NLL down to 12 teams after Ottawa Black Bears and Philadelphia Wings fold

PHILADELPHIA — The Ottawa Black Bears and Philadelphia Wings have discontinued operations, the National Lacrosse League said Thursday.

A dispersal draft was scheduled for Tuesday as the league prepared to continue with 12 clubs for the upcoming season.

“Today is a difficult day for the National Lacrosse League and most importantly, for the fans, players, employees and partners who have supported the Ottawa Black Bears and Philadelphia Wings,” NLL commissioner Brett Frood said in a statement. “These are proud lacrosse markets with passionate communities, and we are grateful to everyone who has invested their time, energy and belief in these clubs.

“As we enter our 40th anniversary season, our responsibility is to provide certainty for our constituents and move forward with 12 active member clubs aligned behind the league’s collective future.”

The NLL did not provide reasons for why the teams folded. The decision followed “extensive efforts” by the NLL to identify viable paths forward for both franchises, the league said.

“The NLL evaluates the long-term sustainability of its member clubs across several core areas, including committed ownership, venue and lease conditions, local market infrastructure, operational capabilities and sustained investment in the fan experience,” the statement said.

The Toronto Rock beat the Halifax Thunderbirds in the 2026 final last May. There are four other Canadian franchises in the league: the Oshawa FireWolves, Calgary Roughnecks, Saskatchewan Rush and the Vancouver Warriors.

The New York Riptide franchise moved to Ottawa in 2024. The Black Bears played home games at Canadian Tire Centre, also home of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators.

When the league announced the launch of the Black Bears in February 2024, GF Sports & Entertainment was named owner/operator of the franchise. The New York-based live events/sports media entertainment company partnered commercially with Senators Sports & Entertainment.

A message left with the GF Sports & Entertainment was not immediately returned. The club’s website redirected to the league’s website on Thursday evening.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 10, 2026.