BALTIMORE — The Major League Lacrosse and the Premier Lacrosse League are merging.
BREAKING: After 20 years, I'm told the Chesapeake Bayhawks are no more. At least for the moment. Professional outdoor lacrosse leagues @PremierLacrosse and @MLL_Lacrosse have announced they are merging. The PLL is expanding only with the MLL's Boston Cannons.
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerWMAR) December 16, 2020
Of all the Major League Lacrosse teams, only the Boston Cannons will initially join the Premier league.
I'm told all MLL players under contract for 2021 are now under contract in PLL.
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerWMAR) December 16, 2020
They will be re-branded as the Cannons Lacrosse Club. An expansion draft will be held in 2021 to determine their roster.
Under the merger, the Premier League retains the rights to all former Major League Lacrosse teams, including the Chesapeake Bayhawks.
Some of those teams could be considered to join the Premier League at a later date. The Boston addition will make it 8 teams.
The Premier League plans to soon release details on how players from Major League Lacrosse can transition over.
Both leagues have created a committee to oversee transitions of front offices, schedules and players.
"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," said PLL co-founder and CEO, Mike Rabil. "I can’t think of anything better and more exciting for the sport.”
