Wisconsin Herd Overview
The Wisconsin Herd is a professional basketball team competing in the NBA G League. Established in 2017, the team is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and serves as the official affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks. The Herd play their home games at Oshkosh Arena and participate in the Eastern Conference. As an NBA G League team, the Wisconsin Herd provides a developmental platform for players aspiring to reach the NBA, with the Bucks organization maintaining full ownership and control over player assignments and organizational direction.
Founding and Organizational Origins
On June 29, 2016, the Milwaukee Bucks announced their intention to purchase an expansion team in what was then known as the NBA Development League. The Bucks identified five finalist cities for potential expansion: Grand Chute (near Appleton), La Crosse, Oshkosh, Racine, and Sheboygan. By August 3, Grand Chute and La Crosse were eliminated from consideration, narrowing the field to Oshkosh, Racine, and Sheboygan. The Bucks ultimately selected Oshkosh as their preferred location, with the official announcement coming on February 8, 2017.
Oshkosh city officials played an active role in securing the franchise. On December 19, 2016, they identified the former site of the Buckstaff Furniture Company as the proposed location for the team’s arena. The Fox Valley Pro Basketball group submitted a formal bid to the city’s planning commission on January 11, 2017, which approved the proposal on January 19. The Oshkosh Common Council gave final approval on January 24, conditional on the Bucks selecting Oshkosh as their home.
The team officially announced its name, the Wisconsin Herd, on June 8, 2017, with the team logo unveiled on June 22. On July 1, 2017, Dave Dean was named the team’s first general manager, and the inaugural coaching staff was announced on September 22, 2017. The organization began its first season of operation shortly thereafter, establishing its base at Oshkosh Arena.
Growth Into NBA G League Competition
As the NBA G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks, the Wisconsin Herd operates within a structure designed to develop players for the NBA level. The Bucks organization maintains ownership of the Herd, ensuring alignment between the developmental team’s goals and the parent club’s needs. The G League serves as a proving ground where players can develop their skills, with the possibility of advancement to the NBA through two-way contracts and call-ups.
The Bucks’ investment in the Herd reflects a broader league-wide trend of NBA franchises using G League teams as integral parts of their player development pipelines. The Herd provides a venue for young players to gain professional experience, refine their abilities, and demonstrate their potential for NBA rosters. The relationship allows the Bucks to monitor player progress in a controlled environment while giving Herd players exposure to NBA-level coaching philosophies and training methodologies.
Wisconsin Herd Competitive Journey
Since the team’s founding in 2017, the Wisconsin Herd has navigated the challenges typical of an expansion franchise while establishing itself within the NBA G League landscape. The organization has experienced periods of competitive success and rebuilding, with a focus on fulfilling its developmental mandate while building a winning culture at the G League level.
Early Seasons and Development (2017–2019)
The Wisconsin Herd began competitive play following its 2017 establishment, joining the NBA D League (later rebranded as the NBA G League) during the 2017-18 season. Like most expansion franchises, the early years involved building organizational infrastructure, establishing coaching philosophies, and integrating players into the system. The inaugural coaching staff worked to implement the Bucks’ developmental approach while creating an identity for the Herd.
The organization focused on identifying players who could benefit from professional development and potentially contribute to NBA rosters. The early seasons provided valuable experience for both players and staff, establishing operational procedures and competitive benchmarks for future growth within the league.
Breakthrough in NBA G League (2019–2020)
The 2019-20 season represented a significant milestone for the Wisconsin Herd. The team finished in first place in the league standings, demonstrating the organization’s progress since its founding. The Herd had clinched a playoff spot and appeared positioned for a deep postseason run when the season was curtailed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
The premature end to the season prevented the team from competing in the playoffs, marking a disappointing conclusion to their most successful campaign to that point. The achievement of finishing first in the league demonstrated the organization’s ability to build a competitive roster and established a foundation for future success.
Return and Organizational Changes (2021–Present)
The Wisconsin Herd did not participate in the 2020-21 season, which was conducted at a single site at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The Herd was among 11 teams that opted out of the modified season format, with Bucks two-way players assigned to the Lakeland Magic instead.
The team returned for the 2021-22 season with notable leadership changes. Chaisson Allen, formerly an assistant coach, was named the team’s new head coach, while Tony Bollier took over as general manager. The organization continued its developmental mission under this new leadership structure.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2021–Present)
The current leadership features Beno Udrih as head coach and Arte Culver as general manager. Under their direction, the Wisconsin Herd continues to serve as the NBA G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks. The organization’s priorities center on player development, creating opportunities for athletes to showcase their abilities, and maintaining a connection to the Bucks’ operational philosophy.
The team plays its home games at Oshkosh Arena in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a venue that serves as the organization’s home base for both games and daily operations. The facility provides a professional environment for player development and fan engagement.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The Wisconsin Herd operates within the Milwaukee Bucks’ organizational framework, emphasizing the development of players who can eventually contribute at the NBA level. The team’s identity is closely tied to its Bucks affiliation, with team colors (Good Land green, Cream City cream, Great Lakes blue, black, and white) reflecting the regional branding of the parent organization. The Herd’s approach combines competitive basketball with the developmental objectives that define G League operations.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
The Wisconsin Herd’s most significant competitive achievement came during the 2019-20 season, when the team finished first in the entire league and secured a playoff position before the season’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This accomplishment marked the high point of the franchise’s brief history. The organization’s founding in 2017, the selection of Oshkosh as the team location, and the subsequent establishment of team operations represent key organizational milestones in the team’s development.
Wisconsin Herd Achievements and Results
As a relatively young franchise established in 2017, the Wisconsin Herd has built a record of competitive achievement within the NBA G League while maintaining its primary focus on player development for the Milwaukee Bucks organization.
NBA G League Achievements
The Wisconsin Herd’s most notable accomplishment came during the 2019-20 season, when the team finished first in the league standings. This performance represented the franchise’s peak competitive achievement and demonstrated the organization’s ability to build a championship-caliber roster within the G League structure. The season was ultimately cut short before the playoffs could be contested, preventing the team from pursuing a league championship.
Conference Achievements
The Wisconsin Herd competes in the Eastern Conference of the NBA G League. While the team has established itself as a competitive presence within the conference, it has not secured conference championship titles to date. The 2019-20 season’s first-place league finish also reflected strong conference performance.
Divisional Achievements
The Wisconsin Herd participates within the NBA G League’s Eastern Conference structure. The organization has not captured divisional championships during its competitive history. The team continues to pursue competitive success while balancing developmental objectives.
Series Achievements
As an NBA G League franchise, the Wisconsin Herd competes within the league’s regular season structure with opportunities for postseason play. The team’s primary achievements include playoff qualification and competitive positioning within the league. The 2019-20 season represented the closest the organization came to postseason success before the pandemic ended the campaign.
