Kickoff to the 2025-26 NLL Season
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) has officially released its full regular-season schedule for the 2025-26 season, setting the stage for an action-packed year of professional lacrosse. The season is set to begin on November 28 with a highly anticipated matchup between the Toronto Rock and the Oshawa FireWolves at 7:30 PM ET, hosted at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, Ontario. This game marks the debut of the FireWolves in their new home after relocating from Albany, adding an extra layer of excitement to the opener.
Fans across North America are gearing up for a 21-week regular season that includes 126 games, showcasing the league's 15 teams in a series of intense rivalries and key matchups. The schedule drop has generated significant buzz, as it provides the first look at when and where fans can catch their favorite teams in action. Additional opening weekend games on November 29 include San Diego at Ottawa at 7 PM ET, Georgia at Buffalo at 7 PM ET, and Colorado at Vancouver at 10 PM ET, ensuring a packed start to the season.
Key Highlights and Team Schedules
One of the standout features of the 2025-26 schedule is the relocation of the Albany FireWolves to Oshawa, Ontario, a move that brings professional lacrosse back to southern Ontario in a big way. The FireWolves will play nine home games at the Tribute Communities Centre, starting with their opener against the Toronto Rock. This regional rivalry is expected to draw significant crowds, as both teams have passionate fan bases eager to see how the new location impacts team dynamics.
Other notable early-season games include the Halifax Thunderbirds' home opener on December 5 against the Oshawa FireWolves, a matchup that promises to test the newly relocated team on the road. The Buffalo Bandits, a perennial powerhouse, kick off their campaign on November 29 against Georgia at 7 PM ET, setting the tone for their pursuit of another strong season. The league has ensured a balanced schedule, giving fans ample opportunities to see cross-conference clashes and local derbies throughout the 21 weeks of play.
While the schedule is now public, there remains some uncertainty due to ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, which could potentially impact game dates or start times. However, the NLL remains committed to delivering a full slate of games, with ticket information and season memberships already available for purchase through team websites like torontorock.com and firewolves.com.
Looking Ahead to Playoffs and Finals
As teams prepare for the regular season, the ultimate goal remains reaching the NLL Finals, scheduled to begin on May 16, 2026, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY. The postseason format will see the top teams battle it out for the championship title, with last season's contenders like the Vancouver Warriors and Buffalo Bandits likely aiming to return to the big stage. The league's announcement of the Finals date provides a clear target for players and fans alike as they gear up for the long grind of the regular season.
The release of the 2025-26 schedule marks a significant milestone for the NLL, reinforcing its commitment to growing the sport across North America. With new teams finding their footing in new markets like Oshawa and returning powerhouses ready to defend their turf, this season promises to deliver thrilling moments and unforgettable games for lacrosse enthusiasts everywhere.