Over the past decade, lacrosse’s fan base has grown from 13 million to an impressive 45 million people, with many fans demanding more platforms for female athletes to compete at the highest level. In a landmark move for the sport, the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) announced the creation of the Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL), a new professional league launching with four teams in 2025. This announcement marks a major turning point for women’s sports worldwide.
While team rosters, home cities, and coaches have not been announced yet, the WLL has provided some information about the league. There are four confirmed ambassador athletes including Charlotte North, Alex Austholman, Lizzie Colton, and Izzy Scane. The rest of the information is confirmed to be released before the end of the year.
The popularity of lacrosse can be linked to the growing interest in NCAA Division I women’s lacrosse programs. With 133 women’s programs compared to just 78 men’s teams, the sport has demonstrated its rapid growth and large talent pool. However, the disparity between women’s and men’s lacrosse has raised an important question: why has the PLL had a men’s league but not a women’s league until now? As collegiate players continue to showcase their skills on a national stage, fans are witnessing the depth of talent in women’s lacrosse and how these athletes are ready to bring their game to the professional level.
Following the announcement that lacrosse will return to the Summer Olympics in 2028, the WLL has adopted the unique Olympic sixes format to build familiarity with the style and attract a fanbase. This style of gameplay is fast-paced and exciting where there are six field players and one goalie.
The announcement of the WLL represents a broader trend toward expanding professional opportunities for women athletes. For too long, women’s sports have struggled for equitable recognition and resources, and the WLL’s establishment is a meaningful step toward addressing this disparity. By providing women lacrosse players with a dedicated platform to compete for championships and grow as professionals, the PLL is helping to create a more inclusive future for the sport.
For years, sports fans worldwide have been calling for gender equality within the industry. For too long, women’s sports have struggled for equitable recognition, resources, and opportunities. Establishing the WLL is a big step forward for the sport, representing a meaningful movement toward equity in the sports industry.
The creation of the WLL is a pivotal moment for both lacrosse and women’s sports. It not only highlights the growing popularity of the sport but also provides career opportunities for top athletes. At The Village School, lacrosse is a fast growing sport, with increasing participation and enthusiasm each year. With the inaugural WLL season aligning with The Village School’s varsity lacrosse season, many young athletes are excited to watch their favorite players compete this spring.
Works Cited
PLL launches Professional Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL). (n.d.). USA Lacrosse. https://www.usalacrosse.com/magazine/professional/wll/pll-launches-professional-womens-lacrosse-league-wll
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, October 23). List of NCAA Division I lacrosse programs. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NCAA_Division_I_lacrosse_programs#:~:text=The%20following%20is%20a%20list,women’s%20lacrosse%20teams%20in%202026.
