Major League Lacrosse announced today that the league will not operate the Atlanta Blaze for the 2020 MLL season.
This is another piece of the metaphorical pie of the league contracting franchises while they move to a business model that brings each franchise under league ownership. The MLL underwent its 19th season last year while competing with the first year of the Premier Lacrosse League.
The Atlanta Blaze had its best season on record in 2019 and saw Alex Woodall win Rookie of the Year and Liam Byrnes win Defensive Player of the Year. The Blaze competed in the semifinals for the only time in franchise history, ultimately falling to the Denver Outlaws. During the 2019 season, the Blaze hosted a TryLax clinic in partnership with US Lacrosse, introducing the sport to dozens of boys in girls in Atlanta. The Blaze and MLL invested in the community through a grant for the Wheeler Jr. Lacrosse program. They entertained fans on Star Wars Night, Military Appreciation Night, Fan Appreciation Night and many others. The Blaze were honored to play for the fans of Atlanta and would like to extend their sincerest gratitude for the support.
Major League Lacrosse will maintain the Blaze marks and colors for a return to the Atlanta market.
Major League Lacrosse players are contracted with the league and will be a part of a new Major League Lacrosse franchise, to be announced tomorrow.
Editor’s Note: This information and parts of the text were provided from a news release by Major League Lacrosse.
