Santa Cruz Warriors
The Santa Cruz Warriors are the NBA G League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors and have played in downtown Santa Cruz since 2012, when they brought professional basketball to the city for the first time. Playing at Kaiser Permanente Arena, the “Sea Dubs” have become deeply embedded in the community while also serving the G League’s developmental role—helping players, coaches, and staff make the leap to the NBA.
The team has also become an interesting example of how a professional sports franchise can function as a downtown institution. The Warriors have been named G League Franchise of the Year four times, while investing heavily in local partnerships, nonprofit support, volunteerism, community programming, and events that extend beyond basketball. Their success demonstrates how even a relatively small arena and minor-league team can create a strong civic identity and become part of the social and economic life of a downtown.