What is the National Lacrosse League. How does the NLL compare to other professional lacrosse leagues. What are the key features and rules of indoor lacrosse. Which teams compete in the NLL. How has the league evolved since its founding in 1986.
The Origins and Evolution of the National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) stands as the premier professional indoor lacrosse league in North America. Founded in 1986, the league has undergone significant transformations over the decades, expanding its reach and solidifying its position in the sports landscape.
Initially comprising just four teams, the NLL has grown to include 13 franchises spread across the United States and Canada. This expansion reflects the increasing popularity of indoor lacrosse and the league’s commitment to bringing high-level competition to diverse markets.
Key Milestones in NLL History
- 1986: League founded as the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League
- 1988: Rebranded as the Major Indoor Lacrosse League (MILL)
- 1998: Adopted current name, National Lacrosse League
- 2018: Expanded to 11 teams
- 2021: Further expansion to 13 teams
Structure and Format of the NLL Season
The NLL operates on a unique schedule that sets it apart from many other professional sports leagues. The season typically begins in December and concludes with the championship finals in June, spanning approximately six months.
Teams are divided into three divisions: East, North, and West. This geographical distribution not only facilitates rivalries but also helps manage travel logistics for the teams.
NLL Season Format
- Regular season: 18 games per team
- Playoffs: Top teams from each division qualify
- Championship: Best-of-three series
How does the NLL playoff system work? The top three teams from the East and West divisions, along with the top two teams from the North division, qualify for the playoffs. This structure ensures intense competition throughout the regular season as teams vie for postseason berths.
Teams and Franchises in the National Lacrosse League
As of the 2021 season, the NLL boasts 13 teams spread across major cities in the United States and Canada. Each franchise brings its unique identity, fan base, and playing style to the league, contributing to the diverse and dynamic nature of the competition.
Current NLL Teams
- Buffalo Bandits
- Calgary Roughnecks
- Colorado Mammoth
- Georgia Swarm
- Halifax Thunderbirds
- New York Riptide
- Philadelphia Wings
- Rochester Knighthawks
- San Diego Seals
- Saskatchewan Rush
- Toronto Rock
- Vancouver Warriors
- Albany FireWolves
Which NLL team has the most championship titles? The Toronto Rock leads the pack with six championships, closely followed by the Buffalo Bandits with four titles. These storied franchises have played a significant role in shaping the league’s history and fostering intense rivalries.
The Unique Features of Indoor Lacrosse
Indoor lacrosse, also known as box lacrosse, differs significantly from its outdoor counterpart. The NLL has further refined the indoor game, implementing rules and regulations that enhance the sport’s speed, physicality, and scoring potential.
Key Aspects of NLL Indoor Lacrosse
- Smaller playing field: Typically set up in hockey arenas
- Six players per side (including goalie)
- 30-second shot clock
- Physical play allowed, including body checking
- Goalie equipment similar to ice hockey
How does the indoor format affect gameplay? The confined space and fast-paced nature of indoor lacrosse result in higher-scoring games, more frequent transitions, and a greater emphasis on quick decision-making and precise stick skills.
Player Development and Recruitment in the NLL
The National Lacrosse League serves as the pinnacle of professional indoor lacrosse, attracting top talent from across North America and beyond. Many players in the NLL have backgrounds in both field and box lacrosse, with the league providing a platform for them to showcase their skills at the highest level.
Pathways to the NLL
- College lacrosse (primarily field lacrosse)
- Junior box lacrosse leagues in Canada
- NLL Entry Draft
- Free agency
How does the NLL draft system work? The annual NLL Entry Draft allows teams to select top prospects from the college ranks and junior leagues. The draft order is determined by the previous season’s standings, with non-playoff teams receiving higher picks to promote competitive balance.
Media Coverage and Fan Engagement in the NLL
As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, the NLL has made significant strides in expanding its media presence and engaging with fans. The league has secured broadcast deals with major networks and leveraged digital platforms to reach a wider audience.
