North Dakota is getting its first professional basketball team in decades. Starting in 2026, The Roar, backed by 4 Bears Casino & Lodge, will compete in The Basketball League (TBL), giving Bismarck-area fans a local team to rally behind and injecting new energy into the state’s basketball scene.
The Roar revives pro basketball in ND after a long absence — the most recent high-level team was the Dakota Wizards based in Bismarck until 2012. While TBL now has 36 teams (with more joining in 2026), this will be the only one in North Dakota.
UND’s New Performance Center & What It Means for Regional Athlete Development”
The University of North Dakota recently opened the Nodak Insurance Company Sports Performance Center, an addition to the Fritz Pollard Athletic Center, bringing a state-of-the-art training facility online.
The tribal-owned casino in New Town is positioning itself as more than a gaming venue — it sees The Roar as a community anchor. Their website describes The Roar as “high-energy family fun, elite competition, and a new way to rally as a community.”
The region’s basketball infrastructure — arenas, training facilities, support systems — could see upgrades to host exhibition games or collaborative events.
4 Bears plans to host 10–15 home games during the inaugural season at its Event Center.
The casino is also constructing lodging facilities for players and staff to stay on site. But for Bismarck-area fans, travel to New Town (several hours away) may be a hurdle for regular attendance.
We want people energetic about basketball to be part of this crew … to reflect onto guests who pay good money to watch a game.”
— Patrick Packineau, CEO of 4 Bears Casino & Lodge
Ticket revenue will be essential to sustain operations. Selling out several thousand seats per game could fuel growth. Local sponsors—businesses in Bismarck, Mandan, and the region—stand to gain exposure and fan loyalty.
Bismarck hosts many high school, collegiate, and recreational tournaments. The Roar could schedule exhibition games, charity matches, or doubleheaders when other sporting events are in town, increasing foot traffic and cross-promotion.
If The Roar invests in youth programs, courts upgrades, or basketball camps in Bismarck, it might raise the level of play statewide over time. A thriving fan culture could sprout “Roar nights” in high schools, youth leagues, and merchandise sales.
The arrival of The Roar in 2026 positions North Dakota to reclaim its pro basketball identity. For Bismarck-area fans, it offers a chance to reconnect with high-level hoops without leaving home. The road ahead includes logistical challenges, outreach efforts, and real economic bets — but if The Roar fires its first shot successfully, it could spark a new era of basketball pride across the state.
