How did the merger between Major League Lacrosse and Premier Lacrosse League impact the sport. What are the key changes and benefits resulting from this historic merger. How will this unification affect players, fans, and the future of professional lacrosse.
The Merger Announcement: A Game-Changing Move in Professional Lacrosse
On December 16, 2020, the lacrosse world was shaken by a groundbreaking announcement: the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and Major League Lacrosse (MLL) were merging into a single entity. This historic move sent ripples through the sports community, promising to reshape the landscape of professional lacrosse in North America.
The merger brought together two leagues with distinct histories and approaches. MLL, founded in 2001, had been the traditional powerhouse of professional outdoor lacrosse for nearly two decades. On the other hand, the PLL, launched in 2019, had quickly gained attention with its innovative tour-based model and media-savvy approach.
Key Details of the Merger
- The merged entity will operate under the Premier Lacrosse League name
- PLL expands to eight teams, adding the Boston Cannons (rebranded as Cannons Lacrosse Club)
- Rights to other MLL teams retained for potential future expansion
- 2021 season to include games in former MLL markets
- Broadcasts to continue on NBC Sports
Expansion and Rebranding: The Birth of Cannons Lacrosse Club
One of the most significant outcomes of the merger was the expansion of the PLL from six to eight teams. The addition of the Boston Cannons, a storied franchise from the MLL, brought a rich history and passionate fan base to the new league.
The Cannons, however, didn’t simply transfer to the PLL unchanged. As part of the merger agreement, the team underwent a rebranding process, emerging as the Cannons Lacrosse Club. This rebrand symbolized the blend of tradition and innovation that the merger sought to achieve.
The Expansion Draft: Building the New Cannons
How will the Cannons Lacrosse Club build its roster in the new league? The PLL announced that an Expansion Draft would be held in 2021 to populate the team. This draft promised to be a pivotal moment, allowing the Cannons to select talent from across the merged player pool and establish their identity in the new league.
Player Transitions: Navigating New Waters
The merger naturally raised questions about the fate of players from both leagues. How would MLL players integrate into the PLL structure? The leagues addressed this concern by creating a transition plan for MLL players to enter the PLL Player Pool.
This process aimed to ensure that top talent from both leagues would have the opportunity to showcase their skills in the unified league. It also presented an exciting prospect for fans, who could look forward to seeing new matchups and team dynamics in the upcoming season.
Impact on Player Careers
For many players, the merger represented both opportunity and challenge. While it promised a more robust and potentially lucrative professional environment, it also meant increased competition for roster spots. How would this affect player development and career trajectories in professional lacrosse?
Market Expansion: Bringing Lacrosse to New Audiences
A key aspect of the merger was the commitment to expand the league’s reach. The PLL announced plans to include games in former MLL markets, ensuring that established fan bases would not be left behind in the transition.
This strategy aimed to combine the PLL’s tour-based model with the local market approach of the MLL, potentially creating a hybrid system that could maximize exposure and fan engagement across North America.
Commercial Opportunities in Major Markets
Sandy Brown, the former MLL Commissioner, highlighted the potential for growth in major markets. He noted that the commercial opportunities in these areas were “at their infancy,” suggesting that the merged league could tap into previously untapped revenue streams and fan bases.
Media Coverage and Broadcast Plans
One of the PLL’s strengths has been its media strategy, and the merger announcement confirmed that this would continue to be a focus. The league stated that the 2021 season would be broadcast on NBC Sports, maintaining the high-profile media presence that had helped the PLL gain traction in its first two years.
How will this continued emphasis on media coverage impact the sport’s growth? By ensuring wide accessibility through a major broadcast partner, the league positions itself to reach new audiences and solidify lacrosse’s place in the mainstream sports landscape.
Digital and Social Media Strategy
Beyond traditional broadcasts, how will the merged league leverage digital and social media platforms? The PLL has been known for its innovative use of social media to engage fans and promote players. Will this approach be amplified post-merger, potentially setting new standards for how professional sports leagues interact with their audience in the digital age?
Youth Development: Nurturing the Future of Lacrosse
The merger announcement included a commitment to developing youth lacrosse players in historical MLL communities. This focus on grassroots development could play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the sport.
