What to Expect in the Third PLL Championship Series

Published: Monday, February 10, 2025

by Kyle Ferreira

The PLL Championship Series is back for a third straight year, and it may be the biggest yet.  

Amid the recent historic NBA trade deadline and the Super Bowl, the Championship Series may not have been top of mind for many. With the Four Nations Face-Off starting for the NHL later this week, the PLL’s winter tournament hasn't received much publicity. However, it has played a significant role in the league's growth in recent seasons. 

Since the PLL’s inaugural season in the summer of 2019, the sport has grown tremendously. Players have marketed themselves on social media, and networks like ESPN have invested in the league, contributing to its success.

For people streaming the event this year who don’t usually tune in, why has it been good for the league? At first glance, it’s a completely different version of the game that takes place outdoors.

With the event largely held indoors at The St. James Sports Complex in Springfield, Virginia, the PLL chose the sixes format to push for the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. To the credit of PLL President Paul Rabil and the league, it worked.

In October 2023, the International Olympic Committee announced the return of lacrosse to the Summer Olympics for the first time since 1908. The Games will use the same format as the Championship Series.

Going deeper into the sixes format, “the fastest game on two feet” moves at a higher gear than the standard field version. With a 30-second shot clock and quick restarts after goals, this version of the sport is extremely fast-paced, often leading to high-scoring and exciting games.

The tournament has provided players with more opportunities, emphasizing position finishing in the previous season, among other factors. So, what makes this year’s edition significant? It coincides with the debut of the Women’s Lacrosse League.

With increased participation among girls in lacrosse and the rapid growth of women’s sports, the PLL established the WLL. Four teams—the Boston Guard, California Palms, Maryland Charm and New York Charging—will compete in the WLL Championship Series. Fans will not only get to watch top men’s players but also become familiar with some of the women’s game’s best athletes.

Back to the men’s side, the Boston Cannons, Utah Archers, Maryland Whipsnakes, and New York Atlas will participate in this year’s edition. The Cannons will look to repeat after beating the Philadelphia Waterdogs in last year’s Championship Series. The Archers will try to bolster their trophy cabinet after winning the PLL Championship the past two Septembers. 

While rosters are trimmed for the Championship Series, with many players currently competing or coaching, talent remains present. Boston’s Asher Nolting and Marcus Holman, along with Maryland’s TJ Malone, are among the notable names competing. 

For the WLL Championship Series, players like Charlotte North, Izzy Scane, Alex Holman, and Ally Mastroianni will headline the women’s tournament. 

Even with the start of the college lacrosse and NLL seasons, the appetite for more lacrosse remains strong. Viewership of last season’s Championship Series saw a significant increase on ESPN2 and ESPN+ compared to the previous year. Attendance at the event also increased from year one to year two, highlighting the rising interest.

For a busy sports month like February, the PLL Championship Series is gradually making its presence known among casual fans, especially on social media. On Tuesday night, expect to see highlight-worthy plays flooding platforms like Instagram.

The PLL and WLL Championship Series will take place from Feb. 11 to Feb. 17, with the championship games scheduled for next Monday.

Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu. 

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