The Indiana Pacers' G League team has rebranded as the Noblesville Boom in tribute to iconic coach and broadcaster Slick Leonard's catchphrase "boom, baby!" The team will commence play in Noblesville, an Indianapolis suburb, starting next season. Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines expressed excitement for this new chapter while honoring the Pacers' rich legacy.
Slick Leonard, a Hall of Fame coach, popularized the phrase "boom, baby" during his coaching tenure with the Pacers, contributing to the team's lore. The former Fort Wayne Mad Ants, now the Noblesville Boom, made the move to Indianapolis after playing in Fort Wayne for over a decade. The team's original moniker paid homage to General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War figure associated with Fort Wayne. This rebrand marks a fresh start for the G League franchise, aligning with the Pacers' heritage and global influence.