It is a relocation of the existing Norfolk Admirals AHL franchise, joining several other AHL franchises to form a new AHL Pacific Division in California.
On January 6, 2015, it was announced that Norfolk will move to an unknown location on the west coast, most likely to stay close to their NHL affiliate, the Anaheim Ducks. It was later reported that they will move to San Diego.
On January 29, 2015, the Ducks confirmed the Admirals' relocation to San Diego to become the newest incarnation of the San Diego Gulls.[1] An Admirals team will be replaced in Norfolk with the relocated Bakersfield Condors and play in the ECHL.