The NLL is coming back to television thanks to a new agreement with the Versus network. Versus originally broadcast an NLL “Game of the Week” back in 2007, but that went by the wayside after a dispute in the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
The new deal includes the broadcasting of n
ine regular-season and playoff games, culminating with the NLL Championship Game. The broadcast schedule will begin with the live telecast of the 2011 All-Star Game on February 27 at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern). The full broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date.
“Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport and the NLL features the most talented, toughest lacrosse players in the world. VERSUS is the perfect broadcast partner for us to showcase our dynamic league to a national audience,” said NLL Commissioner George Daniel.
“We are very excited to announce this new partnership with the National Lacrosse League and to be able to televise this fast growing sport on one of the fastest growing sports cable networks in the country,” said Jeff Goldberg, Vice President of Programming for VERSUS.
IMG Worldwide, which represents the NLL in broadcast and sponsorship matters, negotiated the agreement on behalf of the league.
After a hiatus, the All-Star game is back. This year it will be held on Feb. 27 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
The National Lacrosse League has reached agreement with the Oneida Indian Nation to serve as host and presenting sponsor of the league’s 2011 All-Star Game. The 2011 NLL All-Star game presented by the Oneida Indian Nation will be televised live nationally on VERSUS.
The modern sport of lacrosse is derived from a game created by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) centuries ago, and it still inspires cultural passion and community healing. Oneidas and other Iroquois cherished the game as entertainment and physical conditioning, but lacrosse was also a spiritual celebration. The game was said to be a gift from the Creator and, often, the game was played simply to please the Creator. It was also described as the medicine game since it was used to peacefully settle disputes between nations or villages. After games, the people would gather for a feast, strengthening the confederacy.
“We are gratified to be hosting the National Lacrosse League on our Oneida Nation Homelands,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and CEO of Nation Enterprises. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the modern version of the Creator’s game, while reminding everyone of the sport’s significant origins.”
“We’re truly excited to form this new partnership with Turning Stone Casino and the Oneida Nation,” said NLL Commissioner George Daniel. “Bringing the All-Star Game to this great venue helps us connect with the roots of our sport.”
Seating will be limited as the venue only holds about 2,700 fans.
The game will feature the All-Stars of the Eastern Division vs. the All-Stars of the Western Division. The All Stars are selected by voting from Coaches, General Managers and fans. Fans can help select the All Star Game starting lineups by going to NLL.com to cast their votes from today through Monday, February 7th. Details on the Canadian telecast of the game will be made at a later date.
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