The National Lacrosse League (NLL) says the Ottawa Black Bears will not be playing in its upcoming season and the club will be discontinuing operations. In June, season ticket holders were informed that the professional lacrosse club would not be playing games at the Canadian Tire Centre in 2026-27. The NLL said the decision followed “extensive efforts by the League to identify viable paths forward for both franchises.” This comes after the league said GF Lacrosse LLC’s ownership of the club had ceased. The league said it intended to keep the team in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, but on Thursday it confirmed that the Black Bears would not be part of the next season. The Philadelphia Wings will also be discontinued. “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,” said NLL Commissioner Brett Frood in a news release. “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 Black Bears started playing at the Canadian Tire Centre during the 2024-25 NLL season after the relocation of the New York Riptide. The team had its largest attendance of the last season in March when 5,840 fans came to its final home game. The league says the Ottawa and Philadelphia player pools will be combined for a single NLL Dispersal Draft on Sept. 15. The Black Bears marked a return of professional lacrosse to the nation’s capital after more than 20 years. The Ottawa Rebel played in the NLL from 2001 to 2003. The league said Ottawa and Philadelphia remain important markets. “The League will consider future opportunities in either community if the long-term conditions and partners necessary to support a sustainable franchise are established,” it said. With files from CTV News Ottawa’s William Eltherington and Adam Beauchemin
