The Erie BayHawks were established in 2008 as an expansion team in the NBA Development League (D-League), originally affiliated with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Philadelphia 76ers.

The team's colors of black, red, and gold paid homage to the Erie-based Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and to the United States Navy uniforms worn during the War of 1812.

However, he turned down the offer citing his desire to coach in the National Basketball Association as opposed to the D-League.

Ewing has worked as an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, and Orlando Magic.

[9] In April 2014, the BayHawks entered talks for a hybrid relationship with the Orlando Magic[10] and a deal was announced May 19, 2014.

[18] On August 8, 2017, Stan Heath was named as the head coach and Anthony Parker as the general manager.

[21] The Atlanta Hawks had already announced their intentions of placing their D-League franchise in College Park, Georgia, for the 2019–20 season.

[26][25] Roster Last transaction: January 15, 2025 Payton Siva [a] Alade Aminu was traded to the Bakersfield Jam after 37 games with the BayHawks.