Audrey Richardson
Contributing Writer
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) has launched the Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL), a new domestic competitive league that will feature many of the best players in the world. The league is set to begin in 2025, 3 years ahead of lacrosse’s return as an Olympic sport for the first time in 8 decades. The league is an expansion of the PLL’s investment in professional women’s lacrosse.
The WLL’s adoption of the sixes format is a strategic move which will prepare players for the Olympic stage. This format includes 6 players on the field, contrasting with the traditional 7-player setup that is seen in NCAA women’s lacrosse. The sixes format is characterized by an accelerated, open style of play with quick transitions and nonstop scoring action. Sixes features a 30-second shot clock, 8-minute running-time quarters and emphasizes a faster tempo with fewer stoppages in play.
The inaugural WLL championship series is scheduled for February 2025 in Washington, DC. While specific team locations and player rosters have yet to be announced, the league is expected to feature elite talent from across the lacrosse world. Lizzie Hardy ’26, a Wooster women’s lacrosse player, shared her excitement about the league’s creation.
“I think that it is really exciting that they are adding a women’s pro league for lacrosse,” Hardy said. “I have seen the men’s league and have always wanted there to be a women’s version. It is really cool how they have gotten some of the best players like Charlotte North and Izzy Scane to already be ambassadors for the league and I think that will really help for the news to get out about the league. This is overall really great for all of lacrosse and will really help to grow the sport.”
Many players on the women’s lacrosse team believe that this is a monumental moment for the world of women’s lacrosse. The creation of this is not just about the professional competition — it’s about inspiring the next generation of female athletes. Elizabeth Ford, Wooster women’s lacrosse head coach, emphasized the importance of the new league.
“It’s exciting to see a new group supporting women’s professional sports,” Ford said. “The WLL will have some big names from the game that little girls will be able to continue to watch. Hopefully, this will allow our sport to grow on the trajectory that it has been over the last few years.”
“I think this league is going to be a huge step for women in sports,” Amelia Knaysi ’25, Wooster women’s lacrosse player, said. “It’s history in the making.”
The WLL is poised to play a crucial role in growing the sport and elevating the profile of women’s lacrosse on a global stage. As ambassador and professional lacrosse player Charlotte North stated, “It’s not a dream anymore. It’s our time.” With the launch of the WLL, a new era begins — one filled with opportunity, inspiration and progress for the sport and its players.
