San Diego Gulls

What San Diego Gulls does

San Diego Gulls Hockey Club, LLC is a privately held American Hockey League (AHL) franchise founded in 2015 and operating as the primary development affiliate of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks. The club plays its home schedule at Pechanga Arena San Diego in Mission Valley and is wholly owned by OCVIBE, the Samueli family sports and entertainment conglomerate that also controls the Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center. The Gulls generate revenue across four principal streams: ticket sales (single-game, Gulls Elite season ticket memberships with up to 35-40% savings, mini-plans, and group tickets), merchandise sales via a Shopify storefront, corporate sponsorships, and in-arena concessions and parking.

The franchise operates a multi-platform consumer engagement stack including the AXS-powered Gulls mobile app (redesigned in 2024) for ticketing and content, AHLTV streaming on FloHockey for game broadcasts, and the Gulls Audio Network on iHeartRadio for 24/7 audio coverage. The From The Nest podcast, social media channels, and a Gulls Bar Network of partner venues (Fairplay, San Diego Brewing Co., Rockin' Baja, etc.) extend reach beyond arena attendees. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via the arena box office, the AXS platform, the Gulls mobile app, and dedicated season-ticket account representatives; the B2B corporate partnership program is sold by an in-house sales team and serves 25+ named partners across healthcare, financial services, F&B, and home services.

The organization's community footprint includes the San Diego Gulls Foundation (over $1 million in cumulative community contributions), the Reading is the Goal literacy program (300+ classrooms in 2025-26), and a portfolio of free youth and adult hockey development programs (Kids Learn to Play for ages 4-12, Adult Learn to Play, Warrior Hockey for military and first responders, and San Diego Ducks Sled Hockey) operated across three ice facilities in Poway, Carlsbad, and San Diego, with a fourth Escondido site under MOU exploration as of June 2026. Customer segments include individual hockey fans, corporate partners, youth and amateur hockey players, and community nonprofits. The business model is fundamentally a single-venue, season-bound live entertainment operation diversified across subscription (Gulls Elite), transactional (single-game, merchandise), recurring partnership (sponsorships), and concession revenue.

Name

San Diego Gulls

Legal name

San Diego Gulls Hockey Club, LLC

Website

https://sandiegogulls.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

San Diego Gulls is a privately held AHL professional hockey franchise and the primary development affiliate of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks, operating at Pechanga Arena San Diego and serving fans, corporate sponsors, and youth hockey participants across San Diego County.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Sports Entertainment

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Spectator Sports (71121)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Franchise Ownership Groups & Multi-Club Organizations (Multi-team owners, holding companies) (MPAKABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sports Community Relations & Grassroots Program Management (MPAKAKAJ), Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK)

Keywords

• Professional ice hockey
• Minor league sports
• Live sports entertainment
• Youth hockey development
• Corporate sports sponsorship

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue from single-game tickets, Gulls Elite season ticket memberships, mini-plans, and group tickets sold through AXS ticketing platform and Pechanga Arena San Diego.
2. Merchandise Sales: Sale of jerseys, collectibles, hats, and other branded merchandise through the official online store (san-diego-gulls-gear.myshopify.com) and at arena events.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Partnership packages sold to corporate partners providing marketing exposure through game sponsorship, signage, promotions, social media, website placements, player/mascot appearances, and charitable initiatives.
4. Concessions and Parking: Food, beverage, and parking revenue generated during home games at Pechanga Arena San Diego.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The San Diego Gulls operate a professional ice hockey franchise in the American Hockey League (AHL), serving as the primary development affiliate of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks. The club sells live game tickets (single-game, season memberships, mini-plans, group tickets), branded merchandise, streaming and audio content, and operates youth hockey development programs. The organization also monetizes marketing exposure through corporate partnerships and sponsorships tied to game nights and community events.

