Change is coming to the Lakers’ G League team. The South Bay Lakers will become the Coachella Valley Lakers in 2026 as they move their games to Acrisure Arena.
The Lakers have had their G League team playing in South Bay since 2017, and before that, in 2006, they played at Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center).
In a press release, the Lakers’ new President of Business Operations, Lon Rosen, talked
about the move for the franchise’s G League team.
“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.”
There is no question that this is an upgrade for the Coachella Valley Lakers. This past season, they played games at the UCLA Health and Training Center, which is essentially the Lakers’ practice facility. While there were advantages to having them play near and around the main team, they couldn’t even seat 1,000 people during games.
Now, at Acrisure Arena, they can have as many as 11,000 people attending G League matchups.
In a press release, Acrisure Arena Senior Vice President John Page shared his enthusiasm for this partnership.
“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 have already had a relationship with Acrisure Arena. LA played against Phoenix at the stadium for a preseason game, and clearly, that was a positive experience.
In a statement released to the press, Oak View Group Senior Partner Irving Azoff talked about the connection he has had with the most powerful members of the Lakers organization, including Jeanie Buss, Linda Rambis, and Rosen.
“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 had plenty of success developing talent in the G League.
Bronny James had played games with South Bay, and players like Alex Caruso and Mac McClung played with the team during the early parts of their professional careers.
Now those moments won’t be happening in El Segundo and will instead take place in the Palm Desert.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
