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The National Lacrosse League is making a comeback here on Long Island.
The NLL, a professional box lacrosse league, announced it will be adding its 13th franchise to New York for the 2019-20 season, according to a statement.
This will be the NLL’s third try at making indoor lacrosse work in New York.
The New York Saints (1989 to 2003) first played at the Coliseum. Later, the New York Titans (2006 to 2009) used the Coliseum, Madison Square Garden and the Prudential Center for home games.
Both franchises are now defunct.
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#BREAKING: The NLL welcomes New York as its 13th franchise!
Read more: https://t.co/Z3PBaE5RFr pic.twitter.com/6kHVXM5UWB
— NLL (@NLL) December 11, 2018
The team, owned and operated by a sports media entertainment company, GF Sports, will play at the newly renovated NYCB Live, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
“As our 13th franchise, New York and the entire Metropolitan region represents our biggest market to date,” said NLL commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “Lacrosse is no stranger to this area, and we are very excited that this ownership and franchise will fuel the growth opportunity we know already exists here.”
GF Sports has a long history of operating live professional sporting events in the area, including hosting the New York Open, and the Longines Masters of New York, among others.
“With its rich history and state-of-the-art facilities, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum will serve as the perfect home for the return of professional lacrosse to New York in 2019,” said Gary Fuhrman, a managing partner at GF Capital and board member of GF Sports.
GF Sports is currently having a naming contest for its new team.
Click here to vote.
