The 2026 PLL and WLL Championship Series kicks off February 27 and runs through March 8, featuring the top four teams from each league competing in the Olympic-style Sixes format. This high-scoring, fast-paced tournament will showcase lacrosse's evolution toward its 2028 Olympic debut in Los Angeles. ESPN's broadcast team provides expert analysis on key players and predictions for both leagues.

Quint Kessenich and Anish Shroff highlight Jackson Eicher and Andrew McAdorey as must-watch players in the PLL, while Bryan Costabile emerges as the favorite for the Golden Stick award. The analysts favor the Carolina Chaos to win the PLL title, citing their strong roster and Costabile's dominance in this format. Logan McNaney's exceptional goaltending for Denver could be the difference-maker in close games.

In the WLL, Charlotte North of the defending champion Boston Guard is the player to watch, with experts predicting she'll claim the Golden Stick award this year. The tournament introduces the two-point line to WLL competition, potentially playing to North's strengths as an outside shooter. While Boston Guard enters as favorites to repeat, analysts expect a strong challenge from New York Charging, led by Izzy Scane and Emily Hawryschuk.