Albany Firewolves Lacrosse Team Reportedly Moving To Toronto Area

Unfortunately, Albany is losing another professional sports franchise.

According to a Times Union report, the Albany Firewolves are leaving town. After four years in Albany, the National Lacrosse League team is reportedly moving to Oshawa, Ontario, in Canada, about 40 miles east of Toronto. This part of Ontario is an "indoor lacrosse hotbed: according to the TU story.

Why Are The Firewolves Moving?

The Times Union says the move was spurred by struggling attendance and "...the inability of Firewolves players, many of whom live in Toronto..." to fly direct between the 2 cities. The Fireiwolves had a 6-year lease with the MVP Arena, but were able to exit the lease due to an attendance clause in the agreement. The TU reached out to Firewolves and National Lacrosse League officials who have not yet made any official announcement about the move.

More details are sure to come to light in the coming days about the Firewolves' move, which will be a tough one for local sports fans. Over the years, there has been a long list of professional sports teams that have given it a go in Albany but ultimately left, including the River Rats, Devils, and Firebirds.

There is no lack of passionate sports fans in the Capital Region, and developmental leagues can certainly make it here, as evidenced by the long run the Valley Cats have had since the early 2000s.

That said, we sit in an interesting geography where fans follow teams from 3 big sports markets in New York City, Boston, and Buffalo, not to mention our local college teams, which can make the sports landscape super-competitive. There are many fan allegiances in the area! Hopefully, the next pro franchise to call Albany home can find the right niche for a long run in the Capital Region.