By investing in youth programs, the league not only cultivates future talent but also builds a loyal fan base from the ground up. How will this emphasis on youth development shape the landscape of lacrosse at all levels in the coming years?
Community Engagement Initiatives
What specific programs or initiatives might the league implement to engage with young players and fans? Possibilities could include youth clinics led by professional players, school outreach programs, or partnerships with local lacrosse organizations. These efforts could be key in solidifying lacrosse’s position in communities across North America.
Financial Implications and Investor Confidence
While financial terms of the merger were not disclosed, the move was seen as a positive step for the economic viability of professional lacrosse. The PLL’s existing investors, including Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai, The Raine Group, and Creative Arts Agency, remained committed to the league post-merger.
This continued support from high-profile investors suggests confidence in the merged league’s potential for growth and profitability. How might this financial backing translate into improved resources for players, enhanced fan experiences, and overall league stability?
Potential for New Investments
Could the merger attract new investors to professional lacrosse? The combined strength of the two leagues, along with the sport’s growing popularity, might present an attractive opportunity for individuals or entities looking to invest in emerging sports properties.
The Future of Professional Lacrosse: Challenges and Opportunities
As the merged league looks to the future, it faces both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. The unification of the two major professional outdoor lacrosse leagues in North America creates a clear, singular path for the sport’s top talent and simplifies the landscape for fans and sponsors alike.
However, questions remain about how the league will balance its tour-based model with the need to cultivate local fan bases, how it will continue to innovate and grow the sport, and how it will compete in an increasingly crowded sports entertainment marketplace.
Potential for International Expansion
Could the merger pave the way for international growth of professional lacrosse? With a stronger, unified league in North America, there may be opportunities to explore exhibition games or even future expansion into markets such as Canada, Europe, or Asia, where lacrosse has a growing presence.
As the Premier Lacrosse League embarks on this new chapter, it carries with it the hopes and expectations of lacrosse players, fans, and stakeholders across the continent. The success of this merger could well determine the trajectory of professional lacrosse for years to come, potentially elevating the sport to new heights of popularity and commercial success.
Premier Lacrosse League Merging With Major League Lacrosse
Premier Lacrosse League Merging With Major League Lacrosse | USA Lacrosse Magazine
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Premier Lacrosse League Merging With Major League Lacrosse
Wed Dec 16 2020 | US Lacrosse | Pro
PLL
PHOTO COURTESY OF PLL
The Premier Lacrosse League is merging with Major League Lacrosse, according to a report from Scott Soshnick of Sportico shared on social media by the Premier Lacrosse League Twitter account. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The details on the merger: pic.twitter.com/Cxn4Sp1HMt
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) December 16, 2020
The PLL will expand to eight teams, adding the Boston Cannons. The Cannons will be rebranded as the Cannons Lacrosse Club, and the roster will be set after an Entry Draft. The PLL will retain the rights to the other five teams in the MLL for future expansion considerations.
Official League Statement: pic.twitter.com/5wD5uq81o3
— Major League Lacrosse (@MLL_Lacrosse) December 16, 2020
UPDATE, 11:00 a.m. EST
The Premier Lacrosse League has issued an official statement on the merger, which you can read in its entirety below.
LOS ANGELES — The Premier Lacrosse League (“PLL”) and Major League Lacrosse (“MLL”) have merged with subsequent season operations and activities to formally exist under the Premier Lacrosse League.
As part of the merger, the PLL will immediately expand to include the Boston Cannons as the PLL’s eighth team, under the rebranded name Cannons Lacrosse Club. The Cannons Lacrosse Club roster will be entirely selected through an Expansion Draft in 2021. Additionally, the PLL will retain the rights to all of the former MLL teams for future expansion considerations.
The PLL and MLL have created an internal team that will oversee the success of the transition, including: front office, team and player orientation; the 2021 season schedule, which will include former MLL team markets; and a long-term plan to develop youth lacrosse players in historical MLL communities.
In the coming months, details will be announced regarding the 2021 Expansion Draft, as well as more information on how transitioning MLL players may enter the PLL Player Pool.
