10V10

Why Women’s Lacrosse Should Embrace the 10v10 Format: Less Is More

The sport of women’s lacrosse is at a turning point. As it grows in global popularity and earns a coveted spot on the Olympic stage, a key question is coming into focus:
Should the women’s game adopt the international 10v10 format and move away from the traditional 12v12 setup?

The short answer: yes. And here’s why.

1. Global Standardization Helps Grow the Game

Right now, women’s lacrosse has a split identity. In the NCAA and most domestic leagues, teams play with 12 players per side. But at the international level — including the Olympics and World Lacrosse competitions — it’s 10v10.

This disconnect creates confusion for players, coaches, and fans. Athletes who excel in college must re-learn game dynamics when they represent their country. A unified format means players can develop skills that translate across all levels. It’s not just about consistency — it’s about streamlining development and preparing athletes for the global stage.

2. 10v10 Opens the Field and Showcases Skill

Fewer players on the field means more space, and more space means more creativity, speed, and skill on display. Defenders are forced to cover more ground, attackers have room to dodge, and transitions become more dynamic.

The 10v10 format removes some of the congestion that can slow down 12v12 play. With two fewer players per team, the game becomes faster and more free-flowing — something both players enjoy and spectators love.

3. Better Alignment with the Men’s Game and Mixed Play

While women’s lacrosse has unique strengths and a distinct identity, the 10v10 format brings it into closer alignment with the men’s game, which already uses 10v10. This opens the door for shared training strategies, mixed play innovations, and more consistent officiating structures.

It doesn’t mean women’s lacrosse loses its individuality — it means the sport becomes more universally understood, easier to coach, and more accessible for new fans and players coming from other forms of lacrosse.

4. It’s Already Working on the World Stage

10v10 is not a theory — it’s already in action. World Lacrosse and the Olympic format have successfully run with the reduced-player model, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Players adapt quickly. Coaches appreciate the new spacing and tactical possibilities. Fans get a faster-paced, more exciting game. The data shows it works — and if the future of the sport is international, then the future is 10v10.

5. Easier Access for Emerging Programs

From a practical standpoint, fielding a 10-player side is easier for new or under-resourced programs. Reducing the number of required players by two may not seem like much, but for small schools, startup clubs, and nations new to lacrosse, it lowers the barrier to entry.

If we want true global expansion and accessibility, the format must be both competitive and attainable.

Final Whistle

Switching from 12v12 to 10v10 in women’s lacrosse isn’t about losing tradition — it’s about embracing evolution. It’s about preparing athletes for international play, making the game faster and more exciting, and unifying the sport under one global vision.

As lacrosse steps onto the Olympic stage, the time is now for the women's game to align. 10v10 isn't just the future — it's already here. Let’s lean into it.