The New Orleans Pelicans announced Monday that their NBA G League affiliate will relocate to Kenner, Louisiana, and rebrand as the Laketown Squadron beginning with the 2026-27 season.
The team will play home games at the renovated Pontchartrain Center, a 3,700-seat arena located in Laketown Park near Lake Pontchartrain.
The decision ends the franchise’s run as the Birmingham Squadron, which completed the 2025-26 G League season on March 27.
Pelicans governor Gayle Benson said the move reflects the organization’s effort to expand its regional basketball presence and connect with fans closer to New Orleans.
Kenner officials view the arrival of a professional basketball team as a step toward increased economic activity in the lakefront area.
City leaders expect the team’s presence to generate year-round traffic for nearby restaurants and retail businesses while strengthening Laketown Park as a regional destination.
As part of the relocation, the Pontchartrain Center will undergo upgrades before the 2026-27 season.
The renovations include new locker rooms, improved lighting and sound systems, and enhanced video boards designed to modernize the arena experience.
The NBA G League serves as the league’s official development system for players, coaches, referees, and front-office personnel.
At the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, a record-tying 51 percent of players on NBA rosters had G League experience.
By the end of the 2024-25 season, that figure had climbed to 61 percent, reflecting the league’s expanding role in player development.
The G League currently features 31 teams, with 30 directly affiliated with NBA franchises.
