How will ESPN cover the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship. What is the extent of ESPN’s NCAA lacrosse coverage for the 2022 season. Can Virginia and Boston College defend their titles in men’s and women’s lacrosse.
ESPN’s Exclusive Coverage of 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship
ESPN has secured the exclusive television rights for the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship, set to take place in San Diego, California. This groundbreaking agreement will see all 107 games of the championship aired across ESPN platforms in the United States and distributed to a record 185+ territories via ESPN International.
Coverage Highlights
- Six games will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPNU in the U.S.
- All 107 games will be available on ESPN+
- International distribution includes TSN in Canada, ESPN Player in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and various ESPN channels in Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, and the Caribbean
The championship will feature the top 30 men’s national teams globally, including many star players from the Premier Lacrosse League and National Lacrosse League. The event structure includes five days of pool play followed by playoffs, culminating in the medal games.
Key Broadcast Dates and Matches
- June 21: Tournament opener – USA vs Canada (ESPN2, 7 p.m. PT)
- June 28: Quarterfinal featuring USA if they advance (ESPNU, 7 p.m. PT)
- June 29: Both semifinals (ESPN2, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. PT)
- July 1: Bronze medal game (ESPNU, 1 p.m. PT) and Gold medal game (ESPN2, 4 p.m. PT)
Commentary Team
ESPN has assembled a seasoned team of commentators for the main broadcasts, including:
- Play-by-play: Chris Cotter and Anish Shroff
- Analysts: Paul Carcaterra and Quint Kessenich
Additional commentators will cover the remaining 101 games, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the entire tournament.
ESPN’s Expanded NCAA Lacrosse Coverage for 2022 Season
ESPN has significantly increased its coverage of NCAA lacrosse for the 2022 season, offering the most extensive broadcast schedule to date for both men’s and women’s lacrosse.
Women’s Lacrosse Coverage
- 9 games on ESPNU
- 20 games on ACC Network
Men’s Lacrosse Coverage
- 46 games across ACC Network, ESPNU, and ESPN2
This expanded coverage demonstrates ESPN’s commitment to growing the sport’s visibility and accessibility to fans across the country.
Key Matchups and Season Openers
The 2022 NCAA lacrosse season kicks off with several exciting matchups:
- Men’s: Robert Morris vs (3) Duke – February 4, 5 PM EST on ACC Network
- Men’s: Jacksonville vs (19) Johns Hopkins – February 5, 12 PM EST
- Women’s: (23) Michigan vs (5) Notre Dame – February 13, 6 PM EST
These early-season games will set the tone for what promises to be an action-packed year in college lacrosse.
Defending Champions: Virginia (Men’s) and Boston College (Women’s)
As the 2022 season begins, all eyes are on the defending champions. Can they maintain their dominance and secure back-to-back titles?
Virginia Men’s Lacrosse
The Virginia Cavaliers are poised for a potential three-peat, which would be the first since Princeton’s run from 1996-98. Their roster looks formidable with many returning starters and the addition of Griffin Schultz, the top-rated freshman recruit.
Boston College Women’s Lacrosse
The Eagles’ chances of repeating are bolstered by the return of star player Charlotte North for her graduate year. However, they face an early test against (4) Northwestern Wildcats, setting the stage for an intense battle for supremacy in women’s college lacrosse.
Impact of Expanded Coverage on Lacrosse’s Popularity
The increased television coverage by ESPN for both international and collegiate lacrosse is likely to have a significant impact on the sport’s popularity. How might this expanded visibility affect lacrosse’s growth?
- Wider audience reach: More games on national television expose the sport to new viewers
- Increased fan engagement: Regular coverage allows fans to follow their favorite teams and players more closely
- Youth participation: Greater visibility often leads to increased participation at youth levels
- Sponsorship opportunities: More airtime can attract new sponsors to the sport
This comprehensive coverage strategy by ESPN could be a pivotal moment in lacrosse’s journey towards becoming a mainstream sport in the United States and beyond.
