The NBA has decided to cease operation of the NBDL’s [Roanoke Dazzle](http://www.nba.com/nbdl/roanoke/) franchise.

[Read](http://www.roanoke.com/sports/probasketball/wb/63392) (Roanoke Times)

Another pro team finally realizes it can’t make it in Roanoke, just like the Roanoke Steam and the Roanoke Express found out. Let’s face it, Roanoke is unable to support a sports team. I wouldn’t be surprised if the [hockey team](http://valleyvipershockey.com/) decides that it can’t afford to play here next year either, and how can [Salem’s Baseball team](http://www.salemavalanche.com) make it on only 3,500 fans a night?

I always hear the question, “If Virginia Tech can fills its stadium when it plays home games, why can’t Roanoke support a pro sports franchise?” Why? Because most of those 66,000 people at each Tech Game probably aren’t from Roanoke. They are Tech Alumni from other areas.