KENNER, La. (WBRC) – The New Orleans Pelicans announced today their NBA G League affiliate will relocate from Birmingham to Kenner, Louisiana, and rebrand as the Laketown Squadron.
The team is expected to begin play at the newly renovated Pontchartrain Center, located in Kenner’s Laketown Park, for the 2026-27 season.
“We are proud to bring the Squadron and NBA G League basketball to the City of Kenner and Laketown Park,” Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson said. “We thank Kenner Mayor Michael Glaser and the Kenner City Council for their partnership in making this move possible, and we look forward to growing our basketball fan base and investing in this vibrant, family-oriented community.”
Birmingham Squadron win final game of season(WBRC)
The Squadron and the City of Kenner plan to complete a renovation to the Pontchartrain Center ahead of the 2026-27 season. The renovation will include new locker rooms, upgraded audio and lighting systems, and enhanced video boards in the 3,700 seat facility.
“The close proximity to Kenner gives us the ability to better align our basketball operations and coaching strategies, integrate player development, and enhance roster flexibility throughout the season,” Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars said.
The Birmingham Squadron completed the 2025-26 season on March 27. The team had been in Birmingham since 2021.
“We are extremely grateful for the partnership we have built with the City of Birmingham including the fans, community partners, and civic leaders who supported the Squadron on and off the court,” Benson said. “Birmingham remains an important part of our region, and we thank Mayor Randall Woodfin and BJCC CEO Tad Snider for their leadership and support through this transition.”
Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC)(WBRC)
Kenner Mayor Michael Glaser said the relocation represents an economic development opportunity for the city.
“We thank Mrs. Benson and the Pelicans organization for their investment because it aligns with our broader strategy to activate Kenner’s key assets, drive foot traffic, and support local businesses,” Glaser said. “Bringing a professional sports organization to our lakefront will generate consistent activity, create new revenue opportunities for surrounding businesses, and further position Laketown as a destination within the regional economy.”
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