It’s a saying in the Hoosier state: “In 49 states, it’s just basketball. But this is Indiana.” And more than a quarter of a century later, the statement still stands strong. The state showcases rowdy crowds in high school gymnasiums, a century-long rivalry between Purdue and Indiana, the 3-pointers of Caitlin Clark, and a raucous Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the NBA Finals. Basketball continues to maintain its legacy in the hearts of Indiana hoops fans, but now Hoosiers have another group of ballers to root for.
In 2007, the Indiana Pacers NBA G-League affiliate, the Ft. Wayne Mad Ants was founded. Fifteen years later, the Mad Ants announced they were on their way to Noblesville. In the summer of 2025, the team opened the doors at the city’s new Arena at Innovation Mile as the new Noblesville Boom. Griffin Leonard, a Live Production Specialist for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, is excited for the new spirit of professional basketball in Noblesville.
“It’s a different feel than what the Pacers games are. It’s more of a family type environment,” Leonard said. “It’s a fun group to work with, the games are entertaining, so I am really enjoying the season so far.”
The distance between Fort Wayne and Indianapolis created a challenge for team officials. Their decision to move to Noblesville was based on hopes to increase attendance for games because of the new arena’s proximity to their big brother NBA franchise, the Indiana Pacers. Senior Miranda Szumski is one of the high school students who assists during practices and games, and she is looking forward to having an NBA G-League team in her hometown.
“I was actually really excited about this, because I know not a lot of people came to the Mad Ants games, and I knew Noblesville would show out,” Miranda said.
Miranda and her sister Kelsey assist the Boom before a game. The pair help the players during warm ups, pass out equipment, and anything else the team might need to prepare during pre-games.
“Without us, they probably wouldn’t have their waters when subbing out or subbing in. It really contributes to their game and makes it a better experience for them in Noblesville,” Kelsey said.
With the care for the Boom early on, it creates further growth of basketball in the state of Indiana, and with that, comes interest for people to be a part of something special. Miranda has taken advantage of her opportunities with the game of basketball.
“I have already worked with the [WNBA Indiana] Fever this past season, and then I got asked if I wanted to work for the Boom. I like basketball, I manage our high school team, and I was like, ‘This would be fun,’” Miranda said.
Since the Boom’s arena is near multiple suburban cities in Hamilton County, the possibility of sitting near future NBA players is one strategy the team plans to use to appeal to ticket buyers.
“It’s close enough to a lot of towns around [the Indianapolis metro area] that if you don’t want to go to a Pacers game because you can’t afford it, [you can visit the Boom],” Leonard said. “You can get this cheaper, as it’s still good basketball, so it’s good for the community to come out and support.”
The 2025 season is the first for the Boom franchise in Noblesville, but the community is beginning to wrap their heads around the growth of basketball in the city. And their fans are ready to see the franchise grow.
“I think for the long term, this is going to bring a lot to Noblesville now that we have our own team,” Kelsey said. “We’re going to have a lot more people coming in.”
