The National Lacrosse League (NLL), the largest men’s professional indoor lacrosse league in North America, achieved double-digit growth in season ticket holders between 2016 and 2017, supporting the League’s strategic efforts for rapid expansion across North America.
The League’s nine teams reported a season ticket renewal rate of 86 percent for 2017, with a 27 percent increase in season ticket holders over the previous year. Two NLL clubs – the Saskatchewan Rush and New England Black Wolves – reported exceptionally high growth, each doubling their full season ticket memberships for 2017 and leading new season ticket membership sales, which grew by 54 percent overall.
More fans also showed up to cheer on their teams during home opening games versus last year. Attendance was up 14 percent across the nine member clubs’ arenas, with box office revenue for those games up 15 percent for 2017.
“We are thrilled to see the growth to date, but the work to achieve this started many months ago when we put the Five-Year Strategic Plan into action League-wide. Part of that execution included a Team Services function at the League office to support our existing teams and their business operations. Also, the launch of NLL TV, aimed at growing the distribution of our game outside of our first-class arenas, has been a huge success exceeding our expectations. Through our increased digital presence and accessibility to games, we have not only been able to successfully retain our core fan base, but we’re also attracting new lacrosse enthusiasts into our arenas – a true testament to the growing popularity of the sport and of our League’s future,” said Nick Sakiewicz, Commissioner of the National Lacrosse League.
In addition to providing season ticket holders and arena spectators with an enhanced fan experience, the League has also been elevating the viewing experience for the growing number of lacrosse fans who don’t have access to a ‘home’ team. Those enhancements include the launch of NLLTV.com, a new broadcast streaming platform and video hub providing greater access and enhanced viewing experiences to fans. In its inaugural year, NLLTV subscriptions tripled the League’s goal – bringing box lacrosse into the homes of thousands of audiences and demonstrating the demand for the sport across the U.S. and Canada.
“Increased ticket sales and goal-breaking NLLTV subscriptions signal an increased appreciation for and interest in lacrosse. We look forward to continuing to draw fans – both in our arenas and those watching at home – further into the sport through our expansion into new markets,” said Sakiewicz.
To stay connected to your team, the latest scores and developments in the National Lacrosse League, please visit: https://twitter.com/NLL.
About the National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional indoor lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of nine franchises across the United States and Canada: Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, New England Black Wolves, Rochester Knighthawks, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock and Vancouver Stealth. The 2017 NLL regular season, commemorating the League’s 31st year, is underway. For more information, visit NLL.com and find the NLL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
