Pistons officially announce downtown move beginning next season

DETROIT - The Detroit Pistons have officially announced their move downtown, with owner Tom Gores appearing at a news conference Tuesday with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Ilitch Holdings President and CEO Christopher Ilitch and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

The Pistons plan to start playing at Little Caesars Arena next season, which would put all four of Detroit's major pro teams within a few blocks of each other. The new arena, which is still under construction, was already being built to house the NHL's Red Wings, who are owned by Mike and Marian Ilitch.

The Pistons' move is still subject to approval by the NBA, and formal legal agreements must be finalized. The team has played at The Palace of Auburn Hills, about 30 miles from downtown Detroit, since 1988.