The Los Angeles Lakers announced that they will be moving their G League affiliate from South Bay to Coachella Valley. Starting with the 2026-27 season the team will be renamed the Coachella Valley Lakers and play all their home games at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California.
“I have enjoyed a long-time relationship with Jerry and Jeanie Buss, Lon Rosen and Linda Rambis,” said Oak View Group Senior Partner Irving Azoff. “And I am beyond thrilled to have the Coachella Valley Lakers call OVG’s Acrisure Arena their home. Go Lakers.”
The Lakers have a long history in that area, dating all the way back to the Showtime era and have regularly played preseason games there over the past few years as well.
“Moving the Lakers G League team to the Coachella Valley is an incredible opportunity for the organization,” said Los Angeles Lakers President of Business Operations Lon Rosen. “The Lakers have had a strong presence in the region for decades, from the Showtime Lakers holding training camp in the 1980s to more recent preseason games. We are looking forward to extending that experience and becoming a staple for Coachella Valley sports and entertainment. Acrisure Arena is the perfect modern venue that provides an incredible fan-first experience, while ensuring players have the premium facilities and space they need on game day.”
The Lakers’ G League affiliate has enjoyed plenty of success and also has helped to develop many young players who have gone on to contribute to the main roster as well. That same standard is sure to remain, only now the headquarters have moved and those around there are excited.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Los Angeles Lakers G League affiliate to Coachella Valley,” said Oak View Group Chief Business Officer Amy Latimer. “The addition of a G League franchise in the Coachella Valley builds on the diverse event offerings at Acrisure Arena, adding another layer of excitement and solidifying the venue as a premier destination for sports and entertainment in the region. We appreciate all partners whose collaboration and dedication made this possible.”
Acrisure Arena excited to host Lakers’ G League affiliate
Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley are excited to add the Lakers’ G League affiliate to the mix.
“Opportunities like this are simply not possible without the support and assistance of incredible partners,” said Acrisure Arena Senior Vice President John Page. “We would like to recognize the efforts put forth by Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and Visit Greater Palm Springs, who have worked in conjunction with Oak View Group, the Lakers organization and many others in order to welcome the G League to our town. We look forward to expanding upon our growing connection to the sports community with the addition of this storied franchise.”
The Lakers were the first franchise to own and operate their G League affiliate with the team originally being known as the Los Angeles D-Fenders before being renamed to the South Bay Lakers in 2017. This past season they went 26-10, capturing the top seed in the Western Conference while Lakers two-way big man Drew Timme was named to the All-G League Second Team.
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