From 2019 to 2021, the IBLA served as an official partner of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), operating as a minor developmental funnel.
Additional conversations from teams meeting at the 2021 championships uncovered repeated inconsistencies in financial support from the league itself.
Colorado formed the first organized regional box lacrosse league with four teams after initial in-state competition in 2016.
Due to the spread of COVID-19, most teams faced shortened season schedules and the league championship tournament location was moved from Boston to Pittsburgh.
The San Diego Whalers, Grand Rapids Grizzlies, Mooncrest Munitionz, Aksarben Stampede, and Louisville Canards made up the Steel group.
The Maple group consisted of the Maine Northmen, Philadelphia Phunk, Charlotte Reapers, Albany Hyenas, and Minneapolis Wheat Kings.
In the lowest scoring championship game to date, the Phildalphia Phunk outlasted the Minneapolis Wheat Kings 9 - 5 to capture their first title.
[4] Controversy arose in the second of two semi-final nationals games with the Tampa Bay Twisters taking on the Grand Rapids Grizzlies.