LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Clark County School District has paused the implementation of sanctioned high school lacrosse for the upcoming school year, according to the district and the Las Vegas Desert Dogs of the National Lacrosse League.
CCSD provided Channel 13 with the following statement from Deputy Superintendent Jesse Welsh:
"Bringing lacrosse to high schools remains an exciting part of our direction in CCSD. Given that the bill paving the way for lacrosse went into effect in June 2026, CCSD is focusing on implementation for the 2027-2028 school year. This will allow us to work with our school communities and school leaders to build capacity and increase student interest across the District to foster the full adoption of lacrosse across CCSD high schools."
The Desert Dogs said they were "disappointed" in the district's decision.
The Desert Dogs said it is working to find a solution to allow student-athletes to compete in the upcoming 2026-27 season.
Jonah Haas, chief business officer for the Desert Dogs, provided the following statement:
"This is a setback, but it doesn't change the momentum we've built for high school lacrosse across the state. Sanctioning high school lacrosse is about creating more opportunities for student-athletes, and we're committed to working tirelessly until we find a solution. Our priority is ensuring these athletes have the opportunity to compete this upcoming spring, and we'll continue working with CCSD, the city, the state, and every stakeholder involved to explore every possible path to make that happen."
Statement from the Las Vegas Desert Dogs. #DefendTheDen pic.twitter.com/RxCFdG7tXO
— Las Vegas Desert Dogs (@vegasdesertdogs) July 28, 2026
Channel 13 previously reported in June 2025 that the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association was sanctioning boys and girls lacrosse as a varsity sport, citing its "growing popularity" in the state.
Sports
