The 2026 PLL and WLL Championship Series is set to take place from February 27 to March 8, showcasing the top four teams from the PLL’s 2025 season alongside the four teams from the WLL.
This event will feature the innovative Sixes format, which will also be used when lacrosse makes its return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. This format differs significantly from traditional outdoor “field” lacrosse and indoor “box” lacrosse.
ESPN analyst Quint Kessenich remarked, “The Sixes format is an excellent entry point for new lacrosse enthusiasts as it closely resembles basketball or hockey with its 5-on-5 setup plus goalies. The game’s rhythm aligns with basketball, featuring pick-and-rolls, fast breaks, and set plays with two-point shots, similar to threes in basketball. Removing long poles and faceoffs simplifies the game into a high-energy, fast-paced, and high-scoring spectacle.”
“The atmosphere in the venue is electric, with fans in close proximity. The intensity is palpable every night. Blink, and you might miss something exciting.”
The two Boston teams emerged victorious in the 2025 PLL and WLL Championship Series. The Boston Guard from the WLL will aim to defend their title, while the Boston Cannons from the PLL did not qualify.
Below is an overview of the schedule, team rosters, and predictions for potential winners and the recipient of the Golden Stick, presented by ESPN’s broadcast team. Fans can follow all the Championship Series action on the ESPN App and through the streaming hubs for the PLL and WLL.
Predictions
Who is the most intriguing player in the PLL Championship Series?
Carolina Chaos forward Jackson Eicher stands out as a fascinating player. I’m interested to see how his size and skill adapt to the Sixes format. Last summer, the rookie from Army was exceptionally productive, and if he gets the ball on his right hand, he could achieve remarkable statistics. — Quint Kessenich
Defending against California’s Andrew McAdorey is no easy task. He commands a pole, but with no poles in the Sixes format, McAdorey scored 13 unassisted goals last summer, the highest of any Championship Series player. With his two-way skills and relentless energy, he has the potential to dominate the Championship Series. — Anish Shroff
Which player will win the PLL Golden Stick?
It’s tough to bet against Bryan Costabile, as he has been on fire in this format. Costabile has amassed 62 points in nine prior Champ Series matches, proving a deep threat with 13 two-pointers. He has recorded three games with double-digit points in the Champ Series. — Shroff
Which team is going to win the PLL Champ Series?
The Chaos are poised to win the tournament. I’m fond of their roster. — Kessenich
Goalies play a crucial role in this format. Denver’s Logan McNaney excels in championship matches (four with Maryland, one with the Outlaws). His precise outlet passing becomes a powerful tool off both saves and goals. While Denver may be missing some offensive stars, they have an exceptional goalie. McNaney is undeniably the best keeper in the tournament. Both Colin Kirst and Sean Sconone have demonstrated that solid goalie performance is imperative to triumph in the Championship Series. — Shroff
Who is the most intriguing player in the WLL Championship Series?
Ally Mastroianni does it all. The star of the California Palms sprints down the field, wins crucial possessions, scores when it counts, and secures possession. In short, she’s the player you want when the game is on the line. — Sheehan Stanwick Burch
I’m looking forward to Ally Kennedy’s debut as a two-way midfielder for the Maryland Charm. A key player for Team USA on the international stage, Kennedy’s dual-threat capabilities will be invaluable in the Sixes format. — Jay Alter
Which player will win the WLL Golden Stick?
With reigning champion Emily Hawryschuk back for the New York Charging, who is set for another strong series, my inclination leans toward Charlotte North of the Boston Guard claiming the 2026 Golden Stick Award. The addition of the two-point line complements her abilities perfectly. Her scoring finesse in tight spaces and ability to stretch defenses from deep gives her a competitive edge. — Burch
Izzy Scane is a versatile scorer and was the runner-up in last year’s initial Golden Stick race. This year, I believe she will secure the title. — Alter
Which team is going to win the WLL Champ Series?
While it’s challenging to bet against the defending champion Boston Guard and their impressive roster, I have a gut feeling that the New York Charging will make it a tough contest. I’m particularly impressed with their goalkeeping duo of Madison Doucette and Molly Laliberty, who can shift the momentum of a game in an instant. An offense led by Izzy Scane is always a daunting challenge. — Burch
I’m backing the Boston Guard to secure back-to-back victories. They possess the world’s top player, Charlotte North, and a formidable defense. also, they are the only team that has retained their entire coaching staff, which lends them an advantage in continuity! — Alter
Schedule
Note: All times are in Eastern Standard Time.
