Boston Cannons: A Legacy of Professional Field Lacrosse
The Boston Cannons stand as a cornerstone of professional field lacrosse in North America. Founded in 2001, the franchise has navigated the evolving landscape of the sport, transitioning from the early days of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) to the modern era of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the team has built a reputation for resilience and excellence, maintaining its market presence longer than any other original MLL team.
Key Facts
- Founded: 2001
- Home Stadium: Harvard Stadium (Allston, Boston)
- Major Championships: 2 MLL titles (2011, 2020) and 2 PLL Championship Series titles (2024, 2025)
- Team Colors: Navy blue, red, silver, and white
- Current Head Coach: Brian Holman
Franchise Evolution and League Transitions
The Cannons began their journey as one of the original six teams in Major League Lacrosse. Throughout their MLL tenure, they were known for their stability, remaining in the Boston market without folding or relocating. The team's early years saw them move through several venues, starting at Cawley Memorial Stadium in Lowell (2001–2003), then Nickerson Field at Boston University (2004–2006), before settling at Harvard Stadium in 2007.
A pivotal shift occurred in 2020 following the merger between the MLL and the PLL. The team initially rebranded as the Cannons Lacrosse Club to align with the PLL's original tour-based nomenclature, which omitted specific home cities. However, after the 2023 season, the PLL assigned home cities to its teams, allowing the franchise to officially reclaim the name Boston Cannons.
Championship Success and Performance
The Cannons have a storied history of postseason success across two different leagues. In the MLL, they captured two Steinfeld Cups, winning in 2011 and again in 2020—the latter being the final championship in MLL history. They also secured American Division titles in 2004 and 2005.
Since joining the PLL and eventually returning to their Boston roots, the team has continued to climb. After a challenging period between 2021 and 2022, the team saw a resurgence under head coach Brian Holman, posting back-to-back 7-3 records in 2023 and 2024. This momentum culminated in two consecutive Championship Series titles in 2024 and 2025.
Franchise Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 |
| Leagues | MLL (2001–2020), PLL (2020–Present) |
| MLL Championships | 2 (2011, 2020) |
| PLL Championships | 2 (2024, 2025) |
| Current Home | Harvard Stadium |
| Founder/President | Matt Dwyer |
Notable Personnel and Accolades
The franchise has been home to some of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Hall of Famers such as Ryan Boyle, Mark Millon, and Kyle Sweeney have all worn the Cannons uniform. The team has also produced multiple league MVPs, including Paul Rabil, who earned the honor in 2009 and 2011.
On the sidelines, the team has been led by several impactful coaches. While Sean Quirk guided the team through the MLL-PLL transition, Brian Holman has led the team during its recent championship run in the PLL, earning the Dick Edell Coach of the Year award in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Boston Cannons join the PLL?
The Boston Cannons officially became the eighth team in the Premier Lacrosse League on December 16, 2020, following the merger with Major League Lacrosse.
Why did the team change its name to Cannons Lacrosse Club?
The team dropped "Boston" from its name in 2021 to fit the PLL's league nomenclature at the time, which did not use home-city designations for its teams.
Where do the Boston Cannons play their home games?
The team currently plays its home games at Harvard Stadium in Allston, a neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts.
How many championships has the franchise won in total?
The franchise has won a total of four major championships: two Steinfeld Cups in the MLL (2011, 2020) and two Championship Series titles in the PLL (2024, 2025).
Who is the current head coach of the team?
The current head coach is Brian Holman, who was named the PLL's Dick Edell Coach of the Year in 2023.