Premier Lacrosse League
{{Short description|American professional field lacrosse league}}
{{distinguish|National Lacrosse League}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox sports league
| logo = Premier Lacrosse League logo.svg
| logo_size = 170px
| title = Premier Lacrosse League
| current_season = 2025 Premier Lacrosse League season
| last_season = 2024 Premier Lacrosse League season
| upcoming_season = 2025 Premier Lacrosse League season
| sport = Field lacrosse
| President = Paul Rabil
| founded = 2018
| headquarters = El Segundo, California
| inaugural = 2019
| teams = 8
| countries = {{USA}}
| champion = Utah Archers
(2nd title)
(2024)
| champ_season =
| most_champs =
| most successful club = Maryland Whipsnakes
Utah Archers
(2 titles each)
| founder = Mike Rabil, Paul Rabil
| website = {{URL|https://premierlacrosseleague.com/}}
}}
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) is a professional field lacrosse league in the United States. The league comprises eight teams.{{Cite web |last=PLL |date=2022-07-22 |title=The Premier Lacrosse League shows growth across core channels through All-Star Break |url=https://premierlacrosseleague.com/articles/the-premier-lacrosse-league-shows-growth-across-core-channels-through-all-star-break |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=Premier Lacrosse League |language=en-US}} Its inaugural season debuted on June 1, 2019, and included a 14-week tour-based schedule taking place in 12 major-market cities.{{cite magazine |first=Matt |last=DaSilva |url=https://www.uslaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/paul-rabil%E2%80%99s-premier-lacrosse-league-launches |title=Paul Rabil's Premier Lacrosse League Launches |magazine=US Lacrosse Magazine |date=October 22, 2018}} The league was founded by the American professional lacrosse player Paul Rabil and his brother Mike Rabil. Investors include the Chernin Group, the Raine Group and Joseph Tsai.{{cite news |last1=Soshnick |first1=Scott |title=Rabil's Lacrosse League Gets Investment From Alibaba Billionaire |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-12/rabil-s-lacrosse-league-gets-investment-from-alibaba-billionaire |access-date=22 July 2019 |work=Bloomberg |date=February 12, 2019 |language=en}}
History
In September 2018, Bloomberg reported that Paul Rabil would be launching a new professional lacrosse league. The PLL would be a direct competitor to the more established Major League Lacrosse. The new league will provide professional lacrosse players with salaries, health care, and league equity.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-22/wall-street-s-lacrosse-fraternity-backs-rabil-s-upstart-league|title=Wall Street's Lacrosse Fraternity Backs Rabil's New League|access-date=8 June 2019|work=Bloomberg |date=October 22, 2018|first1=Scott|last1=Soshnick|first2=Ira|last2=Boudway}} By October 2018, 140 players had been signed by the PLL. Of the 140 players are 86 All-Americans, 25 members of the U.S. national team, and 10 former Tewaaraton Award winners.{{cite press release |title=Premier Lacrosse League Announces 140-Plus Player List |url=https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/premier-lacrosse-league-announces-140-plus-player-list/53201 |work=Inside Lacrosse |date=October 22, 2018 |access-date=July 22, 2019}}{{cite news |title=Premier Lacrosse League introduced: Players, media deal, funding all announced |url=https://www.collegecrosse.com/2018/10/22/18008872/premier-lacrosse-league-professional-pro-paul-rabil-kyle-harrison-nbc-sports-pll-mll |work=College Crosse |publisher=SB Nation |access-date=July 22, 2019 |date=October 22, 2018 |first=Chris |last=Jastrzembski}} By December the league had signed 17 additional players.{{Cite press release |url=https://insidelacrosse.com//article/pll-announces-17-additional-players-to-league-roster/53405 |title=PLL Announces 17 Additional Players to League Roster |work=Inside Lacrosse |access-date=July 22, 2019 |date=December 6, 2018}} For the League's inaugural season, the PLL had the 6 founding teams draft a player in each of the 4 rounds. For the first round there was a random draw and the reverse the order every round. Archers had the first draft pick in the newly formed league, taking Pat Spencer making him the first player ever drafted in the PLL.{{Cite web |title=The Original 6: Previewing the PLL's Inaugural Rosters |url=https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/the-original-6-previewing-the-plls-inaugural-rosters |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=www.usalaxmagazine.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2021-02-02 |title=PLL announces expansion draft, entry draft and college draft details |url=https://www.lacrosseplayground.com/pll-announces-expansion-draft-entry-draft-and-college-draft-details/ |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=Lacrosse Playground |language=en-US}}
As opposed to tying teams to a specific market, the league's first season toured 12 different "major market cities". The season included 14 weeks, comprising 10 regular-season weekends, 1 all-star weekend, and 3 playoff weekends, running from June 1 through September 21, assuring there was no overlap with the NCAA Lacrosse season or the National Lacrosse League regular season.{{cite press release |url=https://sports.nbcsports.com/2018/10/22/nbc-sports-group-paul-rabil-launch-premier-lacrosse-league/ |title=NBC Sports Group, Paul Rabil launch Premier Lacrosse League |date=October 22, 2018 |publisher=NBC Sports}} Paul Rabil first hinted at expansion in a post game interview after the 2019 Championship game and on January 1, 2020, the Premier Lacrosse League announced the Waterdogs Lacrosse Club's admission into the league.{{cite magazine |first=Ben |last=Pickman |url=https://www.si.com/lacrosse/2020/01/01/premier-lacrosse-league-introduces-waterdogs |title=How the PLL Developed Its First Expansion Team, Waterdogs Lacrosse Club |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=January 1, 2020}} An expansion draft took place on February 12 and an entry draft occurred on March 16 to build the new roster with veteran players.{{cite magazine |first=Kenny |last=DeJohn |url=https://www.uslaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/premier-lacrosse-league-entry-draft-results |title=Premier Lacrosse League Entry Draft Results |magazine=US Lacrosse Magazine |date=March 16, 2020}}
On December 16, 2020, it was announced that the PLL and MLL had merged under the banner of the PLL. The PLL would add the Boston Cannons for the 2021 season, rebranded as the Cannons Lacrosse Club, to bring the total PLL teams to eight.{{cite news |last1=Turner |first1=Nick |title=Premier Lacrosse League Merging With Rival in Bid to Unify Sport |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-16/premier-lacrosse-league-merging-with-rival-in-bid-to-unify-sport |access-date=16 December 2020 |work=Bloomberg News |date=16 December 2020 |language=en}} Small tweaks to the former Boston Cannons branding resulted in a PLL crest and logo reveal on January 12, 2021.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.uslaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/premier-lacrosse-league-unveils-new-logo-branding-for-cannons-lc |title=Premier Lacrosse League Unveils New Logo, Branding for Cannons LC |magazine=US Lacrosse Magazine |date=January 12, 2021}} In July 2022, Ticketmaster tracked a 38% growth in tickets purchased and attendance. The PLL also announced the approved Series D round of funding for the league which was being led by return investor The Chernin Group (TCG). Other investors include Blue Pool Capitol, Brett Jefferson, WWE, 35V, Kevin Durant, Rich Klieman, Wheelhouse Entertainment, and Pomp Investments.
