Flying out again: Wings to cease operations at the culmination of the 2026 season

For the second time, the Wings are flapping out of Philadelphia.

The National Lacrosse League’s Philadelphia club announced Monday that it will cease operations under Comcast Spectacor at the end of the 2025-26 season.

“This was not an easy conclusion to reach, and it is one we considered with great care,” the team said in a press release.

“We recognize that this news may come as a disappointment, and we want to express how grateful we are for your steadfast dedication to the team. Your support has been central to the identity of the Wings, and it has meant more than we can express.”

The Wings did not express further details regarding any ownership changes or the possibility of relocation.

The Wings were one of the four original teams in the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League, now the NLL, that was established in 1987. The Wings played at the Spectrum until 1996, and moved across the street to the now Xfinity Mobile Arena. The team relocated to Uncasville, Connecticut, in 2014 and was renamed the New England Black Wolves. Comcast Spectacor revived the Wings in 2017 as an expansion team and returned to NLL action the next year in the same building.

The Wings hold the record for six championships in 1989, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1998, and 2001. They dominated in the 1990s, often playing in front of a packed arena. They were led by goaltender Dallas Eliuk from 1991-2005, who picked up the franchise record of 5,372 saves and 60 wins, franchise-leading goals, assists, and points scorer Tom Marechek over 11 years, Kevin Finneran for nine seasons, and Jake Bergey for a decade spanning the late-90s to late 2000s. Those four have their numbers retired at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.

However, the past few seasons since returning to the turf have not gone as well. The Wings have posted a 47–73 record since their first season of reestablishment in 2018-19, with two games remaining in 2026. Over that timeframe, the Wings have clinched just one postseason birth, coming in 2022 and resulting in a first-round loss in San Diego, 9-8.

The Wings are 4-12 this year, the worst record in the NLL, and have been eliminated from playoff contention. Their final home game will take place at Xfinity Mobile Arena against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs on Saturday, April 11. Their season and franchise conclusion will take place on Saturday, April 18, against the Vancouver Warriors at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. The Wings’ current players will presumably seek roster spots on other teams throughout the league once this season comes to a close.

In their heyday, the Wings were popular in Philadelphia. In the 1990’s, when the Curse of Billy Penn was prominent amongst the four major teams, the Wings were a sense of hope and a friendly neighbor to root for until their initial dismissal. The Wings have a strong fanbase. They show up every week at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, good times and bad. However, being owned by Comcast Spectacor does not guarantee success or emphasis. That became particularly apparent over the past few seasons with a decrease in payroll, leading to an increase in empty seats.

“Thank you, sincerely, for your passion, your commitment, and the community you helped build around Wings lacrosse,” the team said Monday.

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