The Major Indoor Lacrosse League was the forerunner to the National Lacrosse League. The MILL was a professional men's indoor lacrosse league in North America. The MILL was created in 1986 as the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League. The first season started in January 1987 as the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League. It changed its name to Major Indoor Lacrosse League in 1988. The MILL disbanded in 1997 at the time the NLL was formed and five of the MILL teams joined the NLL. The National Lacrosse League recognizes the MILL history as its own.