On May 25, 2023 it was announced that the PLL would be assigning home cities to teams beginning with the 2024 season. Voting for the finalists began on June 3, 2023, and the 26 finalists were announced during the 2023 PLL All-Star game. The finalists were selected through a mix of fan-voting, customer data, ticketing performance, and venue availability. The PLL also announced that they would not be moving away from the touring model. Teams will continue to play on ten regular season weekends, two of which will be played at neutral sites, the other eight of which will be hosted by one of the teams. On the weekend a team hosts, they will play a doubleheader.{{Cite web |title=Premier Lacrosse League Assigning Home Cities for 2024 Season |url=https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/premier-lacrosse-league-assigning-home-cities-for-2024-season |access-date=2023-08-03 |website=www.usalaxmagazine.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Kevin |date=May 25, 2023 |title=It's Official: PLL Clubs To Move To Host Cities in 2024 |url=https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/it-s-official-pll-clubs-to-move-to-host-cities-in-2024/61594 |access-date=August 3, 2023 |website=Inside Lacrosse}}{{Cite web |last=PLL |date=2023-05-25 |title=Premier Lacrosse League to Assign Teams to Home Cities in 2024 |url=https://premierlacrosseleague.com/articles/premier-lacrosse-league-to-assign-teams-to-home-cities-in-2024 |access-date=2023-08-03 |website=Premier Lacrosse League |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Kinnear |first=Matt |date=July 23, 2023 |title=PLL Announces 26 Finalists For Host Cites — a Mix of Familiar Spots With a Few Surprises |url=https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/pll-announces-26-finalists-for-host-cites-a-mix-of-familiar-spots-with-a-few-surprises/61879 |access-date=August 3, 2023 |website=Inside Lacrosse}} On November 14, the home cities were announced for each of the 8 teams; Chrome Lacrosse Club was replaced by the Denver Outlaws.{{Cite web |last=Kinnear |first=Matt |date=2023-11-14 |title=PLL Announces Home Markets: One MLL Brand Returns, Chrome Out |url=https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/pll-announces-home-markets-one-mll-brand-returns-chrome-out/62249 |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Inside Lacrosse |language=en-US}} Rabil envisions the league's decision to affiliate teams with geographic areas as the 2nd of three potential phases in the PLL's expansion as it continues to capture the attention and viewership of casual fans. Rabil mentioned Phase 3 could become traditional home-and-away schedule like MLL, and the PLL owning venues in each of these markets.{{cite news |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2023/11/14/denver-outlaws-return-colorado-2024-premier-lacrosse-league | work= The Denver Post | date=14 November 2023 | title = Return of the Outlaws: Denver getting professional field lacrosse team back in 2024 | author1= Newman, Kyle}}
Format and rules
The PLL regular season consists of 10 weekends where games are played. Halfway through the season there is an all-star break where the exhibition all-star game is played as well as other all-star skills challenges. The PLL utilizes a touring model and plays at a different location each weekend. Prior to the 2023 PLL season it was announced that the PLL would be assigning home cities to teams while still utilizing the touring model. Each team will host one weekend where they play a doubleheader. The remaining two weekends will be played at a neutral site. The PLL postseason consists of a 7-team single elimination tournament. Only one team does not qualify for the postseason. The top-seed receives a bye into the semifinals. All three quarterfinals games are played on the same day at the same location. The same is true for the semifinals.{{Cite web |title=Premier Lacrosse League 2022 Quarterfinals |url=https://www.gillettestadium.com/event/premier-lacrosse-league-2022-quarterfinals/ |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=Gillette Stadium|date=September 3, 2022}}
The PLL has a variety of major rule differences compared to traditional field lacrosse:{{Cite web |last=Keegan |first=Joe |date=2019-05-28 |title=Breaking down the new PLL rules |url=https://premierlacrosseleague.com/articles/updated-playing-rules-for-inaugural-season |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Premier Lacrosse League |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=PLL Announces Changes to Shot Clock, 2-Point Arc and Timeout Structure |url=https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/pll-announces-changes-to-shot-clock-2-point-arc-and-timeout-structure |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=www.usalaxmagazine.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Lacrosse Rules: A Beginner's Guide to LAX Rules at All Levels |url=https://www.lacrossemonkey.com/learn/lacrosse-rules#6 |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=www.lacrossemonkey.com}}{{Cite web |title=Why Don't More Pros Wear Pads? Matt Dunn Bucks Trend with Chest Protection |url=https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/why-dont-more-pros-wear-pads-matt-dunn-bucks-trend-with-chest-protection |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=www.usalaxmagazine.com |language=en}}
- A PLL field is shorter by 10 yards compared to traditional field lacrosse. Traditional field lacrosse is played on a 110-yard field with 80 yards separating the two goals, in the PLL the field is 100 yards with 70 yards separating the two goals. The field width remains at 60 yards.
- In the PLL a two-point goal can be scored outside of the two-point arc. The arc is 15 yards at the top-center, top-left, and top-right portions, and is 13-yards at the corners.
