EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe 2026 Premier Lacrosse League season begins this weekend, with two games on Friday and two more on Saturday.But that's just Week 1.Can the New York Atlas repeat as champions? Or will a revamped Denver Outlaws squad take their place? And how will the Carolina Chaos' win in the Championship Series impact their campaign outdoors?Here's a snapshot of each team heading into the season, including key players, stats and storylines to watch.As a reminder, fans can catch all of the action in the ESPN App and in the PLL streaming hub.Eastern ConferenceBoston Cannons2025 record: 4-6Head coach: Brian HolmanAssistants: Will Manny, Aaron VerardiCoaching fellow: Todd MacFarlaneLeading scorer in 2025: Asher Nolting (36 points)Key question for 2026: Nolting was left off the 2025 Top 50 rankings list (as voted on by players). How will that motivate him this season?Week 1 schedule: Bye weekMaryland Whipsnakes2025 record: 4-6Head coach: Jim StagnittaAssistants: Brian Voelker, Drew SniderCoaching fellow: Mike MurphyLeading scorer in 2025: TJ Malone (33 points)Key question for 2026: Will the Whipsnakes get enough scoring from the midfield to seriously contend?Week 1 schedule: vs. Waterdogs | May 9, 4:30 p.m.New York Atlas2025 record: 7-3Head coach: Mike PresslerAssistants: Kevin Cassese, Kyle SweeneyCoaching fellow: Scott UrickLeading scorer in 2025: Connor Shellenberger (46 points)Key question for 2026: What will the defending champs look like without Gavin Adler and Michael Grace?Week 1 schedule: vs. Chaos | May 8, 10:30 p.m.Philadelphia Waterdogs2025 record: 4-6Head coach: Bill TierneyAssistants: Dylan Sheridan, Louie DedonatisCoaching fellow: Eric LawLeading scorer in 2025: Michael Sowers (41 points)Key question for 2026: How will the Waterdogs feed all of their offensive options?Week 1 schedule: vs. Whipsnakes | May 9, 4:30 p.m.Western ConferenceCalifornia Redwoods2025 record: 5-5Head coach: Anthony KellyAssistants: Chris Collins, Chris BocklettCoaching fellow: Brendan MundorfLeading scorer in 2025: Chris Kavanagh (37 points)Key question for 2026: After leveling up in 2025, can the Redwoods make another leap in 2026?Week 1 schedule: vs. Archers | May 8, 8 p.m.Carolina Chaos2025 record: 5-5Head coach: Steven BrooksAssistants: PT Ricci, Matt MackridesCoaching fellow: Jack RunkelLeading scorer in 2025: Jackson Eicher (28 points)Key question for 2026: After winning the Championship Series this March, how do the Chaos carry that momentum forward?Week 1 schedule: vs. Atlas, May 8, 10:30 p.m.Denver Outlaws2025 record: 7-3Head coach: Tim SoudanAssistants: Jacques Monte, Jeremy BoltusCoaching fellow: Jordan StevensLeading scorer in 2025: Pat Kavanagh (37 points)Key question for 2026: After a loss in the championship game last fall, how much better can this group get?Week 1 schedule: vs. Archers | May 9, 7 p.m.Utah Archers2025 record: 4-6Head coach: Chris BatesAssistants: Tony Resch, Brian KavanaghCoaching fellow: Rob ForsterLeading scorer in 2025: Sam King (24 points)Key question for 2026: With No. 1 pick Aidan Maguire in the mix, will the four-SSDM lineup bring the Archers back to contention?Week 1 schedule: vs. Redwoods | May 8, 8 p.m. | vs. Outlaws | May 9, 7 p.m.
