NLL Scrubs “Champions Cup” in Favour of Redesigned “National Lacrosse League Cup”

After being the only trophy handed out to its champion since coming to be in 1986, the National Lacrosse League is putting the Champions Cup out to pasture.

In its place will be a redesigned championship trophy known as the National Lacrosse League Cup. The trophy will feature the N-L-L Star from the league’s new logo and will also acknowledge the original four teams from the Mid-Atlantic region. The playoffs start later this week with division semi-finals…Calgary at Colorado in the West and New England at Rochester in the East. The winners advance to the division finals against the Saskatchewan Rush and defending league champion Georgia, respectively. The N-L-L finals for the National Lacrosse League Cup will begin on the weekend of either May 18th or 25th. Following is the news release from the N-L-L…

National Lacrosse League Unveils Its New Championship Trophy

PHILADELPHIA, April 30, 2018 – The National Lacrosse League (NLL), the largest men’s professional indoor lacrosse league in North America, today unveiled its newly redesigned finals trophy, named the National Lacrosse League Cup. Featuring the NLL Star, the trophy reflects the League’s new brand direction and provides a dynamic design fit for a champion. The NLL Star, introduced within the League’s new logo, acknowledges the four original NLL teams from the Mid-Atlantic region, while paying homage to the roots of the sport with its similarity to the Native American Morning Star.

Along with the trophy, the championship series will now be called the NLL Finals to go along with the new branding of the championships. The NLL Cup will be presented at this year’s Finals, set to begin the weekend of May 18^th or May 25^th, depending on seeding. The NLL Finals will be streamed live on NLL TV, CBS Digital and Twitter.

“We are extremely excited to unveil the NLL Cup. In December of 2016, we set out for a new brand identity for the NLL, and today, we unveil the most iconic symbol of any League competition, the championship trophy. With this beautifully designed trophy we continue to grow the NLL identity”, said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “A trophy more symbolic and fitting to a NLL champion. A special thank you to Bennett Awards for providing us with such an iconic piece for our championship trophy.”

The new championship trophy was crafted by Bennett Awards, located just outside of Sacramento, California.

“We are honored to have collaborated with the NLL on their new trophy”, said Mollee Johnston of Bennett Awards. “When meeting with members of the League, we wanted to create something unique, yet recognizable and a piece that embodies their new brand direction. We believe we were able to creatively capture the brand with the symbol and incorporation of the NLL Star. After months of planning and production, we are thrilled to finally see the National Lacrosse League Cup revealed.”