In a region shaped by military service and rapid change, a new professional basketball team, The Fayetteville Liberty, is launching with a community-driven vision that blends sports, service and economic opportunity.
With more than 50,000 active duty service members, 150,000 veterans and an estimated 260,000 military family members living in the region, team leaders say the choice of name and mission was intentional. The organization was formed in the wake of the installation’s historic 2024 renaming from Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty, a change that team founder Robert Edwards said symbolized the values the franchise intends to champion.
“The name Liberty represents freedom and the sacrifices made to protect it,” Edwards said. “We want to stand alongside service members and their families while helping build a stronger community.”
Edwards’ path to launching a franchise began long before the Liberty took shape. Born in Cleveland and raised in a military environment, he served 17 years in the United States Army and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 2, specializing in information systems technology. His career included concentrations in cybersecurity and information assurance, experiences he said shaped his leadership approach and long-term vision.
His academic background reflects a blend of technical expertise and business strategy. Edwards holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting and an MBA in cybersecurity. He said the combination of military experience and education helped prepare him to lead a complex organization that blends sports, business and community service.
Faith and communication have also played a central role in his leadership style. Edwards previously served as an associate pastor, an experience he credits with strengthening his ability to motivate teams and build partnerships.
Before forming the Liberty, Edwards briefly worked with another Fayetteville basketball venture as part of its media team. That organization ultimately folded, but the experience left a lasting impression. Edwards said it convinced him the city had the passion and potential to support a successful franchise built on a strong community foundation.
“That experience showed me the possibilities for basketball in Fayetteville,” he said. “It also made it clear that we needed a sustainable, community-focused vision.”
That vision is reflected in the Liberty’s motto, “Hope in the Community,” a phrase Edwards uses to describe the organization’s approach to service and outreach.
Even before its first game, the team has emphasized local engagement. The Liberty has awarded three scholarships, hosted three youth basketball camps and sponsored three schools in the region. Edwards said the early efforts were meant to demonstrate the organization’s commitment to community investment from the start.
“Self-interest will not work here,” Edwards said. “Success can be homegrown.”
He believes the long-term goal is to create a pipeline for young athletes in the region, giving them opportunities to develop their skills while remaining connected to their hometown. Fayetteville, he said, should become known as a place where athletes begin their journey.
Team leaders say the Liberty’s mission extends beyond athletics. They hope to operate within what Edwards describes as an ecosystem of high-level commerce, using sports as a catalyst for business growth, networking and regional visibility.
The concept reflects a broader trend in sports where teams function as anchors for economic development and civic pride. By combining entertainment, community outreach and business partnerships, the Liberty hopes to create a platform that benefits residents and attracts outside investment.
The organization’s leadership team includes professionals from marketing, community engagement and sports operations, all aligned around the goal of building a sustainable franchise. Edwards said collaboration has been essential in shaping the team’s early direction.
“Behind the scenes, many people are contributing their expertise and teamwork,” he said. “Their commitment is helping bring this vision to life.”
The connection between basketball and military culture remains central to the franchise identity. Leaders say the values that define service members—discipline, unity and sacrifice—are the same values that drive success in sports.
Liberty aims to use that shared foundation to build relationships across the region. The team plans to partner with local organizations, schools and businesses to expand outreach efforts and strengthen ties within the community. An effort that is already visible daily in Fayetteville.
For Fayetteville residents, the arrival of a new basketball franchise represents both entertainment and opportunity. Leaders hope the team will become a gathering point for families, veterans and young athletes alike.
The Liberty’s inaugural game is scheduled for March 6 at the Crown Complex vs. the Raleigh Firebirds, marking the beginning of the franchise’s first season. Tickets start at $22.85, and can be purchased by visiting https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/fayetteville-liberty-3625-game
The event will include a performance by North Carolina recording artist Petey Pablo, signaling the team’s commitment to blending sports with regional culture and entertainment.
Edwards said the opening game is only the first step in a long-term plan that extends well beyond a single season. He emphasized the importance of consistency and long-term growth, noting that the organization is already focused on future seasons.
“For us, this is about building something that lasts,” he said. “We are thinking about seasons two, three and beyond.”
The team’s leadership believes Fayetteville is ready for a franchise that reflects the city’s identity and aspirations. By connecting sports, service and economic development, the Liberty hopes to create a lasting impact both on and off the court.
As the inaugural season approaches, Edwards said the organization remains committed to its founding principles: honoring service, restoring hope and building community through basketball. If early momentum is any indication, the franchise is determined to prove that success can indeed be homegrown.

(Photos courtesy of the Fayetteville Liberty)