What Is 2015 New England Black Wolves

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 New England Black Wolves were a professional indoor lacrosse team based in Uncasville, Connecticut, that began play in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) in January 2015 after relocating from Philadelphia, where they were known as the Philadelphia Wings.

Key Facts

The New England Black Wolves debuted in the NLL in January 2015 as a relocated franchise from Philadelphia
They played home games at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut
The team finished the 2015 regular season with a 6–10 record
They were owned by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, the first Native American tribe to own an NLL team
The Black Wolves rebranded from the Philadelphia Wings, who had operated from 1987 to 2014

Overview

The 2015 New England Black Wolves marked the inaugural season of a rebranded and relocated franchise in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). The team emerged after the Philadelphia Wings, a long-standing NLL franchise, ceased operations in 2014 and transferred its assets to the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which moved the team to Connecticut.

Based at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, the Black Wolves debuted in January 2015 as the league’s 10th team. Their launch represented a significant shift in the NLL’s geographic footprint, bringing professional indoor lacrosse to New England for the first time in over a decade.

Relocation: The franchise moved from Philadelphia to Connecticut in 2014, ending the 27-year run of the Philadelphia Wings and beginning a new chapter as the New England Black Wolves.
Ownership: The team was owned by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, making it the first Native American tribe to own and operate a team in the National Lacrosse League.
Home Venue: All home games were held at the Mohegan Sun Arena, a 10,000-seat multi-purpose venue located on the Mohegan Reservation.
2015 Season Record: The Black Wolves finished their first season with a 6–10 win-loss record, placing them fourth in the Eastern Division and missing the playoffs.
Team Identity: The name Black Wolves was chosen to honor the Mohegan Tribe’s cultural heritage, referencing the Wolf Clan, one of the tribe’s three original clans.

How It Works

The New England Black Wolves operated under standard NLL team structure, combining professional athletes, coaching staff, and front-office management to compete in the indoor lacrosse league’s regular season and potential playoff runs.

League Structure: The NLL follows a 16-game regular season format, typically running from January to April, with teams competing for one of two playoff spots per division.
Player Roster: Each team carries up to 22 active players per game, including forwards, transition players, defensemen, and goaltenders, with strict salary cap and roster rules.
Game Format: NLL games consist of four 15-minute quarters with a 20-second shot clock, emphasizing fast-paced, high-scoring indoor action on a 200-by-85-foot turf field.
Draft & Recruitment: Teams acquire players through the annual NLL Entry Draft, dispersal drafts, and free agency, with the Black Wolves selecting Callum Crawford first overall in 2014.
Coaching Staff: In 2015, the team was led by head coach Joe Spallina, a collegiate lacrosse veteran who previously coached at Stony Brook University.
Attendance & Fan Base: The Black Wolves averaged 4,300 fans per game in 2015, showing modest regional support in a market new to professional lacrosse.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2015 New England Black Wolves against other Eastern Division teams in the NLL:

Team	Record (W–L)	Division Rank	Playoff Qualifier	Average Attendance
New England Black Wolves	6–10	4th	No	4,300
Toronto Rock	12–4	1st	Yes	9,300
Buffalo Bandits	10–6	2nd	Yes	13,100
Philadelphia Wings	0–0	N/A	No	N/A
Minnesota Swarm	5–11	5th	No	4,700

The Black Wolves’ performance in 2015 placed them in the middle tier of the division, outperforming only the Minnesota Swarm in wins but falling short of the playoff-qualifying Buffalo Bandits. Their attendance was modest compared to traditional powerhouses like Toronto and Buffalo, reflecting the challenges of building a fanbase in a new market.

Why It Matters

The launch of the 2015 New England Black Wolves had broader implications for the growth of professional lacrosse and tribal ownership in North American sports. Their presence expanded the NLL’s reach into a new region and set a precedent for Indigenous ownership in professional leagues.

Tribal Representation: The Mohegan Tribe’s ownership marked a milestone in Native American participation in professional sports, showcasing sovereignty and economic development.
Market Expansion: The team brought elite-level lacrosse to New England, a region with strong youth and collegiate lacrosse traditions but no recent professional presence.
Player Development: The franchise provided opportunities for emerging talent, including Callum Crawford, who scored 23 goals in his rookie season.
Community Engagement: The Black Wolves hosted youth clinics and partnered with local schools to promote lacrosse and Mohegan cultural education.
League Growth: The relocation demonstrated the NLL’s willingness to shift franchises to markets with untapped potential and strong venue partnerships.
Legacy: Though the team relocated again in 2021 (becoming the Albany FireWolves), the 2015 launch remains a key moment in modern NLL history.

The 2015 season laid the foundation for future growth, both for the franchise and the league’s strategy of aligning with Indigenous partners and expanding into new geographic territories.