MLL Commissioner, Sandy Brown, explained, “this merger only benefits the future of the game, for it combines the history of professional lacrosse with an innovative approach that has already accelerated the game’s growth. Further, the major market commercial opportunities are at their infancy. The runway for a combined effort is robust.”
PLL co-founder and CEO, Mike Rabil, responded saying, “the unification of PLL and MLL puts the game first by providing our athletes and fans a single destination for the best lacrosse in the world, across every medium, coming this Summer 2021 on NBC Sports. I can’t think of anything better and more exciting for the sport.”
PLL co-founder and CMO, Paul Rabil, stated, “the PLL and MLL partnership is a massive step forward for professional lacrosse.
Merging the two organizations and removing some of the challenges that athletes, sponsors and fans faced will undoubtedly advance the game forward. This one’s particularly nostalgic for me and a number of PLL players given that we began our careers and played in championship games with MLL prior to the PLL’s launch. Today and forever we share in that history and continue to build the future of pro lacrosse together.”
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Major League Lacrosse Merges With Premier Lacrosse League
The Premier Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse have merged to exist under one entity, which will be called the Premier Lacrosse League. MLL began play in 2001, while the PLL’s inaugural season was in 2019. (Sportico broke the news on Wednesday.)
The new PLL will expand to eight teams in 2021, with the addition of the Boston Cannons, which formerly competed in Major League Lacrosse and will rebrand as Cannons Lacrosse Club.
Premier Lacrosse League co-founder Paul Rabil has been nominated for SportTechie’s Outstanding Executive of 2020.
Additionally, the PLL will retain rights to the MLL’s five other clubs for future expansion considerations. The 2021 PLL season will broadcast on NBC Sports and include games played in former MLL team markets. Investors in the PLL include Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai, The Raine Group, and Creative Arts Agency.
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“Cannons” LC » AllLacrosse.
org
“Cannons” LC » AllLacrosse.org
17:38
01 September
The “Cannons” LC are a professional men’s field lacrosse team playing in the Premier Lacrosse League. The Cannons were the only Premier Lacrosse League team to compete at the professional level prior to the creation of the PLL.
The history of the franchise dates back to 2001, when the Boston Cannons was formed. The Boston Cannons took part in the MLL (Major Lacrosse League) until 2020, after which the VLL merged with the PLL, and the Boston Cannons became the 8th team in the Premier Lacrosse League from 2021. In order to comply with the League’s nomenclature, they had to remove the mention of the city from the team name and just keep “Cannons”.
Over the course of their MLL run, Boston has twice won the Steinfeld Cup, the trophy given to the season’s champion. The Guns won their first championship victory in 2011. Having beaten in the final “Hamilton Nationals” 10:9.
The Boston Cannons’ second championship came in the last season in Major Lacrosse League history.
In the 2020 final, the Denver Outlaws were defeated 13:10.
After the merger of the leagues, in 2021, it’s just “Cannons” started unsuccessfully, 3 wins with 6 losses and elimination in the quarterfinals from “Atlas” 9:13.
2022 has turned into a nightmare for the team. One win with 9 losses and as a result, not reaching the playoff stage.
Tags: cannons
Also recommended 2 9-09-2022, 13:09
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Mann Cup is a trophy awarded to Canadian men’s box lacrosse champions. This is a series of
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14 countries with official national sports
Sport is an integral part of the life of the citizens of every country on Earth. Every country plays some kind of sport, and every country has at least one sport that is considered an integral part of their culture and society. However, there are only 14 countries on Earth in which the national sport is de jure or established by law.
Countries and their national sports
Argentina – Pato
Argentina’s national sport, pato, is a game on horseback that combines elements of polo and basketball. In this game, two teams of four on horseback compete for possession of the ball and then score by throwing it over a vertical hoop. The earliest references to Pato date back to 1610, and the game has a turbulent and violent history.
A live duck was used instead of a ball, and it was not unusual for people to be trampled and fights to break out. Government regulations often banned the game from being played throughout most of the 18th century. At 19In the 1930s, Alberto del Castillo Posse developed the rules for organizing the game, and by 1953 the game had acquired enough legitimacy to become a national sport.
