Misryoum reports the Lakers’ G League affiliate is moving to Palm Desert and becoming the Coachella Valley Lakers starting in 2026-27.
A familiar franchise name is getting a new home as the Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA G League affiliate prepares for a major change in the desert.
Misryoum reports that the team will relocate to the Coachella Valley and rebrand as the Coachella Valley Lakers beginning with the 2026-27 season. The announcement, made April 30, also confirms that the franchise will play its home games at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert at the start of that season.
This matters for fans because a venue shift can change the day-to-day accessibility of games. For a league like the G League, where matchups can draw smaller but dedicated crowds, getting closer to where people already go can be a real competitive advantage.
Acrisure Arena, which seats about 11,000, is best known for hosting concerts, comedy events, and hockey. Misryoum notes that basketball has appeared there as well, including Lakers preseason games held at the venue in 2024.
For the organization, the move is also framed as a chance to deepen ties to the region. Lakers business leadership pointed to longstanding local connections, referencing earlier eras when the franchise maintained a strong presence in the area and more recent preseason activity.
In practice. the rebrand and relocation may not alter the league’s core purpose. which is to develop talent and give players a competitive proving ground.. But the shift to a standalone destination can make it easier for some supporters to attend. especially when scheduling and travel matter more than they do for marquee matchups.
Misryoum reports that season ticket deposits are expected to begin at $100 per account, with information available through the team’s website. The team also says season tickets are fully refundable at the time of seat selection, a detail that may help fans weigh the change without feeling locked in.
For the Coachella Valley, the arrival of the Coachella Valley Lakers represents more than just another team on the calendar.. It is another step in a broader trend of sports organizations building local identities around the venues where fans already gather. turning access into a feature rather than an obstacle.
Key details about future home games will be the next story to watch as the 2026-27 G League season approaches, and fans look forward to seeing how the new name fits with the region’s sports culture.