CW23 expands coverage of Buffalo Bandits games this season | How to watch, stream, listen
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Every Buffalo Bandits lacrosse game is set to be televised in Western New York this season.
The CW23 (WNLO-TV) is your television home for Bandits lacrosse, and we are proud to expand our coverage to include 17 of the team's 18 regular-season games in 2024-25.
Our first broadcast is this Saturday when the Bandits begin their campaign for a third straight National Lacrosse League championship against the Rochester Knighthawks. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Rochester's Blue Cross Arena.
The CW23 aired 14 regular-season games last season in addition to several playoff games, including Games 1 and 2 of the NLL Finals. This season, 17 regular-season games are planned for The CW23, with the lone exception being the Dec. 28 home opener that will air on ESPN2. The full schedule can be seen below.
Here's how to watch, stream and listen to Saturday's season opener.
Television
The Bandits vs. Knighthawks game will be shown live in the Buffalo market at 7 p.m. on The CW23 (WNLO-TV).
Streaming
NLL games stream live on ESPN+ for those in the United States. Fans in Canada can stream on TSN+.
A replay will be available through NLL+, a new, free service available this year.
Radio
All Bandits games are scheduled to be available on 1520 AM.
What to know about the Bandits
The Bandits are looking to complete the hat trick this season by winning their third straight NLL Cup, a feat that has only been accomplished once before in league history (Rochester Knighthawks, 2012-14).
All of the Bandits' top scorers from last season are back for another championship run, including NLL points leaders Josh Byrne (135, first) and Dhane Smith (134, second), along with Matt Vinc, the all-time winningest goaltender in league history. Buffalo's first-round draft pick, 19-year-old forward Lukas Nielsen, joins the veteran roster along with transition player Thomas Whitty, who was acquired in a trade with Rochester.
The Bandits will raise last season's championship banner in a ceremony prior to the Dec. 28 home opener. Tickets are available here.
Buffalo Bandits 2024-25 roster
- Forwards (7): Kyle Buchanan, Josh Byrne, Chris Cloutier, Chase Fraser, Tehoka Nanticoke, Lukas Nielsen, Dhane Smith
- Transition (4): Connor Farrell, Ian MacKay, Matt Spanger, Thomas Whitty
- Defensemen (8): Zach Belter, Paul Dawson, Sam La Roue, Justin Martin, Steve Priolo, Dylan Robinson, Nick Weiss, Cam Wyers
- Goalies (2): Steve Orleman, Matt Vinc
- Practice Squad (4): Evan Constantopoulos, Taylor Dooley, Trent Robertson, Clay Scanlan
- Physically Unable to Perform/IR (2): Emerson Clark, Bryce Sweeting
Buffalo Bandits 2024-25 schedule
Home games in bold
- Saturday, Dec. 7 at Rochester – 7 p.m. (CW23)
- Friday, Dec. 13 at Ottawa – 7 p.m. (CW23)
- Saturday, Dec. 28 vs. Rochester – 6:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
- Friday, Jan. 10 vs. Toronto – 7:30 p.m. (CW23)
- Saturday, Jan. 18 vs. Philadelphia – 7:30 p.m. (CW23)
- Saturday, Feb. 1 vs. Albany – 7:30 p.m. (CW23)
- Friday, Feb. 14 at Toronto – 7 p.m. (CW23)
- Saturday, Feb. 15 vs. San Diego – 7:30 p.m. (CW23)
- Saturday, Feb. 22 at San Diego – 10 p.m. (CW23)
- Saturday, March 1 at Saskatchewan – 8 p.m. (CW23)
- Saturday, March 8 vs. Calgary – 6:30 p.m. (CW23)
- Saturday, March 15 at Calgary – 9 p.m. (CW23)
- Friday, March 21 vs. Las Vegas – 7:30 p.m. (CW23)
- Saturday, March 22 at Albany – 7:30 p.m. (CW23)
- Saturday, March 29 vs. Vancouver – 7:30 p.m. (CW23)
- Saturday, April 5 at Colorado – 9 p.m. (CW23)
- Saturday, April 12 vs. Halifax – 7:30 p.m. (CW23)
- Saturday, April 19 at Georgia – 7:30 p.m. (CW23)