Birmingham Squadron Staff
NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that their NBA G League affiliate will relocate to Kenner, Louisiana, and rebrand as the Laketown Squadron.
“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,” said Pelicans Governor Gayle Benson. “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.”
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,” said Benson. “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 Birmingham Squadron recently completed the 2025-26 season on March 27.
As part of the relocation, the Squadron and the City of Kenner plan to complete a renovation to the Pontchartrain Center ahead of the 2026-27 season which 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,” stated Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars. “We are excited to announce this move and look forward to deepening our connection with the local community.”
The NBA G League serves to prepare players, coaches, officials, training and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s official minor league and research & development laboratory. To start the 2025-26 NBA season, a record-tying 51% (268 total) of NBA rostered players had NBA G League experience.
