The full schedule for the 2025 Premier Lacrosse League season was unveiled this week. From an early Cash App Championship rematch to a likely battle between the top two picks in the 2025 College Draft, here are six games our beat writers have circled on their calendars: 

New York Atlas vs. Carolina Chaos

Albany Weekend
Friday, May 30, 6 p.m. ET

It’s the opening game of the season, and it’s the first game of the Roy Colsey era for the Chaos. For Mike Pressler’s Bulls, it's a chance to get back on track after a disappointing end to their 2024 campaign. 

The Atlas defeated the Chaos in Charlotte last season, and this could be Carolina's comeback game. It will also be the first time the Chaos offense steps on the field since the Utah Archers held them to one goal in the Cash App Playoff semifinals. Last season, Carolina and New York boasted the PLL's best defense and offense, respectively.

Will Jeff Teat open 2025 with an 11-point game like he did in 2024? What is Carolina’s offense going to look like under new head coach Colsey? – Hayden Lewis, Carolina Chaos Beat Writer

Maryland Whipsnakes vs. Utah Archers

Albany Weekend
Saturday, May 31, 1 p.m. ET

The second day of the 2025 season starts the way the 2024 campaign ended: With the Archers and the Whipsnakes facing off. 

The two-time defending champion Archers will look to get off on the right foot in their quest to complete the threepeat and do what the 2021 Whipsnakes couldn’t after back-to-back titles. Meanwhile, Maryland will be out for revenge for its loss in the 2024 Cash App Championship as the club continues to channel a youth movement after trading Zed Williams for Matt Brandau this offseason.  – Zach Carey, Utah Archers Beat Writer

Boston Cannons vs. Philadelphia Waterdogs

Philadelphia Weekend
Friday, June 13, 6 p.m. ET

The Cannons and Waterdogs have built one of the league’s most thrilling rivalries, and their June showdown is shaping up to be another must-watch battle.

Last season, Boston edged out Philly in an overtime thriller, with faceoff specialist and former Waterdog Zac Tucci leading the way. Despite the Dogs’ hopes for vengeance after the Cannons spoiled their Homecoming Weekend, Boston completed the season sweep with an exciting 14-10 victory on its home turf.

Now, with the Cannons looking to redeem themselves after their shocking quarterfinal loss and the Waterdogs out to prove last year's 2-8 record was a fluke, this midseason clash could have major implications for playoff seeding. Expect a fast-paced, physical game with no shortage of drama between two Eastern Conference contenders. – Sarah Griffin, Boston Cannons Beat Writer

California Redwoods vs. Philadelphia Waterdogs

San Diego Weekend
Saturday, June 28, 6 p.m. ET

California’s second game of its Homecoming Weekend should feature a matchup between the top two overall picks in the 2025 College Draft.

CJ Kirst and Chris Kavanagh are the top two prospects. Both are elite attackmen with boundless energy, flying all over the field. There’s a good possibility that we see Kirst selected by the Waterdogs at No. 1 overall and Kavanagh by the Redwoods at No. 2. 

If that’s the case, get ready for a high-intensity battle and a wealth of pregame storylines, which could resemble the NFL's Caleb Williams/Jayden Daniels and Bryce Young/CJ Stroud debates. – Adam Lamberti, PLL Writer

Denver Outlaws vs. Utah Archers

Salt Lake City Weekend
Saturday, July 26, 9:30 p.m. ET

The eventual champion Archers took care of business against Denver on their home turf last season. Now, a year later, the two teams will once again face off in a late-season clash.

Brennan O’Neill dominated Utah in the first matchup last season with seven goals, but he was held scoreless when the teams met again in the regular-season finale. The Archers rode that momentum through their Cash App Championship win. This will be a marquee matchup in the West. – Topher Adams, Denver Outlaws Beat Writer

Utah Archers vs. Carolina Chaos

Boston Weekend
Friday, August 8, 9 p.m. ET

It’s the final game of the regular season for both squads, and it could have major playoff implications. The Western Conference playoff seeding was decided in the final week last season, and record-wise, it was close to being a three-way tie between Utah, Carolina and Denver.

A goalie duel between the league's top two netminders, Blaze Riorden and Brett Dobson, under the lights at Harvard Stadium could easily be the moment of the weekend. If you like goals, you might not see many in this one. But if you like fast and physical lacrosse between two rivals, this is the game to prepare for. – Hayden Lewis, Carolina Chaos Beat Writer