Is it time for an NLL takeover? Let’s dive into what fans can expect with the NLL 2023-24 schedule release coming on Tuesday September 26th at 12:00p EST.

Intro

The National Lacrosse League is fast, physical, and electric. It has major potential to thrive if managed correctly. On Tuesday September 26th at Noon eastern, the NLL will unveil the schedule for 2023-24. There will also be a major innovation to the competition format. What could this mean?

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What Change?

Possibility 1: Different game days. Since fans are getting a schedule release, one could speculate that most of the NLL games will be played on Fridays now. This would certainly help get more nationally broadcasted games considering Saturdays and Sundays are for football.

Possibility 2: The NLL said this is the “most significant change to the competition format in the league’s 36-year history” in an email sent to media outlets such as Daily Dive. A significant change might be unpopular at first, but the new regime seems to be fully aware that new fans will come in droves. The change could be a new conferences alignment.

Possibility 3: The email adds that “the progressive new structure will further allow the League to showcase its dynamic on-floor product and the world’s greatest lacrosse players on an authentically Northern American stage.” What have the NBA and MLB done recently? The NBA changed to a 14 second shot clock following an offensive rebound (previously 24 seconds). The MLB introduced a pitch clock of 20 seconds (previously no pitch clock). Attention spans are smaller so there be even more pace added to the game. Compared to the PLL, the NLL is much faster. Let’s not rule out the possibility of shorter quarter lengths (currently 15 minutes).

Conclusion

This might be the first major change that second year commissioner Brett Frood has implemented. Time will tell whether or not it benefits the NLL’s future.