Emerging Stars and Teams to Watch in 2022
While defending champions naturally draw attention, the 2022 season promises to showcase emerging talent and potentially surprising teams. Who are some of the players and programs that could make a significant impact this year?
Men’s Lacrosse
- Chris Gray (North Carolina): The senior attackman is coming off a stellar 2021 season and could lead the Tar Heels to new heights
- Georgetown: After a strong 2021 campaign, the Hoyas are looking to cement their place among the elite programs
- Pat Kavanagh (Notre Dame): The junior attackman’s playmaking abilities make him a player to watch
Women’s Lacrosse
- Jamie Ortega (North Carolina): The fifth-year attacker is poised for another dominant season
- Stony Brook: The Seawolves have been knocking on the door of greatness and could breakthrough this year
- Belle Smith (Boston College): The sophomore midfielder looks to build on her impressive freshman campaign
These players and teams, among others, will be worth following closely as the season unfolds.
Technological Advancements in Lacrosse Broadcasting
With ESPN’s increased investment in lacrosse coverage, it’s worth exploring how technological advancements might enhance the viewing experience. What innovations can fans expect to see in lacrosse broadcasts?
- Enhanced analytics: Real-time statistics and performance metrics displayed during games
- Player tracking: Technology to track player movements and speeds on the field
- 360-degree replays: Multi-angle replay systems for crucial plays and goals
- Virtual reality experiences: Potential for VR viewing options for a more immersive fan experience
These technological improvements could revolutionize how fans engage with lacrosse broadcasts, providing a more interactive and informative viewing experience.
International Growth and Olympic Aspirations
The extensive international coverage of the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship highlights the sport’s global ambitions. How might this expanded reach impact lacrosse’s Olympic aspirations?
- Increased global participation: More countries exposed to high-level lacrosse could lead to growth in international programs
- Standardization of rules: International competitions may drive efforts to standardize rules across different versions of the sport
- Olympic committee attention: Wider global reach could strengthen lacrosse’s case for inclusion in future Olympic Games
- Investment in development: Countries may increase funding for lacrosse programs to compete on the international stage
The sport’s governing bodies will likely use this increased visibility to push for lacrosse’s inclusion in future Olympic Games, potentially as soon as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
As lacrosse continues to evolve and grow, the combination of expanded media coverage, technological advancements, and international development sets the stage for an exciting future. Fans and players alike can look forward to a new era of accessibility and engagement with this dynamic sport.
ESPN to televise all 107 games of 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship
ESPN will serve as the exclusive television partner of the upcoming 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship presented by Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California. All 107 games of the world championship will be carried on ESPN platforms in the U.S., and in a record 185+ territories via ESPN International.
Coverage will be highlighted by six games across ESPN2 and ESPNU in the U.S. – with all 107 airing on ESPN+ – as well as the widest international distribution to-date for a WL championship, as follows:
- United States // ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+
- Canada // TSN, TSN+
- Europe, Middle East, Africa // ESPN Player
- Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands // ESPN, ESPN2, Watch ESPN
- Latin America North // ESPN3 North, ESPN Extra
- Latin America South, Brazil // Star+
- Caribbean // ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Play
- China // Star Sports (hotels)
The championship will feature the top 30 men’s national teams in the world, including many of the marquee players from the Premier Lacrosse League and National Lacrosse League.
The event will include five days of pool play, followed by playoffs comprising a first round, quarterfinals, semifinals and medal games.
Coverage will kick off with the June 21 tournament opener between the U.S. and Canada. The game will be the long-awaited rematch of the gold medal showdown from the last men’s championship (2018), and will air live on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. PT. TSN will also carry the game, one of seven matches to air live in Canada on the main network in addition to extensive coverage on TSN+.
ESPN2 will also carry both semifinals on June 29 (5 and 8 p.m. PT), as well as the title game on July 1 (4 p.m. PT). ESPNU coverage will include a quarterfinal on June 28 (7 p.m. PT) – featuring the U.S. if the team advances – and the bronze medal game on July 1 (1 p.m. PT).
