The New Orleans Pelicans’ G League affiliate is moving closer to its parent team.

The Pelicans announced Monday morning that their G League team will be relocating from Birmingham, Alabama, to Kenner. The team will be rebranded as the Laketown Squadron.

The team has played in Birmingham since 2021. It played the two seasons before that in Pennsylvania as the Erie BayHawks. 

“We are proud to bring the Squadron and NBA G League basketball to the City of Kenner and Laketown Park,” Pelicans owner Gayle Benson said in a statement. “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.”

The Laketown Squadron will begin playing games at the Pontchartrain Center in the 2026-27 season beginning in the fall.

As part of the relocation, the Squadron and city of Kenner plan to complete a renovation of the Pontchartrain Center that will include new locker rooms, upgraded audio and lighting systems, and enhanced video boards. Capacity at the Pontchartrain Center is 3,700.

David Chaix, CFO for the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, said in a Kenner City Council meeting in February that relocating closer to New Orleans will make the operation more efficient while helping “deepen our organization’s investment in the local community.”

Plans to relocate have been going on for the past 18 months.

Joe Dumars, in his first year as the Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, gave a statement on the advantages of having the G League affiliate closer to New Orleans.

“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,” Dumars said. “We are excited to announce this move and look forward to deepening our connection with the local community.”

There are several benefits to the G League team being closer to New Orleans. Injured players can rehab with the G League team without having to make the 6½-hour drive to Birmingham. G League players also can share resources such as medical staff and training facilities. Coaches and front office personnel can attend more games. Also, attendance may improve.

The Birmingham Squadron played at Legacy Arena, where the capacity is 17,000. Attendance for Squadrons games in Birmingham dwindled over the years. The first game in 2021 drew a crowd of 5,000. Attendance at the team’s final game in Birmingham last Tuesday was 1,744.

“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.”