Women's lacrosse league unveils controversial new teams for 2025
- The Women's Lacrosse League has announced its first four teams: Boston Guard, New York Charging, Maryland Charm, and California Palms.
- These teams will make their debut during the 2025 Championship Series from February 11-17 in Washington, D.C.
- This marks a significant advancement for women's lacrosse, aiming to inspire future players and attract a larger audience.
The Women's Lacrosse League (WLL), launched in November 2024 in the United States, has revealed its inaugural four teams: Boston Guard, New York Charging, Maryland Charm, and California Palms. These teams were selected based on a thorough analysis of various market factors, including broadcast viewership, women's lacrosse fandom, youth participation, and previous successes of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). Their debut is scheduled for the 2025 Championship Series, taking place from February 11 to 17 at The St. James in Washington, D.C., which marks a pivotal moment in the history of women's lacrosse. The formation of WLL and its inaugural teams could potentially shape the future of women's lacrosse, showcasing elite female athletes in an environment designed to inspire the next generation of players. The competition will feature the Olympic Sixes format, which is a fast-paced, condensed version of the game that promises an exciting and intense viewing experience for fans. This strategic choice comes in anticipation of women's lacrosse's debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Paul Rabil, Co-Founder and President of the PLL, emphasized the significance of these teams as representative of the sport's latest evolution, stating that fans will witness a high level of competition when the WLL pros take to the field. The WLL, supported by founding partners such as Whirlpool and Lexus, represents the PLL's largest investment in women's lacrosse, following their first professional women's lacrosse exhibition in the U.S. earlier in 2024. As the excitement builds for the 2025 Championship Series, ticket sales began on December 11, 2024, with a presale opportunity for PLL Nation members. This initiative underscores the PLL's commitment to expanding women's lacrosse and nurturing a vibrant football community that encourages participation at youth levels. The successful launch of the WLL could solidify a stronger structure around women's lacrosse, enhancing its visibility and fostering greater support in the sporting world.