The National Lacrosse League’s board of governors extended Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz’s contract through 2022, giving the former MLS executive another three years to continue expanding the indoor lacrosse property.
SAKIEWICZ
Sakiewicz joined the league in early 2016 when he left his post running the Philadelphia Union of MLS to take over from former Commissioner George Daniel. His original three-year deal ran through 2019.
Under Sakiewicz, the NLL has executed an aggressive growth plan by bringing in six new owners and four expansion franchises. Brad Brewster, co-owner of the New England Black Wolves and NLL board of governors member, hit on those themes in a statement announcing the extension, saying Sakiewicz’s “strategic vision for professional lacrosse has produced unprecedented fan engagement, franchise growth and exceptional commercial results for our league and the game of lacrosse.”
The league, founded in 1986, now has 13 teams across the U.S. and Canada. The NLL added two franchises this past season in San Diego and Philadelphia, and is expanding next year with new franchises on Long Island and in Halifax, Nova Scotia. On top of average game attendance jumping by 6% this past season to 9,683 fans per game, the league has a new relationship with Turner Sports/Bleacher Report Live and new sponsorships with Geico and Michelob Ultra.
The NLL and its players association also reached a new collective-bargaining agreement in late 2018 that helped avoid a potential work stoppage.
