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HIDALGO, TX -- The Rockets became the first NBA team to enter into a direct single-affiliation partnership with an NBA D-League team, granting the Rockets full control over the basketball operations of the Vipers. With the move, the Rockets will be the only parent-club of the team.

In a structure similar to other minor leagues, this new partnership model, previously referred to as the “hybrid affiliation,” allows for NBA teams to secure control over and cover the expenses related to the basketball operations of an NBA D-League team, while partnering with existing local ownership, who maintain responsibility for the off-the-court business operations of the team.

“This is a watershed moment for the Vipers and for professional sports in the Rio Grande Valley. The Vipers’ partnership with the Rockets further demonstrates our commitment to Vipers fans to place the highest quality product on the court, and we look forward to the Rockets’ guidance and leadership in basketball operations.  Vipers fans should be very excited about the future and direction of their franchise,” Vipers President/GM Brian Michael Cooper said.

“The Houston Rockets’ groundbreaking decision to enter into a single-affiliation partnership with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers further demonstrates how much of an impact the NBA D-League is having on the NBA,” said NBA D-League President Dan Reed. “With 20 percent of NBA players now coming from the NBA Development League, it's no surprise that the Rockets are the fourth NBA team in as many years to secure full control over the basketball operations of an NBA D-League team. We're very excited about this trend and the positive impact our new direct affiliation model will make on the NBA D-League, the NBA, and current and future NBA players."

“Local owner Alonzo Cantu has done a great job integrating the Vipers into the community and we look forward to working with him to build upon the success they have already achieved,” said Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey. “This unique partnership with the Vipers affords us the opportunity to play a significant role in the development of our young players while also introducing a new and exciting brand of NBA-style basketball to fans in the Rio Grande Valley. We look forward to the mutual benefits the partnership will provide both organizations.”

Over the last three years, Houston has assigned guard Aaron Brooks and forwards Steve Novak and Joey Dorsey to help further their development, while current Rockets Von Wafer and Chuck Hayes also honed their skills in the NBA D-League.