The 2024 Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) Championship Series unfolded this past weekend at the St. James sports complex in Springfield, Virginia, marking the second year of this exciting event. Distinct from the league championship, the series was conceived to offer additional playing opportunities for PLL athletes not involved in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). Moreover, it aimed to generate more content for the PLL's broadcast partners and contribute to the broader movement advocating for lacrosse's inclusion in the Olympics—a goal that has now been realized for the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
In the championship game on Monday, the Boston Cannons secured their inaugural PLL Championship Series title by defeating the Philadelphia Waterdogs.
While lacrosse enthusiasts were undoubtedly captivated by the tournament's outcome, those intrigued by the sport's ascent may also be interested in the success of the Championship Series in its second year and the overall state of lacrosse.
Lacrosse is currently experiencing a surge in momentum, boosted by its impending return to the Olympics in 2028, promising substantial exposure. The National Lacrosse League (NLL) and the Premier Lacrosse League, the sport's two top leagues, have further bolstered this momentum through their partnerships with ESPN. The PLL's collaboration with ESPN, in particular, has proven fruitful, with viewership for the 2023 season reaching a record high—a remarkable 36% increase compared to 2022. The fact that this surge occurred in the league's second season on the sports platform suggests that this fan interest trend could carry into 2024.
Social media conversations surrounding the PLL and its Championship Series have also seen a notable uptick. Our team at NorthStar Sports Solutions gathered data indicating an 11.03% increase in social media mentions about the event, rising from 8,526 in 2023 to 9,466 in 2024.
Lacrosse participation is also on an upward trajectory, boasting over 2 million casual participants in the United States, according to Sportico. Despite being recognized as a sanctioned high school sport in only 24 states, the sport is attracting significant participation and investment, leaving sufficient room for further growth.
The pressing question now revolves around capitalizing on this increasing momentum to ensure the sport's sustained expansion. Additionally, the impact of lacrosse's inclusion in the Olympics looms large, sparking curiosity about how this global platform will influence the sport's future trajectory.
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