Product overview

San Diego Gulls is an American Hockey League (AHL) team and the primary developmental affiliate of the NHL's Anaheim Ducks. The organization operates as a multi-platform sports entertainment company offering: game attendance and ticketing via AXS, streaming via AHLTV on FloHockey and Gulls Audio Network on iHeartRadio, an official mobile app, the Gulls Elite season ticket membership program with exclusive experiences, community hockey development programs (Kids Learn to Play, Adult Learn to Play, Warrior Hockey, Sled Hockey), the From The Nest podcast, the Reading Is The Goal literacy program, a Gulls Bar Network partnership program, and corporate marketing partnerships. The products span live sports entertainment, digital streaming, mobile technology, and community engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gulls Elite: Premier season ticket holder membership program featuring exclusive benefits, experiences, and priority access for San Diego Gulls fans.
• Gulls Bar Network

Products and services

• Gulls Elite Season Ticket Membership Annual season ticket membership program for San Diego Gulls fans, providing access to all home games with tiered benefits including discounted pricing, free parking pass, flexible exchanges, VIP Stella Artois Lounge access, and exclusive member experiences such as post-game ice skating, Zamboni rides, and player meet-and-greets.
• Single Game Tickets Per-game admission tickets for individual San Diego Gulls regular season and playoff home games, sold through the AXS online and mobile platform and at the Pechanga Arena San Diego box office.
• Mini Plans Partial season ticket packages allowing fans to purchase a flexible set number of games rather than committing to a full season, designed for fans who want multi-game access at a discount.
• Group Tickets Group ticket packages for organizations, corporations, and groups of friends attending Gulls games together, with dedicated sales representatives for group bookings.
• San Diego Gulls Merchandise Official team merchandise including jerseys, apparel, collectibles (pucks, pins, tumblers), hats, plushies, and accessories sold through the online Shopify store and at Pechanga Arena San Diego on game days.
• Gulls Mobile App Official San Diego Gulls mobile application for iOS and Android that integrates AXS ticketing (buy, sell, transfer, manage), Gulls Audio Network streaming, AHLTV access, team news, and customizable push notifications for fans.
• Gulls Bar Network Membership program for bars and restaurants to host official Gulls watch parties, receiving AHLTV subscriptions and promotional materials to broadcast Gulls games to fans outside the arena.
• Kids Learn to Play Hockey Free introductory hockey program for first-time players ages 4-12, providing full equipment, professional instruction, and skating lessons at multiple San Diego area rinks (Poway ICE, Ice Realm Carlsbad, San Diego Ice Arena).
• Adult Learn to Play Hockey Free introductory hockey program for adult beginners providing instruction on skating and hockey fundamentals, with loaner equipment and free skate rentals available at partner San Diego rinks.
• Warrior Hockey Free hockey clinic for active and retired military members and first responders, providing all necessary equipment at no cost as part of the team's community programming.
• San Diego Ducks Sled Hockey Sled hockey program for disabled athletes offering youth and adult teams based at The Rinks - Poway ICE, providing equipment and instruction for adaptive hockey participation.
• From The Nest Podcast Official San Diego Gulls team podcast hosted by broadcaster Aaron Cooney featuring exclusive player interviews, team news, and behind-the-scenes coverage, distributed on Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart.
• Gulls Audio Network 24/7 audio streaming network on iHeartRadio featuring all Gulls game broadcasts with pregame and postgame coverage plus historical game recordings, available free on mobile apps, car systems, and smart speakers.
• Reading Is The Goal Digital literacy program for elementary school classrooms across San Diego County, encouraging student reading with rewards based on participation and achievement milestones.
• Corporate Partnership Program Marketing partnership offering for corporate sponsors providing in-arena signage, game-night sponsorships, digital and social media exposure, player and mascot appearances, and co-branded community initiatives.