NLL Media Initiatives
- Television broadcasts on ESPN and TSN
- Streaming partnerships with B/R Live and Twitch
- Active social media presence across platforms
- NLL.com for news, statistics, and highlights
How has digital media impacted the NLL’s growth? The league’s embrace of streaming platforms and social media has allowed it to connect with younger audiences and lacrosse enthusiasts who may not have access to traditional broadcasts, fostering a more engaged and diverse fan base.
Comparing the NLL to Other Professional Lacrosse Leagues
While the National Lacrosse League stands as the premier indoor lacrosse competition, it’s important to understand how it relates to other professional lacrosse leagues. The landscape of professional lacrosse has evolved in recent years, with new leagues emerging to cater to different formats and markets.
Major Professional Lacrosse Leagues
- National Lacrosse League (NLL): Indoor lacrosse
- Premier Lacrosse League (PLL): Outdoor lacrosse, tour-based model
- Major League Lacrosse (MLL): Outdoor lacrosse (merged with PLL in 2020)
How does the NLL differ from outdoor lacrosse leagues? The most significant distinction lies in the playing format, with the NLL’s indoor game featuring unique rules, equipment, and gameplay dynamics. Additionally, the NLL operates on a winter-spring schedule, while outdoor leagues typically play in the summer months.
The Economic Impact and Business Model of the NLL
As a professional sports league, the National Lacrosse League operates on a business model that balances competitive integrity with financial sustainability. The league’s economic impact extends beyond game-day revenues, influencing local economies and contributing to the growth of the lacrosse industry.
Key Revenue Streams for NLL Teams
- Ticket sales and game-day concessions
- Corporate partnerships and sponsorships
- Merchandise sales
- Media rights and licensing
How do NLL franchises contribute to local economies? NLL teams often play in multi-purpose arenas, providing additional event dates and revenue opportunities for these venues. The presence of a professional lacrosse team can also boost tourism, create jobs, and stimulate local businesses on game days.
The National Lacrosse League continues to evolve and expand, solidifying its position as the premier indoor lacrosse competition in North America. With a rich history, unique gameplay, and a growing fan base, the NLL offers an exciting and dynamic sports experience. As the league looks to the future, it faces both challenges and opportunities in its quest to further popularize indoor lacrosse and establish itself as a major player in the professional sports landscape.
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The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL)
The Premier Lacrosse League was founded in 2019 by professional player Paul Rabil and his brother in the hopes of increasing the visibility of the sport by attracting more partners and to therefore allow players to make a living from playing the sport. This inaugural season in the summer of 2019 was a huge success, by attracting most of the best players in the world and partnering up with Adidas and NBC sports group.
In contrast to most leagues, the PLL features 7 teams of 26-player rosters which are not bound to one specific city. All teams travel to a new location every week to play the games over the weekend. There is no schedule overlap with the NLL and the NCAA to ensure that all players could finish their NLL season or graduate from college and then go on to play the PLL season (an unusual but existing problem in professional Lacrosse). The PLL season usually starts in May and finishes in September with play-offs to determine the Champion.
The PLL continuously tries to improve on the rules to make the sport more spectacular to watch on TV, such as by slightly reducing the size of the field, and by adding a 2-point arc closer to the goal.
More info on wiki or on their website!
The PLL team for the 2020 season |
The co-founder of the PLL Paul Rabil in blue playing for the Atlas LC |
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) – Indoor/Box Lacrosse
The National Lacrosse League was founded in 1986 and is comprised of 13 American and Canadian teams divided into three divisions (West, North and East). The league typically start in December and finishes with a play-offs in around April.
Interestingly, although 8 of the 13 teams are based in America, less than 7% of players are Americans. About 83% are Canadians and 10% are from Iroquois decent from either Canada or the USA (ref).
More info on wiki or on their website!
The teams and divisions of the 2019-2020 NLL season |
Curtis Dickson with the Calgary Roughnecks attempting a dive shot in the NLL |
NCAA D1 – National Collegiate Athletic Association
More info on wiki or on their website!
