LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Basketball League announced today the Derby City Distillers will be its Louisville market expansion team, becoming the community’s newest men’s professional basketball team. The Distillers are owned by former University of Louisville men’s basketball player and TBL Jamestown Jackals standout Akoy Agau. The Distillers will be the third TBL team in Kentucky.
“It’s a dream come true to own a team in a league in which I once played,” said Agau. “While at Jamestown, I saw firsthand how impactful our team could be in the community. Louisville is one of the great basketball markets in the country and I’m confident that we have the right organization and individuals onboard to be successful.”
The Distillers begin its inaugural season on March 3, with its first home game on March 8. The season consists of 12 home games and 14 away games. All home games will be played at Kentucky Country Day School.
“Kentucky Country Day is excited to partner with the Derby City Distillers during its inaugural season,” said Head of School Peter Huestis. “We look forward to seeing the players and fans on campus soon.”
TBL currently has 49 teams in the U.S. and Canada, with games live-streamed through TBLTV . The league launched in 2017 and drescribed itself as a “stepping stone for many players” with a goal to help athletes play at their highest level. A total of 390 TBL players have received overseas contracts; 30 have received G-League contracts. Three have received NBA contracts.
Derby City Distillers is holding open tryouts on Sunday, Jan. 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register online for the tryout, here; the cost is $175. Tickets for games can be purchased at the door and online.