An alternative to the Dallas Mavericks has just arrived on the scene. With limited spaces available on NBA and European team rosters, and decreases in salaries, the new Premier Basketball League (PBL) hopes to provide opportunities to the abundance of talented layers in the sport not currently employed.

The Dallas Defenders make up one of the ten teams in this new league. A January 20 tip-off signified the first time minor-league men's basketball has been played in Dallas.

Team owner and Dallas-area businessman Erin Patton created a mission of “Protecting the Game. Serving the Community.” Always having had an interest in community service, the Dallas Defenders franchise combines Patton’s two passions in life. Even while selecting a head coach, Patton chose Chuck Davisson based on two factors; his ability to create a winning AND community-conscious team.

The home of the Dallas Defenders is the Dallas Independent School District’s Alfred J. Loos Field House in Addison, with a seating capacity of 7,600 (the seventh largest high school arena in the country). Taking everyone along to one of the games is intended to be affordable. According to Erin Patton, “a family of four could spend $100 for tickets, a jersey and food at a Defenders
game, compared to nearly $1,000 at an NBA game.”

Patton is an astute businessman; for Nike, he helped create and market the highly-successful Michael Jordan brand. He also played an integral part in getting Stephon Marbury's $14.98 shoes on the racks of store retailers. For Patton, his newest business venture is icing on the cake, being able to relive and revive a childhood dream that aims at bettering the community in which he lives.