Denver Outlaws Overview
The Denver Outlaws are a professional field lacrosse team based in Denver, Colorado, competing in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). The team was founded in 2019 as Chrome Lacrosse Club and became one of the league’s six inaugural franchises. Following the assignment of home markets for the 2024 season, the organization was rebranded as the Denver Outlaws in 2023, carrying forward the legacy of the former Major League Lacrosse team of the same name. The Outlaws compete as members of the PLL’s Western Conference and play their home games at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. Owned by Mike and Paul Rabil and coached by Tim Soudan, the organization has established itself as a competitive force in professional lacrosse.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The Denver Outlaws organization traces its roots to 2019 when the Premier Lacrosse League launched as a new professional lacrosse league in the United States. Chrome Lacrosse Club was selected as one of the six founding teams when PLL commissioner Mike Rabil and his brother Paul Rabil established the league. The creation of the PLL represented a significant development in professional lacrosse, aiming to provide a unified summer circuit for the sport’s top athletes while addressing player concerns about scheduling and compensation that had affected the previous Major League Lacrosse structure.
The founding owners, Mike and Paul Rabil, brought extensive professional lacrosse experience to the venture. Both brothers had competed at the highest levels of the sport, including in the National Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse. Their vision for the PLL emphasized a tour-based model where teams would travel to various locations rather than maintaining permanent home venues, a format designed to grow the sport’s national audience and provide accessible viewing opportunities for fans across different regions.
Growth Into Premier Lacrosse League Competition
Chrome Lacrosse Club entered the PLL in 2019 alongside five other inaugural franchises: Archers, Atlas, Chaos, Redwoods, and Whipsnakes. The inaugural season provided an opportunity for the organization to establish its operational infrastructure, coaching staff, and player roster within the highly competitive PLL environment. Tim Soudan was named head coach, bringing his experience and strategic approach to guide the team’s development.
The early seasons allowed the organization to build its roster through PLL drafts and college player acquisitions while developing team identity and playing philosophy. The tour-based model meant that Chrome Lacrosse Club competed in multiple venues throughout the season, facing each of the other inaugural franchises in regular-season matchups. This format helped the team gain exposure to diverse playing conditions and competitive styles while building a national fan base.
Denver Outlaws Competitive Journey
Since their founding in 2019, the Denver Outlaws have experienced a trajectory of growth and development within the Premier Lacrosse League. From their beginnings as Chrome Lacrosse Club through their 2023 rebranding, the organization has worked to establish itself among the league’s competitive teams while building toward championship contention.
Early Seasons and Development (2019–2022)
During the 2019 inaugural PLL season, Chrome Lacrosse Club established its presence among the league’s founding franchises. The team competed against established lacrosse programs while developing its roster and organizational culture. The early years provided valuable experience in professional lacrosse competition, allowing coaches and players to understand the league’s competitive level and strategic demands.
The subsequent seasons through 2022 saw the organization continue building its roster through PLL drafts and player acquisitions. Tim Soudan’s coaching leadership helped develop team identity and playing philosophy consistent with the organization’s long-term competitive goals. These formative years established the foundation for the team’s eventual breakthrough performances.
Breakthrough in PLL (2023)
The 2023 season marked a watershed moment for the organization. The team rebranded as the Denver Outlaws, adopting the historic identity of the former Major League Lacrosse franchise that had won two MLL championships. This rebranding coincided with the team’s most successful season to date. Under Tim Soudan’s coaching, the Outlaws compiled a strong regular-season record and advanced to the PLL Championship Series final.
The 2023 PLL Championship Series victory represented the organization’s first major championship title. The Outlaws demonstrated competitive excellence throughout the tournament, culminating in their championship-winning performance. This title established the Denver Outlaws as legitimate championship contenders within the Premier Lacrosse League and validated the organization’s development approach since its founding in 2019.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2024–Present)
The 2024 season represented another significant chapter for the Denver Outlaws following their championship success. The team achieved its first PLL regular-season win on June 7, 2024, defeating the defending champion Utah Archers 18-17 in overtime in Charlotte, North Carolina. This victory demonstrated the team’s ability to compete against the league’s top programs and marked an important milestone in the organization’s growth.
The Outlaws continued their competitive trajectory by advancing to the 2024 PLL Championship Series final. The team faced the New York Atlas in the championship game, ultimately falling short in a closely contested match. This championship appearance marked the second consecutive year the organization competed for the league title, indicating sustained competitive success and establishing the Denver Outlaws as consistent contenders within the PLL.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The Denver Outlaws operate with a focus on player development and strategic team lacrosse. Head coach Tim Soudan has emphasized disciplined defensive play combined with efficient offensive execution. The organization’s ownership group, led by Mike and Paul Rabil, has prioritized building a sustainable competitive model that balances immediate results with long-term organizational growth. Team colors of black, orange, and silver reflect the Outlaws’ identity and connection to the historic Major League Lacrosse franchise.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
The Denver Outlaws have accumulated several significant achievements since their founding. The 2023 PLL Championship Series title stands as the organization’s premier accomplishment, validating years of development and competitive building. The team’s first PLL regular-season win in 2024 against the Utah Archers marked another important milestone. Back-to-back championship series appearances in 2023 and 2024 demonstrate the organization’s established competitive standing within the Premier Lacrosse League.
Denver Outlaws Achievements and Results
The Denver Outlaws have established a record of competitive success since their founding in 2019. From championship victories to consistent playoff appearances, the organization has built a legacy of achievement within professional lacrosse.
Premier Lacrosse League Achievements
The Denver Outlaws won the PLL Championship Series title in 2023, marking the organization’s first major professional lacrosse championship. This victory came in just their fifth season of competition and represented the culmination of strategic roster building and coaching excellence. The team followed this championship run with a return to the championship series in 2024, demonstrating sustained competitive excellence across consecutive seasons.
Conference Achievements
As members of the PLL’s Western Conference, the Denver Outlaws have competed against conference rivals including the Utah Archers, California Legacy, and Carolina Chaos. The team’s success in conference play has contributed to their overall competitive record, with key victories against fellow Western Conference opponents helping establish their standing within the league structure.
Divisional Achievements
While the PLL primarily organizes competition through conference alignment, the Denver Outlaws’ divisional rivalries have developed through regular-season matchups and playoff encounters. The team’s victories against conference opponents have contributed to their growing reputation as competitive contenders within professional lacrosse.
Series Achievements
The Outlaws’ championship series performances represent their highest level of competitive achievement. Their 2023 PLL Championship Series victory stands as the organization’s premier accomplishment, while their 2024 championship series appearance confirmed their status as repeat contenders. These tournament performances have established the Denver Outlaws among the PLL’s elite franchises.
