BOSTON, Mass. — Major League Lacrosse announced today that the league will not operate the Atlanta Blaze for the 2020 MLL season.

The Atlanta Blaze had their best season on record in 2019 and saw Alex Woodall win Rookie of the Year and Liam Byrnes win Defensive Player of the Year. The Blaze competed in the semifinals for the only time in franchise history, ultimately falling to the Denver Outlaws. In the 2019 season the Blaze hosted a TryLax clinic in partnership with US Lacrosse, introducing the sport to dozens of boys in girls in Atlanta. The Blaze and MLL invested in the community through a grant for the Wheeler Jr. Lacrosse program. They entertained fans on Star Wars Night, Military Appreciation Night, Fan Appreciation Night and many others. The Blaze were honored to play for the fans of Atlanta and would like to extend their sincerest gratitude for the support.

Major League Lacrosse will maintain the Blaze marks and colors for a return to the Atlanta market.

Major League Lacrosse players are contracted with the league and will be a part of a new Major League Lacrosse franchise, to be announced tomorrow (Feb. 17, 2020).