Bahamas – Sloop sailing
The national sport of the Bahamas is sloop sailing. He used a boat with one mast and bow and stern rigging, which was used only as a single head sail. Every year in the Bahamas, regattas are held, which are a series of boat races. During these regattas, sailors from all over the Bahamas, as well as international yachtsmen, come to showcase their sailing prowess. Sloop sailing has been the national sport of the Bahamas since 1993 years old
Bangladesh – Kabaddi
The national sport of Bangladesh Kabaddi is a contact sport that originated in ancient India.
In the international version of the sport, two teams of seven players occupy opposite parts of the field. Each team sends a raider to the half of the other team, who must mark the opponent’s players when he is holding his breath. The marked players should then attempt to capture the raider before it returns to their side, or hope it takes a breath before returning to their side. Kabaddi originated in various forms throughout the Indian subcontinent, but the modern standardized version of the sport did not appear until the early 1900s. In 1972, kabaddi became the national sport of Bangladesh.
Brazil – Capoeira
Brazil’s national sport, Capoeira is a martial art originating from Angola that combines elements of music, dance and acrobatics. The sport was developed in Brazil mainly among African slaves starting in the 16th century. After the abolition of slavery in Brazil in 1888, the capoeiristas began to use their skills as bodyguards, assassins, and groups to raid towns as Brazilian society despised them as former slaves.
K 1890, capoeira classes were banned. In 1932, Mestre Bimba founded the first school of luta regional bayana style capoeira, since capoeira was still illegal. By 1940, capoeira was legal in Brazil. In 1972, it was declared the national sport of Brazil.
Canada – lacrosse and ice hockey
Canada has a summer national sport of lacrosse and a winter national sport of ice hockey. In both games, the goal is to score by putting the ball/puck into the opponent’s goal and past your own goaltender. On the defensive side, you must prevent the other team from scoring a goal and getting possession of the ball / puck. Both lacrosse and ice hockey are known for being very physical games with lots of body contact. Lacrosse was developed by the indigenous peoples of North America as early as the 10th century, and by the 17th century it was well established. William George Beers founded the Montreal Lacrosse Club in 1855 and codified the game in 1867. By the 20th century, there was a lacrosse team at all levels throughout Canada.
Ice hockey developed from a simple stick and ball game played in the United Kingdom in the 18th century, but the modern version of the sport was developed in Canada. The first hockey game was played in 1875, followed by various amateur and professional leagues. Lacrosse and ice hockey were recognized as Canada’s national sports in 1994 year.
Chile – Chilean rodeo
Chile’s national sport is the Chilean rodeo. In this game, a team of two riders and their horses circle the arena in an attempt to stop a calf. Points are awarded each time a calf is correctly led around the arena pen. In their modern form, Chilean horses are the only species permitted for use, and riders must wear traditional dress. The Chilean rodeo began in the 16th century during the reign of the Spanish governor García Hurtado de Mendoza to help prevent the loss of livestock by collecting it. In memory of St. James, although this was later changed to commemorate St. Mark. By the end of the 17th century onwards, the sport began to become more regulated and popular.
K 19In 1961, the sport was regulated by the Chilean Rodeo Federation, and the following year, in 1962, it became the official national sport of Chile.
Colombia – Tejo
The national sport of Colombia is Tejo. It consists of throwing a metal disc across an alleyway about 65 feet (20 meters) away, trying to hit a metal pipe on a 3 by 3 feet (1 meter by 1 meter) board supported by a wooden frame and covered with clay, set under 45 degree angle. There is no generally accepted theory of the origin of tejo, but it is widely believed that the sport has its origins in the indigenous people of central Colombia. Modern tejo competitions are held in cities of all sizes, with highly organized tournaments and corporate sponsors, usually beer companies. Tejo became the official national sport of Colombia in 2000.
Iran – Polo, Wrestling and Varzesh-i Bastani
Iran has three national sports: polo, wrestling and Varzesh-i-bastani. Polo is a team sport played on horseback, the object of which is to score a goal by driving the ball into the opposing team’s goal with a long mallet.
