The Los Angeles Lakers are taking their brand of basketball to the desert. In a major move that blends nostalgia with forward-thinking growth, the Lakers have officially announced that their NBA G League affiliate is relocating to the Coachella Valley ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Say goodbye to the South Bay Lakers and hello to the Coachella Valley Lakers. The newly rebranded team will call Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert home, marking a significant expansion of the Lakers' footprint into the Inland Empire. For fans who love the energy of live hoops but prefer a weekend getaway vibe, this is a game-changer.
"Moving the Lakers G League team to the Coachella Valley is an incredible opportunity for the organization," said Lon Rosen, Lakers President of Business Operations. "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."
This move isn't just about a new zip code—it's about deepening a legacy. The Lakers have long enjoyed a special connection with the Coachella Valley, and now they're making it official. Acrisure Arena, a state-of-the-art venue known for its fan-first design, will provide players with premium facilities while giving fans an intimate, high-energy setting to catch tomorrow's stars today.
Irving Azoff, Senior Partner of Oak View Group (which operates Acrisure Arena), echoed the excitement: "I have enjoyed a long-time relationship with Jerry and Jeanie Buss, Lon Rosen and Linda Rambis. I am beyond thrilled to have the Coachella Valley Lakers call OVG's Acrisure Arena their home. Go Lakers."
For basketball enthusiasts and Lakers faithful, this rebrand signals a new chapter in player development and community engagement. Whether you're a die-hard fan tracking future NBA talent or a local looking for top-tier live sports entertainment, the Coachella Valley Lakers promise to deliver the same purple-and-gold excellence—just with a desert twist.
Season tickets are already available at coachellavalleylakers.com. Get ready to swap the South Bay surf for desert sunsets, because Lakers basketball is heading to the valley.