Ottawa Black Bears discontinue operations, won't return for third season The National Lacrosse League announces the Ottawa Black Bears and Philadelphia Wings will not return for the 2026-27 season, citing sustainability issues. The Black Bears, formerly the New York Riptide, had played in Ottawa for two seasons at the Canadian Tire Centre. The National Lacrosse League says the Ottawa Black Bears have discontinued operations and won't return for a third season. The team, which moved to Ottawa in 2024 and played at the Canadian Tire Centre, has been dissolved along with the Philadelphia Wings. The league cited extensive efforts to identify viable paths forward, but determined that the long-term sustainability conditions were not met for either franchise. The Black Bears were a partnership between the NLL, GF Sports and Entertainment, and the Ottawa Senators