- There is a 52-second shot clock on possessions gained from defensive stops and other turnovers. When there is a shot and the offense retains possession the shot clock is 32 seconds. The shot-clock is 32 seconds on possessions gained from winning the face-off.
- Field players are not required to wear shoulder pads.
Teams
{{OSM Location map | width=320 | height=200 | coord={{coord|39|-95}} | zoom=3 | shape1= n-circle | caption=Teams competing in the 2025 PLL season.{{Col div|small=yes|colwidth=13em}}{{Ubl
| Eastern Conference
| {{#invoke:overlay|icon|1|#ffcf18}} Boston Cannons
| {{#invoke:overlay|icon|2|#ffcf18}} Maryland Whipsnakes
| {{#invoke:overlay|icon|3|#ffcf18}} New York Atlas
| {{#invoke:overlay|icon|4|#ffcf18}} Philadelphia Waterdogs
| Western Conference
| {{#invoke:overlay|icon|5|black}} California Redwoods
| {{#invoke:overlay|icon|6|black}} Carolina Chaos
| {{#invoke:overlay|icon|7|black}} Denver Outlaws
| {{#invoke:overlay|icon|8|black}} Utah Archers
}}{{col div end}}
| shape-color1 = #ffcf18
| mark-title1 = Boston Cannons
| mark-description1 = Harvard Stadium
| mark-coord1 = {{Coord|42.3667|-71.1268}}
| shape-color2 = #ffcf18
| mark-title2 = Maryland Whipsnakes
| mark-description2 = Homewood Field
| mark-coord2 = {{Coord|39.33350|-76.6209}}
| shape-color3 = #ffcf18
| mark-title3 = New York Atlas
| mark-description3 = Casey Stadium
| mark-coord3 = {{Coord|42.6834|-73.8269}}
| shape-color4 = #ffcf18
| mark-title4 = Philadelphia Waterdogs
| mark-description4 = Villanova Stadium
| mark-coord4 = {{Coord|40.03300|-75.3367}}
| shape-color5 = black
| mark-title5 = California Redwoods
| mark-description5 = Torero Stadium
| mark-coord5 = {{Coord|32.7732|-117.1836}}
| shape-color6 = black
| mark-title6 = Carolina Chaos
| mark-description6 = American Legion Memorial Stadium
| mark-coord6 = {{Coord|35.2182|-80.8282}}
| shape-color7 = black
| mark-title7 = Denver Outlaws
| mark-description7 = Barton Stadium
| mark-coord7 = {{Coord|39.6825|-104.9635}}
| shape-color8 = black
| mark-title8 = Utah Archers
| mark-description8 = Zions Bank Stadium
| mark-coord8 = {{Coord|40.4837|-111.9794}}
}}
As of the 2024 season, eight clubs with rosters of 25 players each compete in the Premier Lacrosse League, divided equally into two conferences.{{Cite web |title=Premier Lacrosse League Clubs Announce 25-Man Rosters |url=https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/premier-lacrosse-league-clubs-announce-25-man-rosters |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=www.usalaxmagazine.com |language=en}} The Eastern Conference consists of the Boston Cannons, Maryland Whipsnakes, New York Atlas and Philadelphia Waterdogs, while the Western Conference consists of the California Redwoods, Carolina Chaos, Denver Outlaws and Utah Archers.{{cite web |last1=Islam |first1=Arif |title=PLL unveils new team and city locations |url=https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/premier-lacrosse-league-whirlpool-new-team-city-locations/ |website=SportsPro Media |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108145845/https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/premier-lacrosse-league-whirlpool-new-team-city-locations/?zephr_sso_ott=rXlo5b |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |date=November 15, 2023 |quote=Eastern conference will consist of the New York Atlas, Boston Cannons, Philadelphia Waterdogs, and Maryland Whipsnakes. The Utah Archers, Carolina Chaos, Denver Outlaws, and California Redwoods will make up the Western Conference. |url-status=live}} Six of the current teams have competed in the league continuously since the inaugural 2019 season.{{cite magazine |last1=Caron |first1=Emily |title=Paul Rabil's Premier League Lacrosse: Club names, logos revealed |url=https://www.si.com/lacrosse/2019/02/26/premier-lacrosse-league-team-name-release-paul-rabil |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513234804/https://www.si.com/lacrosse/2019/02/26/premier-lacrosse-league-team-name-release-paul-rabil |archive-date=May 13, 2020 |date=February 26, 2019 |quote=The six teams that will take the field for the league's first season in June are the Archers, Atlas, Chaos, Chrome, Redwoods and Whipsnakes. |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Mclaughlin |first1=Corey |title=The Original 6: Previewing the PLL's Inaugural Rosters |url=https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/the-original-6-previewing-the-plls-inaugural-rosters |website=USA Lacrosse Magazine |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108151002/https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/the-original-6-previewing-the-plls-inaugural-rosters |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |date=May 14, 2019 |quote=The PLL’s six inaugural rosters [...] Archers; Atlas; Chaos; Chrome; Redwoods; Whipsnakes... |url-status=live}} The Waterdogs were admitted as an expansion team in the 2020 season,{{cite magazine |last1=Pickman |first1=Ben |title=Premier Lacrosse League announces Waterdogs as new expansion club |url=https://www.si.com/lacrosse/2020/01/01/premier-lacrosse-league-introduces-waterdogs |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108153249/https://www.si.com/lacrosse/2020/01/01/premier-lacrosse-league-introduces-waterdogs |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |date=January 1, 2020 |quote=...its first-ever expansion club, and seventh team overall, will be known as Waterdogs Lacrosse Club. |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Marsh |first1=Jake |title=Breaking Moos: Waterdogs Become Newest PLL Team, PMT to Have Ownership Stake |url=https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/1617070/breaking-moos-waterdogs-become-newest-pll-team-pmt-to-have-ownership-stake |website=Barstool Sports |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108153131/https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/1617070/breaking-moos-waterdogs-become-newest-pll-team-pmt-to-have-ownership-stake |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |date=January 2, 2020 |quote=...the newest PLL expansion club. Waterdogs LC. |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Greenwich Country Day lacrosse coach will soon also coach at the professional level |url=https://www.greenwichtime.com/sports/article/Greenwich-Country-Day-lacrosse-coach-will-soon-14963490.php |website=Greenwich Time |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240108153629/https://www.greenwichtime.com/sports/article/Greenwich-Country-Day-lacrosse-coach-will-soon-14963490.php |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |date=January 9, 2020 |quote=...the Premier Lacrosse League’s expansion team, the Waterdogs Lacrosse Club. |url-status=live}} while the Cannons moved from Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and began play in the 2021 season.