Comcast Spectacor brings the NLL back to Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, September 14, 2017 – The National Lacrosse League (NLL), the largest men’s professional indoor lacrosse league in North America, today announced that it has awarded an expansion team to the city of Philadelphia, under the ownership of Comcast Spectacor. The team, which will begin play in December 2018, will be the League’s eleventh franchise and play its home games at the Wells Fargo Center.
“The National Lacrosse League is elated to award the great city of Philadelphia the 11th franchise. Philadelphia has long been a hotbed for professional sport with some of the most passionate fans in the world, and we felt the time was right to bring the city another professional franchise,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “We are delighted to bring in another quality owner in Comcast Spectacor as they are at the forefront of hospitality and quality in the sports and entertainment industry. Comcast Spectacor – guided by David Scott – are leaders and revolutionaries in the industry who have consistently pioneered new and innovative ways to cater to their customers world-wide. This expansion not only aligns perfectly with our 5-year strategic plan, but also brings professional lacrosse back to Philadelphia as so many fans wanted. Lacrosse is no stranger to this part of the nation, and we hope that this expansion team fuels the exponential growth and passion that we already know exists here. We are thrilled to have Philadelphia back!”
“Comcast Spectacor has been serving Philadelphia’s passionate fan base for decades, and we are thrilled to bring professional lacrosse back to the region,” said Dave Scott, President/CEO, Comcast Spectacor. “ This franchise, which will soon be named by our great fans, is a terrific addition to our portfolio and matches up well with our organization’s strengths.”
Shawn Tilger, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of the Philadelphia Flyers, will serve as the Governor of the franchise. Sean Delaney has been appointed as Executive Director, Lacrosse Operations, and will oversee the formation of the team’s roster, coaching staff and relationships throughout the region’s lacrosse community. Lindsey Masciangelo has been appointed Executive Director, Business Operations, for the team and will oversee Sales, Marketing and Sponsorships. The Flyers are the fourth National Hockey League team to partner with an NLL franchise.
Team officials will reveal details surrounding the team’s name, when the first season of play will commence, and where the games will be held, during the announcement event in Philadelphia. Fans are able to place a deposit for season ticket memberships for the nine home games during the team’s inaugural season, 2018-19, by visiting WWW.PHILLYLAX2018.COM. You can also follow along using #PhillyLax on all social media platforms.
Throughout the transaction process NLL COO Dave Rowan and partners including the NLL’s financial advisor, Inner Circle Sports, and legal counsel, Friedman & Wittenstein, had assisted by providing advisory services.
Visit NLL.com for more information on the incoming Philadelphia franchise. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About the National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional indoor lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 10 franchises across the United States and Canada: Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, New England Black Wolves, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego NLL, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock and Vancouver Stealth. The 2017-18 NLL season, commemorating the League’s 32nd year, begins in December. For more information, visit NLL.com and find the NLL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Comcast Spectacor
Comcast Spectacor, is part of Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company that operates Comcast Cable and NBC Universal. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Comcast Spectacor’s three core businesses are the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers, the Wells Fargo Center Complex, and Spectra, a leading hospitality firm that provides Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality and Partnerships to more than 300 client properties in the United States, Canada, and Singapore.