What Is 1998 National Lacrosse League season

Overview

The 1998 National Lacrosse League (NLL) season marked the league’s 12th year of operation and the final season under the original NLL name before a rebranding and expansion in later years. Six teams competed in a 16-game regular season, showcasing fast-paced indoor lacrosse across the northeastern United States and Canada.

The season culminated in a championship showdown between two historic franchises, highlighting the growing popularity of professional box lacrosse. Attendance and media coverage improved over previous years, signaling a positive trajectory for the sport.

• Philadelphia Wings claimed their sixth NLL title, the most in league history at the time, by defeating the Toronto Rock 16–13 in the final.
• The regular season ran from January 17 to April 18, 1998, with all teams completing 16 games to determine playoff seeding.
• Anthony Cosmo, goaltender for the Philadelphia Wings, recorded a 78% save percentage during the playoffs, a key factor in their championship run.
• The Toronto Rock, in their inaugural season after relocating from Ontario, quickly became contenders by finishing second in the standings with a 10–6 record.
• The league averaged 7,800 fans per game in 1998, a 12% increase from the previous season, reflecting growing fan interest.

Championship Structure

The 1998 NLL postseason featured a four-team playoff bracket, with the top four teams advancing based on regular-season records. The semifinals and final were single-elimination games, increasing the stakes and excitement.

• Playoff Format: The top four teams qualified, with the first seed hosting the fourth and second hosting third in semifinals.
• Philadelphia earned the top seed by winning 10 of 16 games, including a crucial late-season victory over Rochester.
• Toronto Rock defeated the Albany Attack 17–14 in the semifinals, led by 5 goals from forward Colin Doyle.
• Buffalo Bandits were eliminated in the semifinals despite a strong 9–7 record, losing 15–12 to Philadelphia.
• Championship Game: Held on May 17, 1998, at the CoreStates Center, it was the first NLL final hosted in Philadelphia since 1990.
• Final Score: Philadelphia Wings 16, Toronto Rock 13, with Paul Gait scoring 4 goals to lead the offense.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1998 NLL season with the previous year’s standings, attendance, and scoring trends:

The 1998 season saw structural improvements, including a longer schedule and higher-scoring games, with teams averaging 14.2 goals per game—up from 13.5 in 1997. These changes reflected the league’s efforts to enhance entertainment value and fan engagement.

Why It Matters

The 1998 NLL season was pivotal in shaping the league’s future, demonstrating the viability of lacrosse as a professional indoor sport. Its success laid the foundation for future expansion and media partnerships.

• Philadelphia’s championship victory solidified their status as the league’s most successful franchise at the time.
• The relocation of the Ontario Raiders to Toronto created a new rivalry and expanded the league’s Canadian presence.
• Increased television exposure on regional sports networks helped grow the sport’s visibility in key markets.
• The season’s attendance growth encouraged owners to invest in marketing and stadium experiences.
• Rule tweaks in 1998, such as faster game clocks, contributed to a 10% increase in scoring over 1997.
• The success of the 1998 season led to the addition of two new teams in 1999, expanding the NLL to 8 teams.

Overall, the 1998 National Lacrosse League season served as a turning point, combining competitive balance, rising attendance, and strategic growth that helped secure the league’s long-term sustainability.