Friday, February 27
6 p.m.: New York Charging vs. Boston Guard (WLL)
8 p.m.: New York Atlas vs. Denver Outlaws (PLL)
Saturday, February 28
Noon: California Palms vs. Boston Guard (WLL)
2 p.m.: Maryland Charm vs. New York Charging (WLL)
6:30 p.m.: Denver Outlaws vs. California Redwoods (PLL)
8:30 p.m.: Carolina Chaos vs. New York Atlas (PLL)
Sunday, March 1
10:30 a.m.: California Palms vs. Maryland Charm (WLL)
12:30 p.m.: California Redwoods vs. Carolina Chaos (PLL)
Thursday, March 5
6 p.m.: Carolina Chaos vs. Denver Outlaws (PLL)
8 p.m.: New York Charging vs. California Palms (WLL)
Friday, March 6
6 p.m.: Boston Guard vs. Maryland Charm (WLL)
8 p.m.: New York Atlas vs. California Redwoods (PLL)
Saturday, March 7
2 p.m.: WLL semifinals
6:30 p.m.: PLL semifinals
Sunday, March 8
11 a.m.: WLL championship
3 p.m.: PLL championship
Rosters
Boston Guard (WLL)
Roster
Madison Ahern
Andie Aldave
Dempsey Arsenault
Maddie Burns
Kasey Choma
Hannah Dorney
Kaylee Dyer
Rachel Hall
Charlotte North
Brittany Read
Courtney Taylor
Cassidy Weeks
Jackie Wolak
What to know: Charlotte North and the Guard clinched the title last season. North finished third in the Golden Stick race with 15 goals, trailing only Emily Hawryschuk (19) and Izzy Scane (17). Will North manage to capture both titles this year?
California Palms (WLL)
Roster
Sammy Jo Adelsberger
Erin Bakes
Anna Brandt
Kait Devir
Sam Geiersbach
Ellie Masera
Ally Mastroianni
Taylor Moreno
Emily Nalls
Gabby Rosenzweig
Jill Smith
Caroline Steele
Caitlyn Wurzburger
What to know: California’s Taylor Moreno has a wide array of interests, having kicked for her high school’s football team, while earning varsity letters in five different sports: lacrosse, soccer, football, indoor track, and basketball. also, she holds a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo and created the mural at the University of North Carolina that the players tap on their way to the field.
Maryland Charm (WLL)
Roster
Sydni Black
Abby Bosco
Aurora Cordingley
Grace Griffin
Megan Douty
McKenzie Blake
Olivia Dirks
Ally Kennedy
Sam Swart
Ashley Humphrey
Kelly Denes
Paulina DiFatta
Caylee Waters
What to know: This will be Ashley Humphrey’s debut in the WLL, having been ranked as the No. 3 prospect on Sheehan Stanwick Burch’s 2025 big board. In college, she smashed the NCAA single-season assists record with 88 in 2022, then upped the ante to 90 in 2025.
New York Charging (WLL)
Roster
Meg Carney
Erin Coykendall
Madison Doucette
Lauren Gilbert
Kendall Halpern
Emily Hawryschuk
Molly Laliberty
Izzy Scane
Samantha Smith
Katie Goodale
Chase Boyle
Grace Fujinaga
Emerson Bohlig
What to know: The two-point line is making its debut in the WLL this season. In last year’s games, only 14 shots were taken from that distance (13 yards), and the only players to score from there are on the Charging roster (Emily Hawryschuk and Meg Carney).
California Redwoods (PLL)
Roster
Josh Balcarcel
Michael Boehm
Connor Cmiel
Aidan Danenza
Romar Dennis
BJ Farrare
Matt Knote
Andrew McAdorey
Chris Merle
Dylan Molloy
Carter Rice
Brian Tevlin
Zach Vigue
What to know: Romar Dennis shone at the inaugural Champ Series in 2023, but has faced injuries since. He told the PLL’s Phil Shore that he is approaching full health just in time for the 2026 tournament.
Carolina Chaos (PLL)
Roster
Chris Aslanian
Cole Williams
Ray Dearth
Austin Kaut
Ross Scott
Mark Glicini
Jackson Eicher
Brendan Nichtern
Shane Knobloch
Sergio Perkovic
Charlie Bertrand
JC Higginbotham
Christian Scarpello
What to know: Brendan Nichtern, the 2022 Rookie of the Year, is returning to the sport after military commitments. His fellow West Point graduate Jackson Eicher will enjoy welcoming him back after they played together for Army in 2022.
Denver Outlaws (PLL)
Roster
Justin Anderson
Fulton Bayman
Graham Bundy Jr.
Ryan Cohen
Zach Geddes
Dylan Gergar
Jack Gray
Lance Madonna
Owen McElroy
Logan McNaney
Ryan Tierney
Jack VanOverbeke
Greg Weyl
What to know: A key factor for Denver will be goaltender Logan McNaney’s proficiency in clean saves and outlet passing. McNaney set a PLL record for clean save percentage in 2025 (60.6%), and that skill will be even more critical in the Sixes format, which features a shorter field and the opportunity for quick transition offense.
New York Atlas (PLL)
Roster
Tyler Carpenter
Chet Comizio
Bryan Costabile
Chris Davis
Kyle Jackson
Myles Jones
Jack Koras
Max Krevsky
Eric Malever
Will Mark
Brian Phipps
Michael Rexrode
Matt Traynor
What to know: New York’s Xander Dickson suffered a left leg injury during last summer’s U.S. Bank Championship game, which the Atlas won against the Outlaws. He will serve as an assistant coach for the Atlas during the Champ Series as he recovers.
