Los Angeles Kings Reinstate Pride Night for 2026-27 Season
The team reversed a previous decision to cancel the event following outreach from an advocacy organization.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Do you believe professional sports teams have a responsibility to host Pride Night events for fans?
The Los Angeles Kings have scheduled a Pride Night for the 2026-27 season after initially declining to hold the event. The change follows direct advocacy from the Coachella Valley Pride Hockey League, which contacted the team to discuss the impact of the initial cancellation.
Why it matters
The reinstatement highlights the role of local advocacy groups in influencing professional sports organizations regarding inclusive programming. The event is now confirmed for the current season, serving as a pivot from the team's earlier stance.
The Coachella Valley Pride Hockey League represents 60 players organized into 4 teams and annually hosts the Palm Springs International Pride Hockey Tournament. For the upcoming Pride Night on January 2, the Kings plan to distribute branded rally towels.
The players
Los Angeles Kings
This professional ice hockey team competes in the Pacific Division of the National Hockey League and plays its home games in Los Angeles.
Coachella Valley Pride Hockey League
This advocacy group is based in the Coachella Valley and supports regional participation in the sport through various teams and tournaments.
The details
Representatives from the Coachella Valley Pride Hockey League engaged in phone conversations with the front office of the Los Angeles Kings to advocate for the return of the event. The organization argued against the cancellation to persuade the franchise to host the evening.
Timeline
The Los Angeles Kings declined to host Pride Night during the 2025-26 season.
The Los Angeles Kings officially reinstated the Pride Night for the 2026-27 season.
The Los Angeles Kings will host their Pride Night on January 2, 2027.
Season Trajectory
This reinstatement alters the community engagement calendar for the Los Angeles Kings during the 2026-27 NHL season. The decision shifts the franchise's approach to local inclusivity initiatives compared to the prior season's competitive and promotional strategy.
Fans attending the January 2 game will receive rally towels distributed by the organization as part of the scheduled Pride Night festivities. This change ensures that the event is now active on the team's promotional schedule for the current season.
The takeaway
Advocacy groups can successfully influence corporate decisions in professional sports through direct communication with management. Proactive engagement remains a key tool for community stakeholders seeking to impact organizational programming.
Further reading
For more news on the league, see Los Angeles Hockey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Outsports.
Live Poll
Do you believe professional sports teams have a responsibility to host Pride Night events for fans?
