Maryland will be one of four founding teams for the newly formed Women’s Lacrosse League, the Premier Lacrosse League-backed organization announced Wednesday.
The Maryland Charm will join the Boston Guard, New York Charging and California Palms. The teams were chosen after a study of market factors such as broadcast viewership, women’s lacrosse fandom, youth participation and past Premier Lacrosse League success. The teams will debut at the 2025 Championship Series and compete for the Women’s Lacrosse League title from Feb. 11 to 17 at The St. James in Washington.
The players of the Women’s Lacrosse League will participate in the Sixes format that will mark the sport’s reintroduction to the Summer Olympics when they return to Los Angeles in 2028. The alignment is punctuated by a shortened field, a reduced shot clock and draws only at the start of each quarter.
The Women’s Lacrosse League teams will compete with the top four Premier Lacrosse League teams from the 2024 season for the third Premier Lacrosse League Championship Series title.
“These inaugural four WLL teams represent the legacy, ambition, excitement and future of women’s lacrosse,” said former Johns Hopkins All-American midfielder Paul Rabil, co-founder and president of the Premier Lacrosse League. “When WLL pros step on to the field this February, fans worldwide — especially in Boston, New York, Maryland, and California — will witness the pinnacle of our sport. We’re proud to create a new platform where elite women’s players can compete for championships, represent their communities, and inspire the next generation of athletes.”
The Women’s Lacrosse League is backed by founding partners Whirlpool and Lexus. Tickets for the 2025 Lexus Championship Series went on sale Wednesday with an exclusive presale window for PLL Nation members.
Have a news tip? Contact Edward Lee at eklee@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/EdwardLeeSun.