Top 5 Matchups to Watch in 2026

The 2026 Premier Lacrosse League schedule is out. With more weekends, more games and more history between rivals, this exercise is tougher than ever. Every game — and every score — could be the difference between a quarterfinals berth and an early exit. Here are the top five matchups that I’m looking forward to.

1. The Rocky Mountain Rivalry

Denver Outlaws vs. Utah Archers

Saturday, May 9th at 5 p.m. ET

Despite a down year on the field due to injuries that derailed a chance at a threepeat, the Arrowheads proved themselves as one of the best fanbases in the league. Their reward: Two host weekends in 2026, including Opening Weekend.

Like John Elway leading “The Drive” against the Dawg Pound in ‘86 or Steph Curry gesturing “goodnight” to the home crowd, Brennan O’Neill fed off – and ultimately silenced – the Utah crowd noise.

Both teams ended 2025 with a bitter taste in their mouths. O’Neill’s Outlaws were one quarter away from hoisting the trophy. The Archers missed the postseason and a chance to defend their back-to-back titles. Two teams with Championship aspirations will face off on Saturday Night Lacrosse in a must-watch matchup.

2. The Kirst Cup

Philadelphia Waterdogs vs. Boston Cannons

Saturday, May 16th at 8 p.m. ET

Anytime CJ Kirst goes head-to-head with his brothers Colin and Connor, more than bragging rights are on the line.

That brotherly love might be the only sentiment resembling affection between these two rivals. Meeting at a neutral site in Pawtucket, RI, expect to see strong fan support from both sides. Score differential separated the No. 2-4 seeds in the Eastern Conference in 2025; both teams know that every goal matters in this conference matchups.

Since an intense title match in the 2024 Championship Series that took overtime to settle, the feud between Boston and Philadelphia has only heated up.

3. Championship Rematch

New York Atlas vs. Denver Outlaws

Saturday, May 30th at 1 p.m. ET

New York and Denver gave us the game of the year last summer. As soon as Jared Bernhardt called game in overtime, a rematch in September felt like a foregone conclusion.

The top two teams in their respective conferences will meet again on Saturday, May 30th in Baltimore, MD.

4. The Reigning Champs Return Home

Maryland Whipsnakes vs. New York Atlas

Saturday, June 20th at 9 p.m. ET

New York Atlas will host their homecoming on Long Island in 2026. Last time they played here, the Maryland Whipsnakes broke their hearts in one of the longest overtimes in pro lacrosse history.

Two years later, Atlas has exorcised its playoff demons. Rings await them upon their return home. The reigning champs have their eyes set on becoming a dynasty. But the PLL’s original dynasty will do everything they can to stop that before it starts.

5. The “You Should Have Slid Again!” Bowl

Carolina Chaos vs. California Redwoods

Sunday, June 28th at 6:30 p.m. ET

Carolina and California has been one of the most balanced matchups in league history. No team has ever won three consecutive games in this matchup.

Both went through rebuilds in the 2025 offseason under new general managers and first-year head coaches. And both progressed ahead of schedule, making it to the playoffs and squaring off against each other in a close quarterfinals game.

Entering 2026, the narrative is no longer around a rebuild. It’s about winning now. Making the playoffs passed as a win in 2025; moving forward, it’s the expectation.

The last game heading into All-Star Weekend will set the tone for the second half of the season. Two weeks sitting on the outside looking in is a tough pill to swallow. Expect both teams to empty the tank in front of the California faithful in San Diego.