Sixes was developed in order to reduce barriers to entry for lacrosse (such as cost and field size), encourage global growth, and to fit within the framework of future Olympic participation.
[2][11][12] The format's first use at a major international sporting event came at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama.
[9] Lacrosse sixes' Olympic inclusion parallels that of rugby sevens and 3x3 basketball, also smaller-scale versions of established sports.
[1] In 2026, the first world championship events in lacrosse sixes will be held for both men and women.
[15] Lacrosse sixes has similar rules for men and women but preserves some minor differences, such as the amount of contact allowed.