National Lacrosse Association
The National Lacrosse Association was a professional box lacrosse league that operated in 1968-1969 with teams from both the United States and Canada.
Due to poor attendance, the league folded in March 1969. After the folding, two teams joined the ill-fated Eastern Professional Lacrosse League which went defunct after one season. The NLA was the first attempt at a professional box lacrosse league in history. After cessation in 1969, the next popular pro lacrosse league would be the National Lacrosse League (1974-75).
History
The National Lacrosse Association was founded in 1968 by entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the game's exciting aspects. Most of the teams in the NLA were amateur-level teams from Canada that decided to make their teams professional.Some organizations drew considerable crowds and had games televised while other teams struggled to bring in even a couple hundred fans. Players' salaries averaged between $3000 and $4000 per year.
In the league's one and only season, The New Westminster Salmonbellies emerged as the champions by beating the Detroit Olympics four games to two.
Teams
EASTERN DIVISION- Detroit Olympics
- Montreal Canadians
- Peterborough Lakers
- Toronto Maple Leafs
1968 season
SourcePlayoffs