{{cite web |title=Cannons Now 8th Team In Premier Lacrosse League After Merger With Major League Lacrosse |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/boston-cannons-premier-lacrosse-league-major-league-lacrosse-pll-mll-merger-cannons-lacrosse-club/ |website=CBS News Boston |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108154127/https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/boston-cannons-premier-lacrosse-league-major-league-lacrosse-pll-mll-merger-cannons-lacrosse-club/ |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |date=December 16, 2020 |quote=The Boston Cannons are now members of the Premier Lacrosse League, as part of the league's merger with Major League Lacrosse. |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Silverman |first1=Michael |title=Boston-based Major League Lacrosse merging with Premier Lacrosse League; Cannons to rebrand |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/16/sports/boston-based-major-league-lacrosse-merging-with-premier-lacrosse-league-cannons-rebrand/ |website=The Boston Globe |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108154208/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/16/sports/boston-based-major-league-lacrosse-merging-with-premier-lacrosse-league-cannons-rebrand/ |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |date=December 16, 2020 |quote=Boston’s professional lacrosse team is the sole Major League Lacrosse survivor. The Boston Cannons of the 20-year-old and Boston-based MLL will be re-branded as the Cannons Lacrosse Club to become the Premier League’s eighth team. |url-status=live |url-access=subscription}} The Cannons were the only MLL club to survive the MLL–PLL merger, though the Outlaws, originally founded as the Chrome Lacrosse Club, adopted the identity of the MLL's Denver Outlaws.{{cite web |last1=Bumbaca |first1=Chris |title=Premier Lacrosse League announces new team and city locations |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2023/11/14/premier-lacrosse-league-announces-new-cities-team-locations/71578139007/ |website=USA Today |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108155154/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2023/11/14/premier-lacrosse-league-announces-new-cities-team-locations/71578139007/ |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |date=November 14, 2023 |quote=Denver Outlaws (formerly Chrome Lacrosse Club) [...] Giving Denver the Outlaws, one of the MLL's strongest brands, was an easy choice. |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Return of Denver Outlaws Highlights PLL's Host Cities Announcement |url=https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/return-of-denver-outlaws-highlights-pll’s-host-cities-announcement |website=USA Lacrosse Magazine |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108155154/https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/return-of-denver-outlaws-highlights-pll’s-host-cities-announcement |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |date=November 14, 2023 |quote=The most notable assignment is the rebranding of Chrome Lacrosse Club as the Denver Outlaws — long one of the most popular and successful Major League Lacrosse franchises. |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Newman |first1=Kyle |title=Return of the Outlaws: Denver getting professional field lacrosse team back in 2024 |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2023/11/14/denver-outlaws-return-colorado-2024-premier-lacrosse-league/ |website=The Denver Post |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108155244/https://www.denverpost.com/2023/11/14/denver-outlaws-return-colorado-2024-premier-lacrosse-league/ |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |date=November 14, 2023 |quote=The Outlaws will inherit the roster and coaching staff of the PLL's Chrome Lacrosse Club... |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} The Maryland Whipsnakes are the most successful franchise, having won two championships and finished runners-up once.{{cite web |last1=Lotano |first1=Joseph |title=MM 8.10: Terp-filled Whipsnakes win second consecutive Premier Lacrosse League title |url=https://www.testudotimes.com/maryland-terps/2020/8/10/21361355/premier-lacrosse-league-tournament-championship-whipsnakes-maryland-mens-lacrosse-alumni-stats |website=Testudo Times |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108161000/https://www.testudotimes.com/maryland-terps/2020/8/10/21361355/premier-lacrosse-league-tournament-championship-whipsnakes-maryland-mens-lacrosse-alumni-stats |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |date=August 10, 2020 |quote=Last season, attacker Matt Rambo led the Terp-filled Whipsnakes to the Premier Lacrosse League's first ever championship. On Sunday, fellow former Terp Kyle Bernlohr's clutch play in goal helped the team win its second straight title. |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Grabowski |first1=Kyle |title=Northampton's Jarrod Neumann reflects on capturing 2021 PLL title with Chaos |url=https://www.gazettenet.com/Northampton-Jarrod-Neumann-reflects-on-capturing-PLL-lacrosse-title-with-Chaos-42627335 |website=Daily Hampshire Gazette |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108161024/https://www.gazettenet.com/Northampton-Jarrod-Neumann-reflects-on-capturing-PLL-lacrosse-title-with-Chaos-42627335 |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |date=September 22, 2021 |quote=Neumann and the Chaos Lacrosse Club, one of six founding PLL teams, defeated the two-time champion Whipsnakes... |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} The Archers, Chaos and Waterdogs have each won one championship.{{cite magazine |last1=Newton |first1=Matt |title=Matt Moore & Jared Conners Win PLL Championship With Archers |url=https://www.si.com/college/virginia/pro-hoos/matt-moore-jared-conners-win-pll-championship-with-archers |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108161931/https://www.si.com/college/virginia/pro-hoos/matt-moore-jared-conners-win-pll-championship-with-archers |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |date=September 24, 2023 |quote=Archers take down the Waterdogs 15-14 in an epic title game on Sunday in Philadelphia to claim the 2023 Premier Lacrosse League Championship. After scoring a hat trick in last year's title game to help the Waterdogs claim the 2022 Premier Lacrosse League Championship... |url-status=live}} The Redwoods finished runners-up once, while neither the Atlas, Cannons or Outlaws have yet appeared in a PLL Championship game.