Major Lacrosse League (MLL)
The Major Lacrosse League is a field Lacrosse competition in the USA and was founded in 2001. The league currently has 6 active programs which play form late May to late September and conclude the season with a four-team play-off system.
The MLL was the first league to allow a 2 point-arc 15m away from the goal. The League also attempted only allow 3 long pole players instead of the usual 4 for few years (from its inception to 2008) to promote scoring opportunities.
More info wiki and on their website
National Lacrosse League – frwiki.wiki
The National Lacrosse League (or SDL ) is a North American professional boxing lacrosse league established in 1986 bearing the names Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League and then Major Indoor Lacrosse League ( MILL). In 1997 the league was renamed NLL. There are currently 9 teams in the league, including 5 in the United States and 4 in Canada, and are divided into two divisions (East and West). Unlike other lacrosse leagues that play during the summer, the NLL plays its games during the winter. Each year the teams that make it to the playoffs compete for the Champion’s Cup.
Summary
- 1 story
- 2 teams
- 2.1 Franchising
- 3 awards
- 3.1 EBPLL Champions
- 3.2 MILL Champions
- 3.3 NLL Champions (Champion’s Cup)
- 3.4 Number of cups won by each team
- 4 applications
- 4. 1 Related articles
- 4.2 External links
History
NLL was formed in 1997 from MILL (Major Indoor Lacrosse League). MILL was founded in 1986 as the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League. The first season began in January 1987 as the Eagle Pro Box lacrosse league. In May 1988, the league changed its name to the Major Indoor Lacrosse League (MILL) and the 1997 National Lacrosse League (NLL).
Teams
Separation | Team | City | Arena | based | Registered | Trainer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Is | Buffalo Bandits | Buffalo, New York | First Niagara Center | 1991 | 1992 | Troy cordingly |
Rochester Nighthawks | Rochester, New York | blue cross arena | 1995 | 1998 | Mike Hasen | |
Toronto Rock | Toronto, ON | Air Canada Center | 1998 | Matt Sawyer | ||
Georgia Roy | Duluth, Georgia | Endless energy arena | 2015 | 2016 | Ed Como | |
New England Black Wolves | Uncasville, Connecticut | Mohegan Sun Arena | 2014 | 2015 | Glenn Clark | |
Where | Colorado Mammoth | Denver, Colorado | Pepsi Center | 2003 | 2003 | Dan Stroup, Chris Gill and Pat Coyle |
Calgary Thugs | Calgary, AB | Pengrowth Saddledome | 2001 | Kurt Malawsky | ||
Saskatchewan Rush | Saskatoon, SC | SaskTel Center | 2005 | 2015 | Derek Keenan | |
Vancouver Warriors | Langley, British Columbia | Langley Events Center | 2000 | 2013 | Jamie Batley |
Team | Years |
---|---|
Boston Blazers | 1992–1997 |
Charlotte Kobras | 1996 |
Detroit Turbos | 1989–1994 |
New York Saints | 1989–2003 |
Pittsburgh Bulls | 1990–1993 |
Washington Wave | 1987–1989 |
Portland LumberJax | 2005–2009 |
Orlando Titans | 2009-2010 |
Logo from 1997 to 2016
Team | Years |
---|---|
Anaheim Storm | 2002–2005 |
Vancouver Ravens | 2001–2004 |
Franchise transfers
- Baltimore Thunder (1987–1999) → Pittsburgh CrosseFire (2000) → Washington Power (2001–2002) → Colorado Mammoth (2002–present)
- Saints of New Jersey (1987–1988) → Saints of New York (1989–2003) → Inactive
