time,” the Liberty are establishing themselves not only as a competitive professional basketball team but as a cornerstone of community engagement, youth empowerment, and regional pride.
A Team for the City, By the City
At the helm is Team Market Owner Robert L. Edwards Jr., a lifelong Fayetteville resident and entrepreneur who has worked tirelessly with his leadership team to ensure the Liberty is more than just another sports franchise.
“Our mission is bigger than basketball,” Edwards explained. “The Liberty represent the spirit of Fayetteville—the resilience, the culture, and the vision for what this city can be. We are here to win games, yes, but more importantly, to create opportunities, to inspire the next generation, and to unite this community under one banner.”
The Liberty will play home games at the Crown Complex Arena, one of the region’s premier sports and entertainment venues. This marks a significant step for both the Crown Complex and the City of Fayetteville, expanding their portfolio of professional sports tenants alongside the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (MiLB) and Fayetteville Marksmen (hockey).
The addition of professional basketball helps further position Fayetteville as a regional hub for sports tourism and entertainment, creating new opportunities for local businesses, job growth, and cultural visibility.
Hope.Community & Liberty City Ambassadors
Beyond the hardwood, the Fayetteville Liberty are committed to initiatives that reach deep into neighborhoods, schools, and community organizations. This commitment is embodied in the Hope.Community movement and the Liberty City Ambassadors Program (LCAP).
Through these programs, the Liberty are building platforms for the next generation:
- Free Youth Camps: Annual basketball and leadership camps, with more than 200 kids expected at the first sessions. These camps emphasize fundamentals while teaching teamwork, resilience, and goal-setting.
- Scholar of the Year Awards: Students across Cumberland County in grades 1–12 will be recognized each year for achievements in academics, leadership, and service.
- School Day Game: A special gameday where thousands of students attend for free, combining basketball excitement with lessons in leadership, sportsmanship, and responsibility.
- Community Givebacks: The Liberty are already active with Alpha Academy, United Way, Build Better Youth, the Dogwood Festival, and others to provide mentorship, resources, and volunteer support.
“These initiatives make the Liberty more than just a team,” said General Manager Tiras Ray. “They make us a partner in progress, a source of inspiration, and a force for good in Fayetteville.”
Partnerships Driving Growth
The Liberty’s vision has resonated with the business community, bringing together an impressive slate of corporate and civic partners:
- Caviness & Cates – One of North Carolina’s leading homebuilders, investing in Fayetteville’s growth.
- Wawa – A beloved convenience and food brand deepening its footprint in Fayetteville.
- Tropical Smoothie Café – Promoting healthy living and active lifestyles.
- Shuttle Buddy – Providing transportation solutions for fans and families.
- Jerome Scott Insurance – Supporting financial security and community well-being.
- Build Better Youth – A non-profit focused on youth mentorship and empowerment.
- Distinctly Fayetteville – The city’s tourism and sports commission, elevating Fayetteville as a destination.
- Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce – Connecting the Liberty to the region’s business ecosystem.
- Yellow Crayons of Fayetteville, NC – A creative agency supporting Liberty’s branding, apparel, and distribution.
“These partnerships represent the backbone of our success,” Edwards noted. “When local businesses, civic leaders, and non-profits come together around a common cause, the entire city rises with us.”
Press Conference & Player Combine
The Liberty will mark a milestone with their official press conference on December 12, 2025 at the Crown Complex Arena. The event will introduce the team to the city, highlight corporate partners, and share the broader vision for the inaugural season.
The following day, December 13, 2025, the Liberty will host their final player combine and flagship tryout, where athletes from across the region will compete for a spot on the inaugural roster. This event is expected to draw scouts, media, and fans alike, setting the stage for the Liberty’s first season.
The finalized roster will be unveiled in early 2026, with training camp and community activations leading up to the March 2026 season opener.
Ticket Sales & Fan Experience
One of the most anticipated announcements: Tickets for the 2026 Fayetteville Liberty season will go on sale beginning October 31, 2025.
Fans can expect a variety of options including:
- Season Ticket Packages with exclusive benefits and premium seating.
- Family Plans designed for affordable, all-ages entertainment.
- VIP Court-Side Experiences offering unparalleled access to the action.
- Group Packages for schools, churches, and community organizations.
“Our goal is to make Liberty basketball the most accessible, exciting, and affordable entertainment option in Fayetteville,” Ray added. “We want families filling the arena, kids seeing their heroes up close, and businesses engaging clients in a high-energy environment.”
A New Era for Fayetteville
The Fayetteville Liberty are not just launching a basketball team—they are igniting a movement. From corporate boardrooms to classrooms, from the hardwood to the neighborhoods, the Liberty are positioning themselves as a unifying force in Fayetteville’s cultural and economic landscape.
Their story is about opportunity, vision, and progress. It’s about proving that Fayetteville can stand shoulder to shoulder with any city in the country as a professional sports destination.
As Edwards concluded: “This is about more than a game. It’s about legacy. It’s about Fayetteville believing in itself, and together, building something that will last.”
Stay Connected
Fans can follow the Fayetteville Liberty’s journey and secure tickets at:
📲 Instagram: @WeAreLibertyNC | Facebook: @FayettevilleLiberty
About The Basketball League (TBL)
The Basketball League is a professional league with more than 50 teams across the United States and Canada, providing world-class basketball while focusing on community impact, affordable family entertainment, and player development both on and off the court.
Media Contact
Fayetteville Liberty Basketball Organization
Email: info@faylibertync.com
Phone: (910) 727-5550
Website: www.faylibertync.com