A college draft is held prior to the season each year, in addition to expansion drafts when necessary. The college draft order is determined via regular season standings with the team that was in last place the previous season receiving the number one overall pick. As of 2023, each PLL team has a salary cap of $735,000 which they must allocate at least 98% of each year, The minimum salary for each player is $25,000, this leaves around $100,000 to be allocated by each team over the minimum.{{Cite web |last=Kinnear |first=Matt |date=December 14, 2021 |title=Breaking: PLL Gives Coaches Say Over Player Compensation, Free Agency Coming |url=https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/breaking-pll-gives-coaches-say-over-player-compensation-free-agency-coming/58700 |access-date=August 7, 2023 |website=Inside Lacrosse}} The average PLL salary has been estimated at $28,000, although the league itself does not release the number.{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Josh |date=2022-07-28 |title=The Unanswered Questions of the PLL |url=https://laxallstars.com/the-unanswered-questions-of-the-pll/ |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=Lacrosse All Stars |language=en-US}} All players selected in the PLL college draft are given three-year contracts, all but the top-four selections are given $25,000. The first overall pick receives $30,000, second overall receives $28,500, third overall receives $27,500, and fourth overall receives $26,000. Prior to the beginning of the season the PLL hosts a "training-camp" where each team begins with a 30-man roster. By the end of training camp each team is required to have a 25-man roster. Training camp consists of individual and multi-team practices, as well as scrimmages between the teams.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Kevin |date=May 15, 2023 |title=PLL Clubs Announce 30-Man Rosters Ahead of Training Camp |url=https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/pll-clubs-announce-30-man-rosters-ahead-of-training-camp/61505 |access-date=August 7, 2023 |website=Inside Lacrosse}}
The first free agency period for the PLL took place prior to the 2023 PLL season from March 6, 2023 to April 1, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Kevin |date=October 25, 2022 |title=PLL Offseason Key Dates For Trade Window, Free Agency Revealed |url=https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/pll-offseason-key-dates-for-trade-window-free-agency-revealed/60334 |access-date=August 7, 2023 |website=Inside Lacrosse}} Following the PLL season, players are given the opportunity to opt out of their current contract if they were on the active roster (21-man roster) for less than 30% of games the previous season. If that player does not sign with another club by the end of the free agency period, they return to their original team.{{Cite web |last=Roggenburg |first=Lee |date=2022-10-25 |title=PLL: The Premier Lacrosse League announces Offseason Player Movement Dates |url=https://floridalacrossenews.com/florida-lacrosse-news/pll-the-premier-lacrosse-league-announces-offseason-player-movement-dates/ |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=Florida Lacrosse News |language=en-US}} If a player has not appeared on a team's 21-man active roster for three consecutive weeks the player was eligible to play, the player may be claimed by any team.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-01 |title=Breaking Down the 25 Man PLL Rosters |url=https://www.sticksinlacrosse.com/post/breaking-down-the-25-man-pll-rosters |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=Sticks In Lacrosse |language=en}} When a player is released by their club, they enter the player pool; other teams will have one week to claim the player before the player enters free agency.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Kevin |date=August 1, 2023 |title=Chrome Sends Dylan Molloy To The Player Pool |url=https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/chrome-sends-dylan-molloy-to-the-player-pool/61919 |access-date=August 7, 2023 |website=Inside Lacrosse}}
class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+Overview of Premier Lacrosse League teams !scope="col"| {{Abbr|Conf.|Conference}} !scope="col"| Team !scope="col" class="unsortable" | Location !scope="col" class="unsortable" | Stadium !scope="col"| Seats{{Efn|Standard reduced capacity; can be increased}} !scope="col"| Joined !scope="col"| Championships |
rowspan="4" | Eastern
!scope="row"| Boston Cannons | 25,000 | 2021 | 0 |
scope="row"| Maryland Whipsnakes
| 8,500 | 2019 |
---|
scope="row"| New York Atlas
| 8,500 | 2019 | 0 |
scope="row"| Philadelphia Waterdogs
| 12,500 | 2020 | 1 (2022) |
rowspan="4" | Western
!scope="row"| California Redwoods | 6,000 | 2019 | 0 |
scope="row"| Carolina Chaos
| American Legion Memorial Stadium | 10,500 | 2019 | 1 (2021) |
scope="row"| Denver Outlaws
| 3,117 | 2019 | 0 |
scope="row"| Utah Archers
| 5,000 | 2019 |
{{Notelist}}
Timeline
{{#tag:timeline|
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at:26/02/2019 color:lineColor layer:back width:0.66 #PLL forms
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- Archers
bar:Archers from:26/02/2019 till:14/11/2023 color:archblue $t: white $LeftMargin text:"Archers Lacrosse Club"
bar:Archers from:14/11/2023 till:end color:archorange $t: archblue $LeftMargin text:"Utah Archers"
- Atlas
bar:Atlas from:26/02/2019 till:14/11/2023 color:atlasblue $t: black $LeftMargin text:"Atlas Lacrosse Club"
bar:Atlas from:14/11/2023 till:end color:atlasblue2 $t: black $LeftMargin text:"New York Atlas"
- Chaos
bar:Chaos from:26/02/2019 till:14/11/2023 color:chaosred $t: white $LeftMargin text:"Chaos Lacrosse Club"
bar:Chaos from:14/11/2023 till:end color:chaosred2 $t: black $LeftMargin text:"Carolina Chaos"
- Chrome/Outlaws
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bar:Outlaws from:14/11/2023 till:end color:black $t: outlaworange $LeftMargin text:"Denver Outlaws"
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bar:Waterdogs from:14/11/2023 till:end color:watdogpurple2 $t: gray $LeftMargin text:"Philadelphia Waterdogs"
- Cannons
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bar:Cannons from:16/12/2020 till:14/11/2023 color:cannblue $t: white $LeftMargin text:"Cannons Lacrosse Club"
