What does the NBA G League do for basketball players and NBA teams?

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Taking flight — Basketball Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls leaping into the air during the slam-dunk competition at NBA All-Star weekend in Chicago, February 6, 1988.

The NBA G League serves as the official minor league system, or "farm system," for the National Basketball Association (NBA).1

For NBA teams, the league provides a dedicated structure for player development, allowing them to cultivate young and inexperienced talent that might not otherwise have a place on an active NBA roster.1

For basketball players, the G League offers a professional environment to gain experience and refine their skills. This is particularly significant given the NBA's eligibility rules, which require domestic players to be at least 19 years old and one year removed from high school graduation before entering the draft—a policy often referred to as "one and done." By providing this developmental pathway, the G League helps bridge the gap between amateur competition and the professional level.1