The commentator roster for the ESPN2/ESPNU games includes Chris Cotter and Anish Shroff as play-by-play announcers, and Paul Carcaterra and Quint Kessenich as analysts. All four are returning after covering the event in 2018.
They will be joined by Ralph Bednarczyk, Joe Beninati, Brad Challoner, Jake Elliott, Teddy Jenner, AJ Kanell, Courtney Martinez Connor, Nick Ossello and Cooper Perkins for the remaining 101 games.
ESPN’s coverage of the men’s championship is part of a multi-year partnership signed in 2022.
World Lacrosse will offer additional live streaming coverage in select international markets. Information can be found at WorldLacrosse.sport/SanDiego2023.
| Date | Match-Up | Time | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 21 | USA vs CAN Anish Shroff, Quint Kessenich | 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT | ESPN2/ESPN+ |
| June 28 | Quarterfinal (featuring USA if the team advances) Chris Cotter, Paul Carcaterra | 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT | ESPNU/ESPN+ |
| June 29 | Semifinal Anish Shroff, Quint Kessenich | 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT | ESPN2/ESPN+ |
| Semifinal Chris Cotter, Paul Carcaterra | 11 p. m. ET/8 p.m. PT | ESPN2/ESPN+ | |
| July 1 | Bronze Medal Game Anish Shroff, Quint Kessenich Studio: Chris Cotter, Paul Carcaterra | 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT | ESPNU/ESPN+ |
| Gold Medal Game Anish Shroff, Quint Kessenich Studio: Chris Cotter, Paul Carcaterra | 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT | ESPN2/ESPN+ |
ESPN Launches NCAA Lacrosse TV Schedule and 2022 Season Preview — Pro Sports Fanatics
Written By Guest User
ESPN released its TV schedules for Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse yesterday, and it is the most extensive coverage ever for the sport. On the women’s side, nine on ESPNU and 20 on ACC Network; on the men’s side, 46 games will be aired on TV across ACC Network, ESPNU and ESPN2.
The men’s season will launch with Fri. Feb. 4 at 5 PM EST on ACC Network as Robert Morris takes a trip down to Durham to face the (3) Duke Blue Devil.
The action will continue on Sat. Feb. 5 at 12 PM EST as John Galloway’s Jacksonville Dolphins, from Duval County, will head up to Homewood to face (19) Johns Hopkins Bluejays. On the women’s side, a top 25 match-up is in store on Feb. 13 at 6 PM EST as (23) Michigan Wolverines take a quick trip to South Bend to take on (5) Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
With all this hype for a normal season, there are few names and headlines to watch this season.
Can Virginia (MLAX) and Boston College (WLAX) come up on top again?
With the return of Charlotte North for a graduate year and Virginia looking stacked as ever, both programs have high expectations and a huge target on their backs. Virginia could be the first to three-peat since Princeton in 1996-98. The Cavaliers have many returning starters, while adding on Griffin Schultz, the number one rated overall freshman. As for Boston College, they have a tough first test as (4) Northwestern Wildcats come into town looking to be back on top.
Charlotte North celebrating a goal. (Sports Illustrated)
2. The ACC: Who will come out on top?
The power is surging back to the ACC, as all teams rank in the preseason Top 20, with Virginia, Duke, Notre Dame, and North Carolina all in the Top 10. Syracuse is in Top 15 at #12, yet expectations are high with Gary Gait and Dave Pietramala at the helm. Every game should be a nail bitter with a lot of offensive explosions.
3. Will Chris Grey finally win the Tewaaraton?
For the past few years, North Carolina’s Chris Grey has always been the nod for the Tewaaraton, yet he has never come home with the hardware. Will 2022 be the year he wins? Expectations are high for him and the Tarheels, who are looking to capitalize after losing in the semi-finals on Memorial Day Weekend.
Chris Grey looks to the North Carolina bench after a great offensive set during 2021 national semifinals (North Carolina Men’s Lacrosse).