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- - MLL Championships
bar:Cannons at:26/06/2020 $champ2 mark:(line, gray)
- - PLL Championships
bar:Whipsnakes at:21/09/2019 $champ mark:(line, whipsred)
bar:Whipsnakes at:09/08/2020 $champ mark:(line, whipsred)
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Venues
From 2019 to 2024, the league used a touring model only spending a week in each city. In 2020, the entire original schedule was scrapped due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the season was then restructured to have every game take place at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah.{{Cite magazine |last=Pickman |first=Ben |date=2020-06-11 |title=PLL Championship Series to Be Held in Utah |url=https://www.si.com/lacrosse/2020/06/11/pll-championship-series-salt-lake-city |access-date=2023-11-08 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}} The PLL will be assigning home cities to teams beginning with the 2024 season.{{Cite web |title=Premier Lacrosse League Assigning Home Cities for 2024 Season |url=https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/premier-lacrosse-league-assigning-home-cities-for-2024-season |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=www.usalaxmagazine.com |language=en}}
class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed sortable"
! colspan="6" | 2019–2024 Premier Lacrosse League touring venues |
Stadium
! Games held ! Seasons used ! Capacity ! Opened ! City |
---|
Zions Bank Stadium
|32 |2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 |5,000 |2018 |
Tom & Mary Casey Stadium
|21 |2019, |8,500 |2013 |
Homewood Field
|20 |2019, |8,500 |1906 |
TCO Stadium
|17 | |6,000 |2018 |
Barton Stadium
|12 | |2,000 |2005 |
Gillette Stadium
|12 |2019, |65,878 |2002 |
Rafferty Stadium
|12 |2022, 2023, 2024 |3,500 |2014 |
Shuart Stadium
|11 |2021, 2022, 2023 |11,929 |1963 |
American Legion Memorial Stadium
|9 |2022, 2023, 2024 |10,500 |1936 |
Ford Center at The Star
|8 | |12,000 |2016 |
Audi Field
|6 |2019, 2021, 2022 |20,000 |2018 |
Fifth Third Bank Stadium
|5 | |8,318 |2010 |
Pay Pal Park
|5 |2019, 2021 |18,000 |2015 |
Red Bull Arena
|5 |2019 |25,000 |2010 |
Subaru Park
|5 |2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 |18,500 |2010 |
Weidner Field
|5 |2021 |8,000 |2021 |
Tacoma Dome
|4 |2022 |21,000 |1983 |
OSU Lacrosse Stadium
|4 |2023 |2,500 |2023 |
Cheney Stadium
|4 |2023 |6,500 |1960 |
Harvard Stadium
| 4 | 2024 | 25,000 | 1903 |
Torero Stadium
| 4 | 2024 | 6,000 | 1961 |
Villanova Stadium
| 4 | 2024 | 12,500 | 1927 |
SeatGeek Stadium
|3 |2019 |20,000 |2006 |
Georgia State Stadium
|3 |2019 |24,333 |2017 |
Dick's Sporting Goods Park
|3 |2019 |18,061 |2007 |
Tim Hortons Field
|3 |2019 |22,218 |2014 |
Mapfre Stadium
|3 |2019 |19,968 |1999 |
Rio Tinto Stadium
|3 | |20,213 |2008 |
Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium
|2 |2023, 2024 |5,300 |2014 |
Banc of California Stadium
|1 |2019 |22,000 |2018 |
Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium
|0 | |12,300 |2002 |
Orange County Great Park
|0 | |5,500 |2007 |
Providence Park
|0 | |25,218 |1926 |
WakeMed Soccer Park
|0 | |10,000 |2002 |
Seasons
class="wikitable"
|+ |
scope="col" rowspan="2" | Season
!scope="col" colspan="3" | Championship game !scope="col" rowspan="2" | {{Ubl|Regular season|leaders}} |
---|
scope="col"| Champions
!scope="col"| Score !scope="col"| Runner-up |
scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| 2019
| 12–11 (OT) | Redwoods | Chaos |
scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| 2020
| 12–6 | Chaos |
scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| 2021
| Chaos | 14–9 |
scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| 2022
| 11–9 | Chaos |
scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| 2023
| Archers | 15–14 | Archers |
scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| 2024
| Archers | 12–8 | Atlas |
Accolades
{{See also|List of Premier Lacrosse League awards|Professional Lacrosse Hall of Fame}}
On February 15, 2022, the Premier Lacrosse League announced the inaugural class of the Professional Lacrosse Hall of Fame. In order to be eligible for selection, a player must:{{Cite web |title=PLL Announces Inaugural Class of Professional Lacrosse Hall of Fame |url=https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/pll-announces-inaugural-class-of-professional-lacrosse-hall-of-fame |access-date=2022-03-20 |website=www.usalaxmagazine.com |language=en}}
- Be retired from professional play for at least three years
- Have played five seasons in MLL/PLL
- Be nominated by a member of the Hall of Fame committee and receive a 75 percent majority vote
Up until the creation of the Professional Lacrosse Hall of Fame there was no Hall of Fame for exclusively professional field lacrosse players.{{Cite web |last=Rosenthall |first=Chris |date=June 2, 2021 |title=Biggest. Summer. Ever. It's Time to Be Unapologetically Optimistic About Pro Lacrosse |url=https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/biggest-summer-ever-it-s-time-to-be-unapologetically-optimistic-about-pro-lacrosse/58035 |access-date=August 7, 2023 |website=Inside Lacrosse}} In February, 2023 Ryan Boyle was announced as the first member of the 2023 class.{{Cite web |title=Ryan Boyle Surprised By Announcement Of His Selection To The Pro Lacrosse Hall Of Fame |url=https://goprincetontigers.com/news/2023/2/28/mens-lacrosse-ryan-boyle-surprised-by-announcement-of-his-selection-to-the-pro-lacrosse-hall-of-fame |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=Princeton University Athletics |language=en}} The remainder of the 2023 class was announced on March 23, 2023.{{Cite web |title=PLL Announces 2023 Professional Lacrosse Hall of Fame Class |url=https://www.usalaxmagazine.com/pro/pll/pll-announces-2023-professional-lacrosse-hall-of-fame-class |access-date=2023-08-07 |website=www.usalaxmagazine.com |language=en}}
Marketing
