The former Pittsburgh CrosseFire were renamed the Washington Power by team officials today, with a formal announcement coming as early as tomorrow.

The franchise, now in its third city in as many season (a thirteen-year term in Baltimore, followed by one in Pittsburgh), will play its home games at the MCI Center in the District of Columbia. The team's primary owner is attorney Steve Comiskey, but its marquee player, Gary Gait, was responsible for spearheading the team's sale and relocation.

"We are excited about bringing the National Lacrosse League to the Washington DC area", NLL Commissioner Jim Jennings said. "Placing a team in a major market like Washington will allow us to reach thousands of new fans, and will increase our influence on the national sports level."

"Washington is the perfect city to host this great lacrosse team, and the MCI Center is the perfect place for us to play," said Comiskey. "It is our intention, that right from the start, the Washington Power will provide a championship caliber lacrosse team for the great fans in our area."

The Washington Power logo and colors have not yet been announced, nor has any information on ticket sales. However, a press conference is in the works, tentatively slated for tomorrow (Thursday) at 3:00 PM. At the press conference, the hiring of former Philadelphia Wings general manager Steve Govett to the position of Executive Vice President and General Manager likely will be announced, as well. Govett was a member of three MILL and NLL Championship teams with the Wings before joining their front office in June 1999.