The Coachella Valley is set to welcome a major new addition to its growing sports landscape. The Los Angeles Lakers have announced the relocation of their NBA G League affiliate to the desert, where the team will be rebranded as the Coachella Valley Lakers. Beginning with the 2026–27 season, the team will play its home games at Acrisure Arena, further solidifying the venue as a premier destination for sports and entertainment in the region.
The move marks a significant moment for both the Lakers organization and the Coachella Valley, deepening a relationship that stretches back decades. From the iconic Showtime era training camps held in the desert during the 1980s to more recent preseason appearances, the Lakers have long maintained a presence in the area. Now, that connection becomes permanent.
“Moving the Lakers G League team to the Coachella Valley is an incredible opportunity for the organization,” said Lon Rosen, President of Business Operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. “We are looking forward to extending that experience and becoming a staple for Coachella Valley sports and entertainment.”
Acrisure Arena, which opened in late 2022, will serve as the team’s home court. The state-of-the-art, 11,000-plus capacity venue has quickly become a hub for major concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings. With its modern design and fan-first amenities, it offers an ideal setting for both player development and an elevated spectator experience.
Irving Azoff, Senior Partner at Oak View Group, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting his longstanding relationship with the Lakers organization. “I am beyond thrilled to have the Coachella Valley Lakers call Acrisure Arena their home,” he said.
The addition of a G League franchise builds on the arena’s already diverse lineup, which includes hockey games from the Coachella Valley Firebirds and performances by top touring artists. Amy Latimer, Chief Business Officer for Oak View Group, emphasized the broader impact: “The addition of a G League franchise adds another layer of excitement and solidifies the venue as a premier destination for sports and entertainment in the region.”
Local leaders and organizations also played a key role in bringing the team to the desert. Collaboration between regional partners, including Visit Greater Palm Springs and Riverside County leadership, helped make the relocation possible, highlighting the area’s continued growth as a major destination for both tourism and professional sports.
Fans eager to be part of the inaugural season won’t have to wait long. Season ticket deposits are now open to the public, starting at $100 per account, with fully refundable options available at the time of seat selection.
The franchise arrives with a strong track record. Since its founding in 2006 as the Los Angeles D-Fenders, the team—later rebranded as the South Bay Lakers—has been instrumental in developing NBA talent. Over the years, it has produced dozens of call-ups and helped shape players who have gone on to succeed at the highest level, including current Lakers guard Austin Reaves. Most recently, the team posted an impressive 26–10 record during the 2025–26 season, earning the top seed in the Western Conference.
As the Coachella Valley Lakers prepare to tip off their first season, the move represents more than just a relocation—it signals the continued evolution of the desert as a dynamic hub for culture, entertainment, and now, elite-level basketball.
With a storied franchise, a cutting-edge venue, and a passionate regional fan base, the future of basketball in the Coachella Valley is looking brighter than ever.
More info here: acrisurearena.com/basketball/