The league's media model radically differs from that of most North American professional sports leagues. A 2018 Sports Illustrated story on the then-prospective league pointed out that LeBron James' Instagram account "features virtually no clips of him playing basketball—those are the property of the NBA, meaning its owners." By contrast, the PLL open-sources its highlights, allowing players to freely use them to build their own personal brands. Additionally, PLL operates a full-time studio that produces other player-centered content.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2018/11/16/lacrosse-paul-rabil-premier-lacrosse-league |title=Can a New Barnstorming, Player-Centric Lacrosse League Serve as a Template for Other Sports? |first=Ben |last=Reiter |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=November 16, 2018 |access-date=June 4, 2019}}
Broadcasting and sponsorship
class="wikitable sortable" style="margin:0 1em; float:right"
|+ Matches broadcast on U.S. television |
style="font-size:85%"
! Season ! NBC ! NBCSN ! ABC ! ESPN ! ESPN2 ! Total |
style="font-size:85%"
| 2019 | 3 | 16 | colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey" | | 19/38 |
style="font-size:85%"
| 2020 | 4 | 13 | colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey" | | 17/20 |
style="font-size:85%"
| 2021 | 4 | 17 | colspan="3" style="background:lightgrey" | | 21/42 |
style="font-size:85%"
| 2022 | colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey" | | 3 | 3 | 6 | 12/47 |
style="font-size:85%"
| 2023 | colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey" | | 8 | 2 | 6 | 16/47 |
style="font-size:85%"
| 2024 | colspan="2" style="background:lightgrey" | | 8 | 3 | 6 | 17/47 |
The Premier Lacrosse League was broadcast by NBCUniversal between 2019 and 2021, with select matches, including the All-Star Game and playoffs, airing on their NBC and NBCSN television networks. All matches were streamed on NBC Sports Gold, and later Peacock.{{cite news |last=McCarthy|first=Michael|date=September 13, 2019|title=NBC Finds Success With Premier Lacrosse League In Year One|url=https://frntofficesport.com/pll-nbc-year-one/|work=Front Office Sports}}{{cite web |title=PLL Announcement |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2018/10/22/paul-rabils-premier-lacrosse-league-announces.html |website=Business Journals| access-date=2018-10-24}}{{cite news |last=Bucholtz|first=Andrew|date=May 7, 2019|title=NBC is betting on lacrosse to take it through the summer |url=https://awfulannouncing.com/nbc/nbc-is-betting-on-lacrosse-to-take-it-through-the-summer.html|work=Awful Announcing}} Paul Burmeister served as the host during gameday broadcasts,{{cite news |date=May 7, 2019|title=PAUL BURMEISTER, BRENDAN BURKE AND RYAN BOYLE TO DEBUT AS NBC SPORTS' INAUGURAL PREMIER LACROSSE LEAGUE COMMENTATORS|url=https://nbcsportsgrouppressbox.com/2019/05/07/paul-burmeister-brendan-burke-and-ryan-boyle-to-debut-as-nbc-sports-inaugural-premier-lacrosse-league-commentators/|work=NBC Sports Group}} while commentary was provided by Ryan Boyle and Brendan Burke.{{cite news |last=Schott|first=Ken|date=August 21, 2019|title=The Parting Schotts Podcast: Talking Travers Stakes, Premier Lacrosse League|url=https://dailygazette.com/article/2019/08/21/the-parting-schotts-podcast-talking-travers-stakes-premier-lacrosse-league}}{{cite news |last=Best|first=Neil|date=May 9, 2019|title=Isles announcer Brendan Burke to call Premier Lacrosse League games for NBC Sports|url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/media/brendan-burke-premier-lacrosse-league-nbc-1.30848397|work=Newsday}} NBCUniversal's broadcasts made use of skycams, shot speed sensors provided by SMT, and microphones that facilitated conversations between players and the commentary team during matches.{{cite news |last=Dachman|first=Jason|date=May 29, 2019|title=NBC Sports Brings Production Innovations to Inaugural Premier League Lacrosse Season|url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2019/05/29/nbc-sports-brings-new-production-innovations-to-inaugural-premier-league-lacrosse-season/|work=Sports Video Group}}{{cite news |date=July 3, 2019|title=Premier Lacrosse League Continues with Two Games On NBCSN This Weekend|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Premier-Lacrosse-League-Continues-with-Two-Games-On-NBCSN-This-Weekend-20190703|work=Broadway World}} From 2022 to 2025, the league is broadcast by The Walt Disney Company, with select games airing on their ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 television networks, and all games streaming on ESPN+.{{cite web |last1=Hayes |first1=Dade |title=ESPN Leans Into Lacrosse, Locking 4-Year Rights Deal With The PLL As Young League Segues From NBCUniversal |url=https://deadline.com/2022/03/espn-leans-into-lacrosse-locking-4-year-rights-deal-with-the-pll-as-young-league-segues-from-nbcuniversal-1234984422/ |website=Deadline |access-date=January 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323120640/https://deadline.com/2022/03/espn-leans-into-lacrosse-locking-4-year-rights-deal-with-the-pll-as-young-league-segues-from-nbcuniversal-1234984422/ |archive-date=March 23, 2022 |date=March 23, 2022 |quote=The four-year deal will put all 47 of the PLL's games, including playoffs, across ESPN, ESPN+, ABC and ESPN2... |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last1=Koons |first1=Zach |title=ESPN Agrees to Multi-Year Rights Deal With Premier Lacrosse League |url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2022/03/23/premier-lacrosse-league-espn-multi-year-multi-year-media-rights-agreement |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=January 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326003156/https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2022/03/23/premier-lacrosse-league-espn-multi-year-multi-year-media-rights-agreement |archive-date=March 26, 2022 |date=March 23, 2022 |quote=ESPN and the Premier Lacrosse League have agreed to a four-year media rights deal ahead of the league’s 2022 season... |url-status=live}}
