Lakers’ G League Team Moves to Coachella Valley

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to relocate and rename their G League team, currently known as the South Bay Lakers, ahead of the 2026-27 season. The team will now be called the Coachella Valley Lakers and will play in the Greater Palm Springs area, specifically at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, as announced on Thursday.

In a statement, Ron Rosen, the Lakers’ president of business operations, mentioned that relocating to the Coachella Valley presents an exciting opportunity. He noted the team’s long-standing presence in the region, dating back to the Showtime Lakers training camp in the 1980s and including recent preseason games. Rosen expressed anticipation for expanding the Lakers’ footprint in the area and establishing a solid sports and entertainment presence in the Coachella Valley. He also highlighted Acrisure Arena as a modern venue that offers optimal conditions for players and a great experience for fans.

The Lakers have held at least one preseason game annually at Acrisure Arena since it opened in December 2022, which can seat around 11,000 fans. This arena also hosts the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken.

Last season, the Lakers’ G League team finished with a strong record of 26 wins and 10 losses, securing the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, but faced a setback in the conference finals against the Stockton Kings.

Initially established as the Los Angeles D-Fenders in 2006 in the NBA’s D-League, the team rebranded as the South Bay Lakers in 2017. It had been based at the UCLA Health Training Center for the last nine seasons.

For those interested, season ticket deposits can be made, starting from $100 per account, and are fully refundable when choosing seats. This option has been open to the public since Thursday.