Today we’d like to introduce you to Wade Harris
Hi Wade, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
During the summer of 2017, Wade Harris began conversations with Commissioner David Magley of the
newly formed NAPB discussing opportunities for professional-level players he had been training in the
Triangle area of North Carolina. Because of a strong basketball tradition in the state and the
exceptional level of college play in the region, there is an extraordinary concentration of high-
performing players with pro-league potential in our area. Some of the very players Coach Harris has
trained played in the NBA’s G League, on pro teams in Canada and overseas, and in the NAPB during
the 2018 season. With such conditions in terms of regional talent, the discussion turned toward the
potential for a franchise team in Raleigh. In Mr. Magley’s extensive experience in all areas of
professional basketball, a market like Raleigh has a lot of potential efficiencies and competitive
advantages.
Fast forward to 2024, and the Raleigh Firebirds have had several successful seasons. In their inaugural
season (2019), the team made it to the league semi-finals, only to fall short by four points. While
COVID hindered progress in 2020 and 2021, the Firebirds resumed their winning ways in 2022 and
2023, finishing with solid records of 12-12 and 18-6, respectively. However, it was last season that the
Firebirds came closest to winning The Basketball League (TBL)’s championship trophy, The Lillie.
Finishing with a 17-7 record on the season, the Firebirds found themselves in the semi-finals again.
Unfortunately, in a do-or-die game three, the Firebirds lost on a heartbreaker buzzer-beater in St.
Louis. The Firebirds are confident that 2025 is the year the team will break through and win the league
championship.
The Firebirds upcoming season will begin in March of 2025. Our home games are currently slated to be
played at St. Augustine’s University, located at 1315 Oakwood Ave, Raleigh, NC. However, two of our
games will be played at Wake Tech, in partnership with the Wake County Public School System.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path to success has been a smooth road in most ways, but we haven’t been without our struggles. COVID negatively impacted the team, as it canceled games and halted our growth and training. Our 2020 season was cut short, and our 2021 season was spent almost entirely without fans.
On the court, our teams have always been impressive. However, we’re not immune from losing streaks and very unfortunate losses. In 2022, the Firebirds missed out on the playoffs due to a weird technicality in the standings, and in 2023 the Firebirds lost in the first round to a talented team from Newfoundland, Canada. However, each bump in the road that the Firebirds have faced has only made the team and organization stronger.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Since our launch in 2019, the Raleigh Firebirds have become a symbol of resilience and excellence, highlighted by our thrilling 2024 Eastern Conference Championship victory! Our team proudly represents Wake County both on and off the court, blending high-level professional basketball with a powerful mission to uplift the community. The Firebirds are more than just a team—we are a force for change, committed to promoting STEM education, health awareness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship for the youth in our public schools.
Our players inspire hope and opportunity, offering a critical next step for athletes pursuing their professional basketball dreams after college. Through strategic partnerships with Wake County Public Schools and community organizations, we create experiential learning programs that empower students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
One surprising thing that most people don’t know about the Firebirds is that we have some great singers on the team. In fact, given the size of the Firebirds roster, we could probably start a male Gospel chorus.
Another surprising thing that not everyone knows about the Firebirds is that we have a newsletter! Most professional teams don’t have newsletters, but we have Firebird Focus, which is delivered to your inbox three times a week. Firebird Focus keeps you updated on games, the players, and upcoming events in the community.
Pricing:
- $20 — cost of game tickets
- $216 — cost of a season ticket
- $500 — sponsor 50 kids to attend Firebirds games
- $2000 — Firebirds Silver Tier Sponsorship
- $4000 — Firebirds Gold Tier Sponsorship
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raleighfirebirds.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raleighfirebirds/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raleigh-firebirds
- Twitter: https://x.com/RaleighFirebir1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theraleighfirebirdsbasketball
- Other: https://raleighfirebirds.beehiiv.com
