Effective immediatley for the 2026-2027 season, the Hawthorne Hurricane will withdraw from the American Basketball Association. 


THISHURR LLC and Hawthorne Hurricane Announce Franchise Acceptance into the Elite Sunbelt Basketball Association

HAWTHORNE, FLORIDA — October 24, 2026 — THISHURR LLC and the Hawthorne Hurricane are immensely proud to announce the franchise’s immediate transition to the Sunbelt Basketball Association (SBA). To protect the integrity of our inaugural season and ensure our team takes the court backed by a robust professional infrastructure, we have made the strategic decision to temporarily delay our launch. This calculated pause allows our organization to reorganize, rebuild, and step into our next chapter with absolute clarity and structural security.

Historically, the ABA stands as one of the premier minor league basketball platforms in the world, and we embark on this transition with a profound attitude of gratitude for the initial platform it provided us. We extend our sincere appreciation to several individuals who supported our early journey: Charles McCants for his precise and effective guidance, Joe Newman for his initial endorsement, and Susie Packard for her steadfast encouragement. Their professionalism remains a notable highlight of our tenure.

However, modern reality dictates that a successful franchise must remain adaptable and open to opportunities that align with its operational standards. As a premier athletic organization, the Hurricane requires a standardized, professional administrative infrastructure. Mere hours before our anticipated tip-off, our established schedule and approved venue were abruptly revoked. While we recognize that administrative hurdles can occur in any league, the resulting fallout and differing approaches to operational accountability made it clear that our franchise's baseline standard for fiduciary responsibility could not be met in that environment. We simply cannot operate within a structure that relies on administrative volatility rather than vetted, professional support.

Rather than risk a compromised launch that could jeopardize player trust, sponsor investments, and brand integrity, Owner and CEO Jasmine McLaurin made the definitive decision to halt operations, re-evaluate, and pivot.

We are incredibly grateful that this clarity led us directly to the fast-growing, highly elite Sunbelt Basketball Association. The transition to the SBA represents a comprehensive upgrade for our players, sponsors, and fans, providing the exact structural integrity needed for a successful rebuild. The distinct advantages of this new partnership include:

  • Vetted Operational Infrastructure: Founded by Marcus Tilghman and guided by Commissioner Nick Perioli, the SBA delivers reliable, standardized management. This framework guarantees secure scheduling and venue stability, ensuring our franchise can launch without the threat of administrative chaos.

  • Elite Player Visibility & Advancement: Operating under FIBA rules, the SBA provides a highly structured pathway for athletes pursuing overseas and top-tier domestic contracts. The league’s broadcast network has generated over 1.46 million views, guaranteeing our roster unparalleled exposure.

  • Exponential Commercial Growth: The SBA’s rapid expansion—featuring a 172% increase in live viewership and a growing footprint across the Southeast and Midwest—offers our partners and local sponsors massive commercial reach and top-tier digital marketing assets.

  • Comprehensive Career & Community Development: Beyond the court, the SBA actively equips players and staff with real-world experience in sports media and game-day operations. Furthermore, the league’s community-first initiatives, such as the SBA Play 90 youth clinics, perfectly align with the Hurricane’s core mission to uplift the Hawthorne community.

"As an owner, my highest obligation is to the advancement of our players and the operational integrity of this organization," said Jasmine McLaurin. "We are deeply grateful for our past experiences because they taught us exactly what a premier franchise needs to succeed. We refuse to jeopardize this team with a poorly supported launch. By making the immediate decision to delay and rebuild alongside the Sunbelt Basketball Association, we guarantee that when the Hawthorne Hurricane tips off, it will be with a clear vision and an elite standard of operational excellence."

The Hawthorne Hurricane wishes our former league the absolute best in its future endeavors. We are energized, deeply thankful for our supporters' patience during this brief reorganization, and ready to build a highly competitive new era in the SBA.

About the Hawthorne Hurricane:
Operated by THISHURR LLC and owned by Jasmine McLaurin, the Hawthorne Hurricane is a premier minor-league professional basketball team based in Hawthorne, Florida. The franchise is dedicated to elite athletic competition, player development, and robust community engagement.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jasmine McLaurin
Owner, Hawthorne Hurricane
Email: info@thishurr.com
Website: thishurr.com

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