NLL plans to kick off next season the weekend of April 9-11, 2021

The National Lacrosse League is planning to kick off its 35th season the weekend of April 9-11, 2021, the league announced Wednesday. The 13-team league includes the New England Black Wolves, who play their home games at Mohegan Sun Arena.

According to a press release, the focus of the league and NLL teams is to work with health authorities and local jurisdictions to develop health and safety protocols for the players and fans at their games. A detailed schedule will follow at an appropriate time.

“We have been continuously working with our teams, Players' Association, arenas, and health and government officials to prepare to play our 35th season. An April start date will give us sufficient time to have our protocols in place for players, coaches, staff, as well as fans,” NLL commissioner Nick Sakiewicz said.

“We are working with all teams to provide the safest environment and an acceptable level of fans in the stands. We understand that current circumstances will dictate whether this plan is achievable, and we will be prepared to remain flexible and pivot as needed."

Under the current plan, teams would report to individual training camps — some virtual and some in-person — under strict guidelines in mid-March, with all teams beginning game play in April.

The league is in the process of continuing to explore several scenarios which factor in current and longer-term restrictions in municipalities in both the United States and Canada with regard to immigration and facility use.

The Black Wolves, for instance, share Mohegan Sun Arena with the Connecticut Sun of the WNBA, whose season traditionally begins in May. Also, five of the league's teams have homes in Canada, which has currently closed its border to non-essential travel due to the coronavirus.

The 2019-20 NLL season was postponed March 12 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, with the Black Wolves in first place in the East Division at 8-3. The remainder of the regular season was canceled on April 8 and the league announced on June 4 that there would be no postseason.