Four-Team Barnstorming Showcase Tour to Kick Off League Play in January 2027
ONEIDA, NY — The American Box Lacrosse League (ABLL) today announced the launch of a brand-new United States-based professional indoor/box lacrosse developmental league, with its inaugural Barnstorming Showcase Tour scheduled to begin in January 2027.
The ABLL was created to provide American born lacrosse players and coaches, both indoor and outdoor, with a dedicated platform to further develop their skills, gain high-level competitive experience, and pursue opportunities throughout professional indoor lacrosse. The ABLL believes that the continued growth of box lacrosse in the United States can play a significant role in strengthening the overall American lacrosse ecosystem by developing players who excel in both indoor and outdoor environments and focusing them to the indoor game specifically.
The league was co-founded by longtime sports industry professionals George Manias, who will serve as President and Chief Operating Officer, and Steve Donner, who will serve as League Commissioner. The ABLL is also backed by a group of U.S. military veterans and experienced sports industry professionals, which will be announced in the near future.
Inaugural Combine Set for November 2026
The ABLL will host its inaugural Invite-Only Player Combine on November 21–22, 2026, at the Mary C Winder Community Center in Oneida, New York
Invited players will compete to earn a position in the league’s inaugural player pool. Following the combine, selected players will be drafted onto four teams that will compete in the league’s inaugural Barnstorming Showcase Tour, which will be played in the Northeast Region beginning January 2027.
The tour will feature a six-game schedule that showcases its product, players, and potential future markets. Specific dates and locations of the Barnstorming Showcase Tour will be announced soon.
“The American Box Lacrosse League was created to give players an opportunity that has been missing in the United States – a structured pathway to further develop their indoor game while competing at a high level,” said George Manias, ABLL President and Chief Operating Officer. “We want to create an environment where outdoor players can successfully transition to the indoor game, where established box players can continue to hone their skills, and where players and coaches can position themselves for opportunities at the highest levels of the sport, which is currently limited.”
Steve Donner, ABLL Commissioner, added, “Our vision is much bigger than a six-game showcase. The Combine and Barnstorming Showcase Tour are the first step in building a sustainable professional indoor lacrosse league in the United States. We are focused on player development and creating an organization that can grow for decades.”
Building a National League
While the 2027 Barnstorming Tour will serve as a showcase and league launch, the ABLL is already working to solidify future markets for future expansion nationwide. The league plans to begin full-season competition in 2028, with additional franchises expected to be added annually.
The ABLL’s planned expansion strategy will progress geographically, beginning in the Northeast before expanding into the Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest and Western regions of the United States.
The league’s long-term goal is to add approximately four to six franchises per year, ultimately growing to as many as 36 teams nationwide.
About the American Box Lacrosse League
The American Box Lacrosse League (ABLL) is a United States-based professional indoor/box lacrosse developmental league created to provide players and coaches with opportunities to develop their skills and pursue advancement within the sport.
Founded by sports industry professionals George Manias and Steve Donner, and developed by experienced sports-business advisory groups, the ABLL was established to accelerate the growth of professional box lacrosse in the United States through player development, market expansion, and long-term league sustainability, beginning in January 2027.
For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, player information or additional information about the American Box Lacrosse League:
American Box Lacrosse League
Email: Info@TheAbll.com
Phone#: 866-708-LAXX (5299)
Website: www.TheAmericanBoxLacrosseLeague.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/OfficialABLL
Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube: @OfficialABLL
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