The National Lacrosse League announced Thursday it would be moving forward as a 12-franchise organization with a pair of clubs ceasing operations.
The Ottawa Black Bears and Philadelphia Wings have officially been folded.
The league says a viable path forward for each team couldn’t be identified.
“Today is a difficult day for the National Lacrosse League and, most importantly, for the fans, players, employees and partners who have supported the Ottawa Black Bears and Philadelphia Wings,” said NLL commissioner Brett Frood said in a statement. “These are proud lacrosse markets with passionate communities, and we are grateful to everyone who has invested their time, energy and belief in these clubs. As we enter our 40th anniversary season, our responsibility is to provide certainty for our constituents and move forward with 12 active member clubs aligned behind the League’s collective future.”
The league says that Ottawa and Philadelphia remain important markets and future opportunities to return will be considered.
A dispersal draft for the Black Bears and Wings rosters will be held on Sept. 15. The Oshawa FireWolves hold the first pick with the NLL Champions, Toronto Rock picking last. Unselected players become unrestricted free agents.
This was the second iteration of the Wings that began play in 2018. The previous iteration played in the city from 1987 to 2014 before moving to Uncasville, CT as the New England BlackWolves. That team moved to Albany, NY to become the FireWolves in 2021 before relocating against to Oshawa, Ont. ahead of last season.
The Black Bears began play in 2024 after moving from Long Island where the franchise had been the New York Riptide. The Riptide also began play in 2018. The Black Bears finished with an 8-10 record in both seasons of their existence.
