If you’ve ever walked past the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates and wondered why there are giant red buses and a crowd of people wearing Chicago-style jerseys, you’ve basically found the heartbeat of the Chicago development system. Most casual fans know the United Center is the big stage, but the Windy City Bulls are where the actual work happens. It's the Bulls G League team, and honestly, it’s one of the most underrated sports experiences in the suburbs.
People often think the G League is just a "minor league" where players go to disappear. That’s a total myth. In reality, it’s a high-stakes lab. You’ve got former first-round picks like Kevin Knox II trying to fight their way back into the rotation, and international stars like Yuki Kawamura using the platform to prove their game translates to the American style.
It’s fast. It’s loud. And it’s surprisingly personal.
Why the Windy City Bulls Matter More Than You Think
The Chicago Bulls don't just own this team for fun; they use it as a literal extension of their bench. When a guy like Matas Buzelis needs reps or a two-way player needs to stay sharp, they aren't sent to some random gym. They head to Hoffman Estates.
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General Manager Josh Malone actually works in a dual role with the main Chicago front office. This isn't two separate companies. It's one pipeline. If a player is performing well for the Bulls G League team, Billy Donovan (the elder) knows about it before the game even ends because Billy Donovan III is the one coaching them on the Windy City sidelines.
The 2025-26 Season: Who’s Actually Playing?
Right now, the roster is a wild mix of "I remember that guy" and "Who is that kid?" It's what makes the G League so fascinating. As of early 2026, the team has been hovering around a .500 record, but the individual performances are what's catching the eye of scouts.
- Mac McClung: The dunk contest king is more than just a highlight reel. He’s been leading the squad in scoring, often dropping 24+ points a night. He’s a walking bucket who brings a level of energy that usually fills the arena on his own.
- Kevin Knox II: A former top-10 NBA pick. He’s currently using his time with the Bulls G League team to show he can still be an elite wing. He’s been averaging nearly a double-double, which is exactly what the big club wants to see from a veteran in this league.
- Yuki Kawamura: The Japanese sensation. After some back-and-forth with his contract and health, he’s back on a two-way deal. He’s a pass-first wizard. Watching him dish out seven or eight assists in a single half is basically worth the price of admission alone.
- Lachlan Olbrich: The Australian big man from the 2025 draft. He’s a double-double machine and represents the future of the Bulls' interior defense.
The Reality of the "Call-Up" Grind
It’s a tough life. Honestly, these guys are playing for their careers every single Tuesday night in front of crowds that might only be a few thousand people. But the proximity to Chicago—just about 25 miles—means a player can play a game at NOW Arena at 11:00 AM for Education Day and be sitting on the bench at the United Center by 7:00 PM.
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That happened a lot with guys like Emanuel Miller this season. One day you're the first option in Hoffman Estates; the next day, you’re the 12th man in the NBA. It takes a specific kind of mental toughness to handle that.
The coaching staff, led by Billy Donovan III, focuses heavily on "system continuity." This is a fancy way of saying they run the same plays as the NBA team. So, when a player gets that call, they aren't lost. They know the sets. They know the defensive rotations. They're ready to go.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Experience
"It’s just 8th-grade basketball." I’ve heard people say that. It couldn't be further from the truth. These are the top 1% of basketball players in the world. The speed of the G League is actually faster than the NBA in many ways because the "Pace" is higher. In the 2025-26 season, Windy City has been one of the fastest teams in the league, averaging over 120 points per game.
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If you like defense... well, maybe look elsewhere. But if you like 131-104 blowouts with 20 dunks? This is your spot.
How to Actually Watch the Bulls G League Team
You don't have to spend $200 to see high-level hoops. That’s the biggest takeaway. You can grab a ticket for $15, park for free (which is a miracle in the Chicago area), and sit close enough to hear the players complaining to the refs.
- Check the Promo Schedule: They do "Space Jam Night," "Chicago Bulls Night," and even bobblehead giveaways. It’s very family-oriented.
- Follow the Two-Way Players: Before you go, check who is "on assignment." If the Chicago Bulls just sent down a rookie, that’s the game you want to attend.
- The NOW Arena Vibe: It’s in Hoffman Estates. It’s easy to get to. The food is reasonably priced—think $20 for popcorn and a couple of drinks rather than the small fortune you’d pay downtown.
If you're a die-hard fan, watching the Bulls G League team gives you a head start on everyone else. You’ll know who the "next guy up" is months before he ever checks into an NBA game. It makes you look like a genius in your group chat when a guy like Mouhamadou Gueye gets a block in a playoff game and you can say, "Yeah, I saw him do that three times in February."
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Visit the Official Site: Go to windycity.gleague.nba.com to check the current roster. These change weekly, so don't rely on old info.
- Download the App: The NBA G League app lets you stream most games for free. It’s the easiest way to keep tabs on Mac McClung’s stats without driving to the arena.
- Look for the Yuki Kawamura Jersey Pack: If you’re a collector, they often run special ticket packages for his limited-edition gear. Those sell out fast because of his massive international following.
- Attend a Weekday Game: If you want the most "pure" basketball experience without the half-time shows and loud promos, the Tuesday or Wednesday night games are perfect for just watching the game.