San Antonio has welcomed a new addition to its professional sports scene with the launch of the San Antonio Clutch. Established in March, the team competes in The Basketball League (TBL), a rapidly growing league headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, known for being the first professional sports league owned by an African American woman, Evelyn Magley.

Growth and Structure of TBL

The TBL began its journey in 2018 with a modest eight teams and has expanded significantly, now boasting 34 teams. The San Antonio Clutch competes within the Midwest Conference, home to the last four league champions, including the Potawatomi Fire, who are the reigning titleholders.

Leadership Team

The Clutch is co-owned by Jason Perez and Devin Brown, long-time friends and business partners. Perez, a former basketball player at Wichita State University, serves as the head coach, while Brown, who has a background in track and field, manages the team alongside his IT consulting business.

Brown humorously describes his dual roles, stating, “I’m the nerdy guy by day and the basketball guy by night.” Their deep-rooted friendship spans two decades and includes several previous business initiatives, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit.

Forming the Team

Perez emphasized the community aspect of building the team, noting that nearly 50 players responded to an open tryout, from which they selected 12 players. While most are former college athletes, the eligibility criteria remain flexible, encouraging a wide range of talent.

“The players are compensated based on their experience, negotiations, and our budget,” Brown explained, highlighting that some players have international professional experience.

Community Engagement

Choosing San Antonio as the team’s home proved strategic for Brown and Perez. “San Antonio is a smaller city with a robust basketball fan base,” Brown stated, emphasizing their goal to provide affordable entertainment options amidst rising ticket prices for the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs.

Currently, the Clutch plays at Theodore Roosevelt High School, reflecting their commitment to engaging with and giving back to the community. “We not only want to entertain but also connect with locals,” Perez added.

Future Plans and Community Initiatives

Brown is actively involved with Leadership San Antonio and expresses a desire to impact the community positively through the Clutch. They are in the process of establishing partnerships with local organizations such as the YMCA and Youth Code Jam, aiming to develop youth mentorship and outreach programs that foster community development.

Additionally, the Clutch serves as a stepping stone for players aspiring to advance to the NBA. Several athletes, including Lindy Waters III and Kylor Kelley, have transitioned to higher leagues after competing in TBL, underscoring the league’s potential as a launchpad for talent.

Opportunities Beyond Players

Beyond players, the Clutch also creates various job opportunities within its organization, including roles in coaching, management, and statistics. “It’s a great showcase,” Brown noted, as individuals seek to leverage their experience for future endeavors within the professional sports realm.