Champion manufactures jerseys and footwear for the league's teams,{{cite press release |title=adidas & Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) announce groundbreaking partnership |url=https://news.adidas.com/athletics/adidas---premier-lacrosse-league--pll--announce-groundbreaking-partnership/s/d281fc05-9778-467b-9888-683634fdf7ae |publisher=Adidas |access-date=22 July 2019 |date=April 10, 2019}}{{Cite web |last=PLL |date=2022-02-24 |title=Champion® Builds on Sports Heritage as the Official On-Field and Sideline Apparel Partner of the Premier Lacrosse League powered by Ticketmaster |url=https://premierlacrosseleague.com/articles/champion-builds-on-sports-heritage-as-the-official-on-field-and-sideline-apparel-partner-of-the-premier-lacrosse-league-powered-by-ticketmaster |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Premier Lacrosse League |language=en-US}} while Cascade Lacrosse provides helmets and STX provides additional equipment.{{Cite web |title=Cascade Lacrosse And STX To Sponsor Premier Lacrosse League {{!}} SGB Media Online |url=https://sgbonline.com/cascade-lacrosse-and-stx-to-sponsor-premier-lacrosse-league/ |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=sgbonline.com}} The league's primary ticket outlet is Ticketmaster, who also hold the league's naming rights as the Premier Lacrosse League Powered by Ticketmaster.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-27/premier-lacrosse-league-adds-ticketmaster-name-in-rights-deal |title=Premier Lacrosse League Adds Ticketmaster Name in Rights Deal |first=Scott |last=Soshnik |work=Bloomberg |date=February 27, 2020}} Vail Health's Howard Head Sports Medicine provides physical therapy services to athletes,{{Cite web |last=PLL |date=2022-06-16 |title=Howard Head Sports Medicine named Official Physical Therapy Provider of PLL |url=https://premierlacrosseleague.com/articles/howard-head-sports-medicine-named-official-physical-therapy-provider-of-pll |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Premier Lacrosse League |language=en-US}} while The Steadman Clinic provides healthcare and orthopedic services.{{Cite web |last=PLL |date=2022-04-29 |title=The Steadman Clinic Embarks on Second Season as Official Healthcare Provider and Orthopaedic Partner of the Premier Lacrosse League |url=https://premierlacrosseleague.com/articles/the-steadman-clinic-embarks-on-second-season-as-official-healthcare-provider-and-orthopaedic-partner-of-the-premier-lacrosse-league |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Premier Lacrosse League |language=en-US}} In addition, Gatorade,{{Cite tweet|number=1160937522270068736|user=premierlacrosse|title=We Are Excited to Formally Announce Gatorade as a Founding Partner of the Premier Lacrosse League! As the Leader in Sports Fuel, Gatorade Will Provide PLL Athletes with a Portfolio of Products to Provide Fuel, Hydration and Recovery to Play Their Best on Game Day|author=Premier Lacrosse League|access-date=February 27, 2021}} Progressive,{{Cite web |date=2020-07-24 |title=Progressive Insurance Named as Official Home and Auto Insurance Provider of Premier Lacrosse League |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/progressive-insurance-named-as-official-home-and-auto-insurance-provider-of-premier-lacrosse-league/n-5632030 |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=OurSports Central |language=en}} the Athletic Brewing Company,{{Cite web |last=PLL |date=2021-05-27 |title=Athletic Brewing Co Named the Official Non-Alcoholic Beer of the Premier Lacrosse League |url=https://premierlacrosseleague.com/articles/athletic-brewing-co-named-the-official-non-alcoholic-beer-of-the-premier-lacrosse-league |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Premier Lacrosse League |language=en-US}} VukGripz,{{Cite web |last=PLL |date=2022-03-16 |title=Premier Lacrosse League powered by Ticketmaster announces VukGripz as the Official Grip Tape Partner |url=https://premierlacrosseleague.com/articles/premier-lacrosse-league-powered-by-ticketmaster-announces-vukgripz-as-the-official-grip-tape-partner |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Premier Lacrosse League |language=en-US}} Cash App,{{Cite web |date=2022-06-03 |title=Premier Lacrosse League Announces Partnership with Cash App |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/premier-lacrosse-league-announces-partnership-with-cash-app/n-5836199 |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=OurSports Central |language=en}} and Charlotte's Web have sponsored the league.{{Cite web |last=PLL |date=2023-07-11 |title=ReCreate by Charlotte's Web Named Official CBD of the Premier Lacrosse League |url=https://premierlacrosseleague.com/articles/recreate-by-charlottes-web-named-official-cbd-of-the-premier-lacrosse-league |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Premier Lacrosse League |language=en-US}}
Sixes tournament
{{Main|Premier Lacrosse League Championship Series}}
On December 12, 2022, the PLL announced a new mini event, the 2023 Championship Series, which took place in late February 2023 at The St. James indoor stadium in Springfield, Virginia. The 2023 Championship Series featured the top four teams from the 2022 season. Those being: Whipsnakes LC, Chrome LC, Archers LC, and Atlas LC. They played with 12-man rosters (10 position players and 2 goalies) using modified lacrosse sixes rules. Each team played three round-robin games from Wednesday, February 22 through Friday, February 24 to determine seeding for the semifinals on Saturday, February 25. The winners advanced to the PLL Championship Series game on Sunday, February 26.{{cite web | url=http://www.premierlacrosseleague.com/championship-series | title=Championship Series 2023 }} The games were broadcast on ESPN2 and streaming on ESPN+ with the Championship game on ESPNU. The PLL Championship Series champions were Chrome LC who defeated the Atlas LC in the final 24–23.{{cite web | url=https://stats.premierlacrosseleague.com/games/2023/championship-series-1-2023-2-26 | title=Premier Lacrosse League Stats }} Atlas midfielder Romar Dennis won the Golden Stick Award.
In November 2023, it was announced that the PLL would host another championship series in February 2024 also at The St. James indoor stadium in Springfield, Virginia.{{Cite web |last=PLL |date=2023-11-02 |title=Premier Lacrosse League Announces Venue, Dates for 2024 Championship Series |url=https://premierlacrosseleague.com/articles/premier-lacrosse-league-announces-venue-dates-for-2024-championship-series |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Premier Lacrosse League |language=en-US}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website}}
{{Premier Lacrosse League|state=expanded}}
{{Field Lacrosse Leagues}}
{{Top sport leagues in the United States}}
Category:Lacrosse leagues in the United States
Category:Sports leagues established in 2018
Category:Professional sports leagues in the United States