Can the Atlas defend their PLL Championship Series crown?

  • What: 2026 Premier Lacrosse Championship Series
  • When: Feb 27-March 8, 2026
  • Where: The St. James in Springfield, VA

The Championship Series returns to The St. James outside Washington, D.C., from February 27 through March 8, 2026, featuring the sport’s elite in the Olympic Sixes format.

The New York Atlas arrive as defending champions, joined by Western Conference Champion Denver Outlaws, California Redwoods, and Carolina Chaos in pursuit of the PLL’s fourth Championship Series title.

The tournament adopts a new two-weekend format, with round-robin play spanning February 27-March 1 and March 5-6. Fourth-place teams face elimination after pool play, while first-place finishers earn a coveted bye to the championship finals on March 8.

With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approaching, this Championship Series offers a compelling preview of lacrosse’s return to the global stage, showcasing the fast-paced, high-scoring action that defines the Sixes format.

When it comes to placing your bets and answering any betting questions, take a look at our in-depth betting guide.

2026 Premier Lacrosse League Championship Series Odds

TeamsBetOnline Sportsbook & Casino Review 2026BetUS Sportsbook Review 2026Bovada Sportsbook Review 2026
New York Atlas+250+250+250
Denver Outlaws+250+250+250
Carolina Chaos+275+275+275
California Redwoods+275+275+275

New York Atlas

The Atlas enter as favorites after clinching their first PLL title last September with a 14-13 win over Denver. Championship MVP Jeff Teat leads an offense that averaged 15.1 goals per game in the 2025 regular season—1.5 more goals than any other team.

Connor Shellenberger led the league in scoring with 46 points, forming a devastating duo with Teat. Together, they totaled 101 assists over two seasons and helped their team achieve a league-record 40.2 percent assisted shooting percentage.

Trevor Baptiste’s dominance at the faceoff X, with a 66.2 percent winning rate, creates extra offensive opportunities. Goalie Liam Entenmann posted a 58.7 percent save rate, ranking third in the league. Defensively, Gavin Adler has shut down opponents’ leading scorers—his assignments averaged only 24.4 ball touches per game, down from their usual 31.8.

I would pick the Atlas to repeat as champions at +250.

New York AtlasTO WIN 2026 PLL Championship Series
★★★★★
+250
Bet now

Denver Outlaws

The Outlaws arrive hungry for redemption after last year’s 14-13 championship loss. Built around the “Tewaaraton Four”—Brennan O’Neill, Pat Kavanagh, Jared Bernhardt, and Logan Wisnauskas—Denver may have the most talented offensive roster in pro lacrosse. O’Neill led the league with 21 unassisted goals, routinely beating elite defenders with power and creativity.

The Outlaws’ philosophy centers on winning one-on-one matchups, with only 34.5 percent of their shots coming off assists—the lowest rate in PLL history. When opponents slide to help, Denver’s elite dodgers punish defensive rotations.

Rookie Goalie of the Year Logan McNaney provides elite last-line defense. JT Giles-Harris anchors the defensive unit as a three-time Defensive Player of the Year finalist. Jake Piseno won Long-Stick Midfielder of the Year, while Ryan Terefenko claimed SSDM of the Year.

Head coach Tim Soudan has all key offensive pieces under long-term contracts—the question is whether they’ve learned from last season’s heartbreak.

The Outlaws are another great pick, and at +250, I like their chances as well.

Denver OutlawsTO WIN 2026 PLL Championship Series
★★★★★
+250
Bet now

Before placing any wager, you will want to check out the top sportsbook bonuses available, which can be used to double your initial bankroll.

California Redwoods

The Redwoods are the tournament’s wildcard after a stunning midseason turnaround. First-year GM Joe Spallina and coach Anthony Kelly rebuilt the roster after a poor 2024 season. Veteran Dylan Molloy led the league with twenty-six goals, providing leadership for California’s youngest roster.

The rookie class exceeded expectations. Chris Kavanagh finished tied for fourth in league scoring with 32 points and earned All-Star honors alongside Andrew McAdorey, who posted 24 points. Both showed seasoned composure during the Redwoods’ three-game winning streak to end the regular season and their quarterfinal upset over Carolina.

Goalkeeper Chayse Ierlan found his form at the perfect time, including eighteen saves in the quarterfinal victory. While they remain underdogs against the Atlas and Outlaws, California’s fearless young core has nothing to lose on lacrosse’s biggest stage.

I don’t believe the Redwoods are quite on the level of the Atlas and the Outlaws, so I’d pass on them here.

California RedwoodsTO WIN 2026 PLL Championship Series
★★★★★
+275
Bet now

Carolina Chaos

The Chaos enters as the tournament’s biggest question mark after a tumultuous offseason that saw head coach Andy Towers resign.

Despite reaching the quarterfinals last year, Carolina posted the league’s worst offense with just 100 points. The front office overhauled the roster under new leadership from GM Spencer Ford and head coach Roy Colsey, but offensive identity remains elusive.

However, Carolina’s championship pedigree shouldn’t be dismissed. Blaze Riorden remains the most dominant goaltender in professional lacrosse. The 2021 champion posted a remarkable save percentage last season and brings invaluable championship experience. His defensive unit allowed just eleven scores per game in 2025—the best mark in the league.

The pole trio of Jack Rowlett, Jarrod Neumann, and Troy Reh forms one of the most physical and intelligent defensive cores in the PLL. This battle-tested group thrives in playoff atmospheres. If Carolina can generate even modest offensive production, their defense-first identity and Riorden’s heroics could surprise higher-seeded opponents.

The Chaos are my dark-horse upset pick for this tournament at +275; definitely worth a sprinkle.

Carolina ChaosTO WIN 2026 PLL Championship Series
★★★★★
+275
Bet now

See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:

Badge ranking partner

1

★★★★★

Bonus

100% up to $1,000 ($500 x 2)

Bet Now
Badge ranking partner

2

★★★★★

Bonus

125% up to $1,250

Bet Now
Badge ranking partner

3

★★★★☆

Bonus

100% up to $122

Bet Now
Badge ranking partner

1

★★★★★

Bonus

50% up to $250

Bet Now
Badge ranking partner

2

★★★★★

Bonus

125% up to $1,250

Bet Now
Badge ranking partner

3

★★★★★

Bonus

225% up to $3,625

Bet Now

Tony Reyes

Tony is a pro sports journalist who dedicates most of his free time to watching the latest matches and games on TV. When he's not participating in sports-related activities or seeing his friends, Tony enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and basketball. In addition to being a sports expert, Tony has extensive knowledge of finances and accou...

Read More About the Author
Sports Betting Resources