Quantifiable outcome

• Gulls Elite members save 35-40% compared to single-game prices
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• JMG SecurityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing security services. Listed among the San Diego Gulls official corporate partners with logo displayed on partnership page.
• Rady Children's HospitalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor community partner and sponsor. Rady Children's logo appears prominently on the website as a key partner supporting the team and community initiatives.
• iHeartMedia / iHeartRadiocoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides the Gulls Audio Network - a 24/7 streaming audio platform on iHeartRadio for game broadcasts, pregame/postgame shows, and historical content. Strategic media partnership for game coverage.
• FloHockey / FloSportscoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides AHLTV streaming platform for watching all Gulls games home and away. Gulls Elite members receive complimentary access as a membership benefit.
• AXScoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial ticketing platform partner providing digital ticketing, ticket transfers, and mobile ID access for Gulls games at Pechanga Arena San Diego.
• San Diego 760 Sports / iHeartminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRadio broadcast partner for San Diego Gulls coverage. Listed among corporate partners.
• Sharp (SBS)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing broadcasting/video equipment or services. Listed among San Diego Gulls corporate partners.
• A Bridge for KidsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNonprofit corporate partner focused on children's causes. Listed among community-focused corporate partners.
• V-GROUPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner displayed on the San Diego Gulls partnership page.
• Pacific RecordsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner listed on the San Diego Gulls partnership page.
• Rockin' BajaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestaurant partner. Listed among Gulls Bar Network partners and corporate sponsors.
• Baata FulkersonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner listed on the San Diego Gulls partnership page.
• Synergy OrthopedicsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare partner providing orthopedic services. Listed among corporate partners.
• TCS (Transportation Communication Systems)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing transportation-related services. Listed on partnership page.
• Soapy Joe's Car WashminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal car wash chain partner. Listed among San Diego Gulls corporate partners.
• Mason Ale WorksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCraft brewery partner producing team-themed beverages. Listed as corporate partner and supporter.
• LineageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner listed on the San Diego Gulls partnership page.
• Bill Howe Plumbing, Heating & AirminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal service company and Fan Appreciation Night presenter. Listed among corporate partners.
• ViejasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGaming/entertainment partner. Listed among San Diego Gulls corporate partners.
• Bulkhead EnergyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEnergy services partner. Listed among corporate partners on partnership page.
• Dalton MotorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner listed on the San Diego Gulls partnership page.
• Whissel Beer Group / San Diego Home FinderminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeer distributor partner. Listed among corporate partners.
• Cal Coast CU (CCCU)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCredit union partner providing financial services. Listed as sponsor for High Five Tunnel experience.
• ElfsterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner listed on the San Diego Gulls partnership page.
• Renewal By AndersenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHome improvement partner. Listed among San Diego Gulls corporate partners.
• Fox 5 San DiegominorGTM or Marketing PartnerBroadcast partner providing television coverage and exposure for San Diego Gulls. Displayed as a sponsor on the website.
• The Rinks FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Rinks operates ice facilities in San Diego where Gulls community programs (Learn to Play, Sled Hockey, Warrior Hockey) are conducted. Partnership includes plans for new Escondido ice facility at Kit Carson Park.
• Anaheim DuckscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNHL parent club and affiliate. The Anaheim Ducks own and operate the San Diego Gulls as their primary AHL development affiliate. Players are assigned between organizations for development purposes.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Henderson Silver Knights: AHL Pacific Division affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights. Operates a comparable entertainment-focused franchise model with multi-stream revenue, premium membership programs, and NHL-development focus.
• Tucson Roadrunners: AHL Pacific Division affiliate of the Utah Hockey Club. Competes in the same division as the Gulls with shared NHL-development objectives, AHLTV broadcasts, and minor-league ticketing/membership economics.
• Ontario Reign: AHL team operating in the Pacific Division from Ontario, CA as the LA Kings affiliate. Closest direct geographic peer (also Southern California) competing in the same arena, season, and rival games, with similar SoCal fan demographic.
• Calgary Wranglers: AHL Pacific Division affiliate of the Calgary Flames. Direct divisional opponent sharing the same season schedule, broadcast platform, and player-development feeder model to an NHL parent club.
• Coachella Valley Firebirds: Pacific Division AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken. Direct divisional rival with shared scheduling, similar market development context as a newer franchise, and equivalent ESPN-tier minor league operations.
• Bakersfield Condors: AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and Pacific Division member. Competes directly in the same Western Conference calendar and against the Gulls in Pacific Division standings, with similar town-size market dynamics.
• San Jose Barracuda: AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks based in California. Operates in the same Pacific Division, sharing the same AHLTV/FloHockey broadcast platform and competing for California-based hockey fans and corporate sponsors.
• Abbotsford Canucks: AHL Pacific Division affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks. Shares divisional scheduling, comparable ticket/membership/sponsorship products, and the same AHL-wide streaming and merchandise platforms as the Gulls.

Broad incumbents

• Anaheim Ducks: NHL parent club that owns and operates the San Diego Gulls as its primary AHL development affiliate. The Ducks share the same ownership (Samueli/OCVIBE), drive shared branding, and serve as the development pipeline; the Gulls' roster churn mirrors Ducks roster decisions.

Others

• The Rinks Foundation: Operates the Poway ICE, Ice Realm Carlsbad, and San Diego Ice Arena facilities where the Gulls run all Learn to Play, Sled Hockey, and Warrior Hockey programs. Strategic community/operational partner enabling grassroots hockey development.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sdgullsahl
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCS3hmiYbz6TJGraBkzHXnzQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/sdgullsahl
• Instagraminstagram.com/sdgullsahl
• TikToktiktok.com/@sdgullsahl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/san-diego-gulls

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about San Diego Gulls