Lacrosse fans, mark your calendars! The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is set to launch its highly anticipated 2024-25 season with a slate of must-see matchups over Thanksgiving weekend. Headlining the holiday kickoff are the Ottawa Black Bears, who will make their debut as the NLL’s newest expansion franchise when they host the Toronto Rock on November 29th.
The Black Bears, Ottawa’s first pro lacrosse team in over two decades, aren’t the only fresh faces to watch this season. All eyes will be on Brennan O’Neill, the first overall pick in the 2024 NLL Draft, as he suits up for the Philadelphia Wings. The former Duke University standout brings immense hype and expectations as he looks to make an immediate impact in the league.
Thanksgiving Thrillers Headline Opening Weekend
While the Black Bears and Wings generate plenty of buzz, the two-time defending champion Buffalo Bandits remain the team to beat. The Bandits open their quest for a historic three-peat with back-to-back road tests against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs and Rochester Knighthawks. According to a team insider, the Bandits are embracing the challenge of being the hunted, using it as motivation to “prove the doubters wrong and cement their legacy.”
Other intriguing opening weekend clashes include:
- Vancouver Warriors at Colorado Mammoth (Nov. 29): A rematch of last season’s thrilling first-round playoff series
- Saskatchewan Rush at Albany FireWolves (Nov. 30): Two perennial contenders collide in an early litmus test
- Philadelphia Wings at San Diego Seals (Dec. 1): O’Neill’s highly anticipated debut against a tough Seals squad
ESPN+ Remains Exclusive Broadcast Partner
For the fourth consecutive year, all NLL games will be streamed live on ESPN+, giving fans unprecedented access to the fast-paced, hard-hitting action. The league’s partnership with ESPN+ has been a game-changer, dramatically expanding the NLL’s reach and visibility.
“Having every game on ESPN+ allows both die-hard and casual fans to fully immerse themselves in the NLL experience. It’s a key factor in the league’s continued growth and success.”
– NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz
With a record 14 teams across North America, the NLL is poised for its most competitive and compelling season yet. From established powerhouses to hungry newcomers, the fight for positioning and playoff spots will be fierce from wire to wire.
Key Dates and Matchups to Circle
As the 2024-25 campaign unfolds, here are some crucial dates and marquee matchups every NLL fan should have circled on their calendar:
- December 28-29: Post-Christmas rivalries reignited, including Bandits vs Knighthawks and FireWolves vs Thunderbirds
- January 10-11: First-ever meetings between the Black Bears and Swarm, and Desert Dogs vs Rush
- February 15-16: Seals visit Bandits in Finals rematch; Black Bears vs FireWolves in key East Division tilt
- April 18-19: Regular season finales with playoff spots on the line
From the opening faceoff to the final whistle, the 2024-25 NLL season promises non-stop excitement and intensity. With superstars like Dhane Smith, Jeff Teat, and Lyle Thompson leading the charge, and emerging talents like O’Neill and Patrick Dodds ready to make their mark, lacrosse’s premier league is must-see viewing for any sports fan.
Don’t miss a moment of the action—sign up for ESPN+ today and experience the NLL like never before! Who will rise above the rest and hoist the championship trophy next spring? Let the games begin!