The polo most likely originated in Iran, although the estimated date of its invention is somewhere between the 6th century BC and the 1st century AD. Wrestling is a type of martial arts between two participants that includes many wrestling techniques and is one of the oldest sports and martial arts. Wrestling has a long tradition and history in Iran and they are considered one of the elite nations in this sport. Varzesh-i bastani is a traditional Iranian athletics system that was originally used to train soldiers. It combines elements of music, martial arts, calisthenics, strength training and more. It combines elements of pre-Islamic Persian culture, Shiite Islam and Sufism. Polo, wrestling and varzesh-i-bastani were recognized as the national sports of Iran in 1976 year.
Mexico – Charreria
Mexico’s national sport in the charreria. Charreria is a competitive event similar to a rodeo and developed from the practice of animal husbandry in haciendas in Mexico. Competitors must wear traditional charro clothing and a saddle with a wider horn.
The charreria is held within a dedicated area of the arena, which hosts an event called “lienzo charro”. The charreria consists of nine scoring competitions which are held in a specific order for men and there is a precision equestrian competition called escaramuza for women which is the tenth event in the charreria. Competitors are judged on style and execution, and teams compete in state, regional, and national competitions. Prize money is not awarded to the winners as it is considered an amateur sport and is illegal under Mexican law. Charreria developed from traditions brought from Spain and was originally a competition between haciendas (estates). The modern version of the sport emerged after the Mexican Revolution to try and keep the charro tradition from dying out. Charreria became Mexico’s national sport at 1933 year.
Nepal – Dandi Biyo
National sport of Nepal in dandi biyo. In a dandy biyo, a wooden spike is placed across a four-inch hole in the ground. Then one player sticks one end of the stick into the hole and then holds the other end of the stick.
The players then hit the pin with their club to throw it up in the air while the fielders try to catch the pin. If the pin hits the turn, then the turn is over and if it falls to the ground, then the player plays to try to score a goal. Dandi Biyo is a game played mainly in the rural areas of Nepal and was at its peak in popularity among children in the late 20th century before the advent of modern technology. Dundee Billo became the national sport of Nepal at 1973 year.
Philippines – Arnis
The national sport of the Philippines is Arnis. Arnis is a martial art that emphasizes weapon-based fighting with sticks, bladed weapons, or other weapons. There are two main types of arnis and the Arnis Philippines (ARPI) system is practiced in the Philippines, which was established in 1986. The ARPI system uses uniform-lined sticks, and headgear and other additional armor is needed for protection. The scoring is overseen by several judges who determine if the shots are clean, the strength of the shots, the volume, and more.
A fighter can also score by disarming his opponent or forcing him out of the ring. The origin of Arnis can be traced back to pre-Hispanic Filipino tribes and kingdoms. Over the years, he has been influenced by Spanish swordsmanship and Chinese, Indian and Arab martial arts. Arnis has played a key role throughout the history of the Philippines and it’s wars. Arnis was declared the national sport of the Philippines in 2009.year.
Puerto Rico – Paso Fino
The national sport of Puerto Rico is Paso Fino. Paso Fino horses are descended from a mix of Spanish horses and time adapted to the topography of Puerto Rico. The first Paso Fino races are believed to have taken place in the 1790s and continued throughout the 19th century despite a ban by Governor Juan de la Pesula in the late 1840s. The sport continued in secrecy but eventually became legal again, although it was in decline by the 1930s. At 19In 43, the current Puerto Rico Paso Fino Equestrian Federation was founded to organize and disseminate information about this sport.
In 1966, paso fino was declared the national sport of Puerto Rico.
Sri Lanka – Volleyball
The national sport of Sri Lanka is volleyball. In volleyball, two teams of six players compete by throwing the ball back and forth over a net. The object of scoring a goal is to get the ball over the net without the other team hitting it and touching the ground. The origins of volleyball date back to Massachusetts in 1895, and from there it was later modified into a more modern form and spread to other countries around the world. Volleyball was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1916 by Columbia University director Robert W. Carmack. The Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation, which is the main governing body of the sport, was founded in 1951. In 1991, volleyball became the national sport of Sri Lanka.
Uruguay – Destrezas Criollas
The national sport of Uruguay is Destrezas Criollas. Instead of celebrating Easter, Uruguayans have a Creole week during which they remember and celebrate gauchos.
