Updated Nov. 24, 2018, at 8:20 p.m. ET
Let there be lax.
The National Lacrosse League and Professional Lacrosse Players Association have finalized a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement, ending the bitter labor dispute that forced the NLL to cancel the first two weeks of the 2018-19 season.
The new agreement, which was reached in principal Friday and then ratified by the players Saturday, is for a five-year term.
“We appreciate the efforts of the negotiating committee and their tireless dedication to reaching a fair and equitable agreement for both the NLL and the players,” NLL commissioner Nick Sakiewicz said in a press release issued by the league. “This agreement has created a clear path for incremental growth, not just for the players and the existing clubs, but for the sport of lacrosse as well. Thank you also to the fans and the players for your patience as we worked through this situation.”
“This new agreement sets the players in a great position for success as partners in a league and a sport whose best days are ahead,” PLPA president Peter Schmitz said.
Brad MacArthur, a former NLL player and current general manager of the Brooklin Redmen of Major Series Lacrosse, tweeted Friday that the compromise is a “mid-length deal with [an] opt-out provision,” with both sides committed to continue negotiations on a long-term CBA. The NLL had previously stood by its seven-year proposal tendered Oct. 31, rejecting one- and two-year counteroffers by the PLPA before arriving at this agreement.
#PLPA members have by majority vote ratified the tentatively approved deal reached by the PLPA & #NLL. We thank the Player Reps for their commitment & their fellow Players for supporting the Exec. Committee during these negotiations. Thanks fans for your support! #letsplaylax
— PLPA (@PLPAlax) November 24, 2018
With a new deal in place, it paves the way for players to report to training camps next weekend, with the season starting Dec. 15. Three games are currently scheduled for that day, with Buffalo visiting Philadelphia — the return of the Wings as an expansion franchise after a three-year absence — New England at Georgia and Vancouver at Calgary.
There were no reports indicating the NLL would reschedule the seven games that were canceled as a result of the impasse. Although the NLL and PLPA have been at odds in the past, this marked the first time that a labor dispute resulted in the cancellation of games.
NLL teams and players celebrated the good news on social media.
Absolutely FIRED UP!
— Chase Fraser (@chazfraz8) November 25, 2018
Huge thank you to the @PLPAlax for all they did. Bigger thanks to all the @NLL fans for sticking with us through the tough times . Now let’s go BANDITLAND!!!!! @NLLBandits
— Dhane Smith (@dhanesmith92) November 25, 2018
San Diego, let’s dive in pic.twitter.com/Bv74NdOdIt
— San Diego Seals (@SealsLax) November 25, 2018