Which State Adds an MCLA Team Next?
The Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) has become one of the driving forces behind the growth of college lacrosse in North America. While NCAA programs often receive the spotlight, the MCLA has quietly built a nationwide network of competitive collegiate club teams that allows thousands of student-athletes to continue playing the sport at a high level.
A recent social media post highlighted just how extensive that growth has become. The question posed was simple:
“Which state adds an MCLA team next?”
The discussion comes at a fascinating time for the organization. According to MCLA data, the league featured 174 teams across three divisions in 2026, representing nine conferences spread throughout the United States and Canada. The organization now has programs in 42 of the lower 48 states, along with a team in Canada, illustrating just how far the sport has expanded beyond its traditional East Coast roots.
The accompanying map paints a striking picture. Once concentrated primarily in lacrosse hotbeds such as Maryland, New York, and New England, MCLA teams are now found throughout the Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountain region, and West Coast. From Florida to Washington and from California to the Carolinas, the game has become truly national.
The States Missing from the MCLA Map
Despite that impressive reach, six states in the contiguous United States still do not have an MCLA team:
Delaware
Maryland
New Jersey
Vermont
Wisconsin
South Dakota
The social media post also noted an interesting distinction. Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Vermont, and Wisconsin all have collegiate lacrosse representation at every level except the MCLA. In contrast, South Dakota remains one of the few states with limited collegiate lacrosse opportunities overall.
Meanwhile, outside the lower 48, Alaska and Hawaii remain unique cases. Along with South Dakota, they are currently the only states without a collegiate lacrosse team at any level.
Why Wisconsin Could Be Next
If there is a favorite, Wisconsin may be at the top of the list.
The state has experienced consistent growth in youth and high school lacrosse participation over the past decade. Several colleges and universities already support active club sports cultures, making the transition to MCLA competition a realistic possibility.
Geography also works in Wisconsin’s favor. Existing MCLA programs throughout the Midwest create opportunities for regional rivalries and manageable travel schedules. For universities looking to add a competitive lacrosse option without the expense of NCAA varsity status, the MCLA presents an attractive pathway.
New Jersey’s Surprising Absence
Perhaps no state stands out more than New Jersey.
Few states produce as much lacrosse talent per capita, yet the MCLA has never established a foothold there. The reason may be that New Jersey already has a strong NCAA presence, giving players numerous varsity opportunities close to home.
Still, the sheer number of high school players graduating every year suggests there is room for a competitive club alternative. If a large public university decided to invest in its club lacrosse infrastructure, New Jersey could quickly become an MCLA state.
Maryland: The Heart of Lacrosse
The absence of Maryland may seem almost impossible to believe.
Widely regarded as one of the birthplaces of modern American lacrosse, Maryland boasts elite youth, high school, and collegiate competition. However, the dominance of NCAA programs throughout the state may actually explain why MCLA membership has never emerged there.
Yet lacrosse participation continues to grow, and club sports remain popular on college campuses. A single university decision could instantly change Maryland’s status on the MCLA map.
Delaware and Vermont: Smaller States, Big Potential
Both Delaware and Vermont have characteristics that make them intriguing expansion candidates.
Delaware sits in the middle of a traditional lacrosse corridor stretching from Maryland through New Jersey and New York. Recruiting local players would likely not be a challenge.
Vermont, while smaller in population, has experienced steady growth in youth participation and could benefit from the regional competition available throughout New England. For schools seeking a unique student engagement opportunity, an MCLA program could provide a valuable addition to campus life.
South Dakota and the Frontier of Growth
South Dakota represents a different kind of opportunity.
Unlike the other states on the list, South Dakota is still developing its overall lacrosse infrastructure. Adding an MCLA team there would not simply fill a blank spot on the map—it would signal meaningful growth for the sport in an entirely new market.
As lacrosse continues expanding into nontraditional regions, states like South Dakota could become important indicators of the sport’s long-term national reach.
A Truly National League
The most impressive takeaway from the 2026 MCLA map may not be which states are missing—it is how many states are already represented.
With 174 teams, nine conferences, 42 states represented, and even international participation through Canada, the MCLA has become one of the largest collegiate lacrosse organizations in the world. The league's footprint now extends across virtually every major region of North America.
The map serves as a reminder that lacrosse is no longer confined to a handful of East Coast strongholds. The game has successfully expanded into new territories, creating opportunities for thousands of players who want to compete at the collegiate level.
So, Which State Is Next?
If current trends continue, Wisconsin and New Jersey appear to be the strongest candidates. Both possess established lacrosse cultures, large pools of potential players, and universities capable of supporting competitive club programs.
However, growth often happens where few expect it. A motivated student group, supportive university administration, and local lacrosse community can transform an unlikely location into the next MCLA success story.
The better question may not be which state adds the next MCLA team—but which state will be the last one left off the map. With the sport's momentum continuing to build, the day when every state has collegiate lacrosse representation may be closer than many realize.