- New England Blazers (1989–1991) → Boston Blazers (1992–1997)
- Raiders of Ontario (1998) → Toronto Rock (1999-present)
- Syracuse Smash (1998–2000) → Ottawa Rebel (2000–2003) → Inactive → Edmonton Rush (2005–2015) → Saskatchewan Rush (2016–present)
- Attack d’Albany (1999–2003) → Stealth of San José (2004–2009) → Stealth of Washington (2010-2013) → Stealth of Vancouver (2014–present)
- Columbus Landsharks (2001–2003) → Arizona Sting (2003–2007)
- Montreal Express (2002) → Inactive → Minnesota Swarm (2004–2015) → Georgia Swarm (2016–present)
- New Jersey Storm (2002–2003) → Anaheim Storm (2003–2005) → Inactive
- New York Titans (2002–2009) → Orlando Titans (2009)–2010) → Inactive
- Philadelphia Wings (1986-2014) → New England Black Wolves (2015-present)
Awards
EBPLL Champions
Dated | Winner | Account | Finalist | Location | Viewers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baltimore Thunder | 11-10 | Washington Wave | |||
New Jersey Saints | 17–16 | Washington Wave |
MILL Champions
Dated | Winner | Account | Finalist | Location | Viewers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Philadelphia Wings | 11-10 | New York Saints | |||
Philadelphia Wings | 17-7 | New England Blazers | |||
Detroit Turbos | 14–12 | Baltimore Thunder | |||
Buffalo Bandits | 17-7 | Philadelphia Wings | |||
Buffalo Bandits | 13–12 | Philadelphia Wings | |||
Philadelphia Wings | 26-15 | Buffalo Bandits | |||
Philadelphia Wings | 14-15 | Rochester Nighthawks | |||
Buffalo Bandits | 13–12 | Philadelphia Wings | |||
Rochester Nighthawks | 15–12 | Buffalo Bandits |
NLL Champions (Champion’s Cup)
Dated | Winner | Account | Finalist |
---|---|---|---|
1998 | Philadelphia Wings | 2–0 | Baltimore Thunder |
1999 | Toronto Rock | 13–10 | Rochester Nighthawks |
2000 | Toronto Rock | 14–13 | Rochester Nighthawks |
2001 | Philadelphia Wings | 9-8 | Toronto Rock |
2002 | Toronto Rock | 13–12 | Albany attack |
2003 | Toronto Rock | 8–6 | Rochester Nighthawks |
2004 | Calgary Thugs | 14–11 | Buffalo Bandits |
2005 | Toronto Rock | 19–13 | Arizona Sting |
2006 | Colorado mammoth | 16–9 | Buffalo Bandits |
2007 | Rochester Nighthawks | 13-11 | Arizona Sting |
2008 | Buffalo Bandits | 14-13 | Portland LumberJax |
2009 | Calgary Thugs | 12-10 | New York Titans |
2010 | Washington Stealth | 15–11 | Toronto Rock |
2011 | Toronto Rock | 8-7 | Washington Stealth |
2012 | Rochester Nighthawks | 9-6 | Edmonton Rush |
2013 | Rochester Nighthawks | 11-10 | Washington Stealth |
2014 | Rochester Nighthawks | 3-2 | Calgary Thugs |
2015 | Edmonton Rush | 11-10 | Toronto Rock |
Number of Cups won per team
Teams | Chopped off | Finalist |
---|---|---|
Buffalo Bandits | 4 | 3 |
Rochester Nighthawks | 5 | 4 |
Toronto Rock | 6 | 3 |
Philadelphia Wings | 6 | 3 |
Colorado mammoth | 1 | 0 |
Calgary Thugs | 2 | 1 |
Edmonton Rush | 1 | 1 |
minnesota swarm | 0 | 0 |
Vancouver Warriors | 0 | 0 |
Applications
Related Articles
- Champion Cup
- National Lacrosse League All-Star Game
- Major League Lacrosse
External links
- (en) Official site
- (en) National Lacrosse League in Lacrosse Network
National Lacrosse League | |
---|---|
East Division | Buffalo Bandits · Georgia Swarm · New England Black Wolves · Rochester Nighthawks · Toronto Rock |
West Division | Calgary Thugs Colorado Mammoth Rush Saskatchewan Vancouver Warriors |
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