Maybelline Women's Lacrosse League to Launch Full Season in Summer 2026

Expansion of the Maybelline Women's Lacrosse League

The Maybelline Women's Lacrosse League (WLL) is set to revolutionize women's lacrosse by expanding its calendar to a full season and playoffs starting in the summer of 2026. This announcement marks a significant milestone in women's sports, highlighting the growth and popularity of lacrosse amongst female athletes.

What to expect in the WLL 2026 Season

The upcoming 2026 season aims to build on the success generated during the league's first Championship Series in 2025. The original four teams—the Boston Guard, New York Charging, Maryland Charm, and California Palms—will compete in the widely embraced 10 versus 10 format, first introduced at the 2025 WLL All-Star Game. The season will unfold over 11 weekends, with all games broadcast on ESPN networks and available for streaming through the ESPN App.

Paul Rabil, Co-Founder and President of the Premier Lacrosse League, expressed his excitement, stating, "With the launch of our WLL Championship Series, we caught a glimpse of what the women's professional game can be. Today, we're excited to expand their professional platform to reflect the talent, ambition, and excellence of the players."

ESPN’s commitment to showcasing women's professional sports shines through as Rosalyn Durant, EVP of Programming Acquisitions, emphasized the network’s dedication to elevating this dynamic league. She believes the WLL's combination of fast-paced competition and compelling storytelling will attract a diverse audience, heralding a new era in women's sports.

A Rising Sport

The decision to expand comes on the heels of soaring engagement in girls' lacrosse, along with record-breaking participation in women's NCAA lacrosse. The momentum is further strengthened by women’s lacrosse being introduced in the upcoming Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. Mike Rabil, Co-Founder and CEO of the Premier Lacrosse League, remarked on the increasing popularity and participation, highlighting the remarkable potential that lies ahead.

Launched initially in November 2024, the WLL held its debut at the 2025 Championship Series, with the Boston Guard clinching the first title using the Olympic Sixes format. The Championship Series finale saw unprecedented streaming numbers, marking it as the most-watched women's professional lacrosse event on ESPN+.

Team Expansion and Future Plans

The original four teams will see their rosters expanded to include 23 players, achieved through a roster expansion draft yet to be announced. The league will hold a College Draft in preparation for the 2026 season, presenting an opportunity for emerging talents to join the ranks.

Details regarding the matchups and schedule for the upcoming 2026 WLL Championship Series and the regular season will be shared later this year. Fans can stay informed by visiting www.thewll.com for updates on schedules, player rosters, and ticket information.

About the WLL

The Maybelline Women's Lacrosse League is a groundbreaking women's professional lacrosse league in North America, representing top-tier talent and enhancing visibility within women's sports. This league is a major investment by the Premier Lacrosse League, which is co-founded by Paul and Mike Rabil. Prominent investors in the league include Joe Tsai Sports, The Chernin Group, Arctos, and others, demonstrating significant support for the growth of women's lacrosse. The partnership with ESPN further solidifies the league’s commitment to showcasing women's sports on a larger stage.

As interest and participation in women's lacrosse continue to grow, the WLL is poised to take center stage in the evolving landscape of sports, providing an exciting platform for female athletes to shine and fans to engage.

For more information about the league and its initiatives, visit www.premierlacrosseleague.com/womens-lacrosse-league or follow on their social media channels for the latest updates.