The Buffalo Bandits have a title to chase, a major change in goal to navigate and an immediate shot at the team that ended their championship run.
After three consecutive championships, Buffalo’s pursuit of a fourth ended in the quarterfinals last spring. Coach John Tavares returns for a 2026-27 NLL season shaped by Matt Vinc’s retirement, Zach Higgins’ return and new players looking to make an impact.
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The Bandits open at home against the Georgia Swarm on Nov. 28, with coverage on FloLacrosse and the FloSports app. Here are three things to know before Buffalo begins another championship pursuit.
1. The Buffalo Bandits Get An Immediate Rematch With Georgia
Buffalo finished 11-7 and fifth in the NLL standings in 2025-26, using a seven-game winning streak to help secure a playoff berth.
The postseason ended quickly. Georgia defeated Buffalo 17-10 in a single-game quarterfinal April 25 at Gas South Arena, ending the Bandits’ bid for a fourth straight championship. It was Buffalo’s first opening-round playoff exit since 2018.
Josh Byrne led the Bandits with six points in the loss, while Ian MacKay contributed three goals and five points.
That makes the Nov. 28 opener an early opportunity for Buffalo to respond against the team that ended its season. The Bandits also visit Georgia on Jan. 9.
One of Buffalo’s biggest changes comes in the crease.
The NLL placed Vinc on the retired list Aug. 21, leaving the Bandits to begin a new chapter at goaltender. Buffalo selected Higgins in the dispersal draft and announced a two-year contract in September.
Higgins already knows the organization. He played for the Bandits during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons before spending the past two seasons with Ottawa.
His return gives Buffalo an experienced option as it works through a major transition in goal. How that transition unfolds will be central to the Bandits’ hopes of getting back into championship contention.
3. Payton Cormier And Dante Bowen Bring Fresh Possibilities
Buffalo added players at both ends of the floor, with Cormier offering another left-side offensive option and Bowen bringing defensive and transition potential.
The Bandits acquired Cormier from Vancouver in September and announced a one-year contract. He had eight points, including five goals, in 18 career NLL games with the Warriors. Buffalo gives him a new opportunity to establish himself in an offense.
Bowen, the sixth overall pick in the NLL draft, signed a three-year deal. At Syracuse in 2026, he recorded 16 ground balls and 14 caused turnovers in 19 games.
He is part of a camp group that also includes established defenders Steve Priolo and Cam Wyers. Earning an NLL role is the next step for the first-round prospect.
Tavares provides continuity behind the bench as the newcomers compete for opportunities. He spent 24 seasons playing for Buffalo before retiring in 2015.
When Is The Buffalo Bandits’ Season Opener?
The Buffalo Bandits host the Georgia Swarm at 7 p.m. ET Nov. 28 to open the 2026-27 NLL season. Buffalo’s 18-game regular-season schedule includes nine home games and nine road games.
How To Watch The Buffalo Bandits In 2026-27
Watch the Buffalo Bandits and the 2026-27 NLL season on FloLacrosse and the FloSports app. Coverage includes the regular season and playoffs.
Sign up for FloLacrosse to follow Buffalo’s next championship pursuit.
How To Watch The NLL In The 2026-27 NLL Season
Fans can watch the 2026-27 National Lacrosse League season on FloLacrosse and the FloSports app.
FloLacrosse is the streaming home of the NLL, providing coverage throughout the regular season and playoffs.
FloLacrosse Archived Footage
Video footage from the event will be archived and stored in a video library for FloLacrosse subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscription.
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