Behind the Shield Named a Finalist for Cynopsis Sports Awards

Behind the Shield, a seven-part docuseries following the 2025 U.S. Men’s U20 team, has been named a finalist for the 2026 Cynopsis Sports Awards.

There are more than 30 categories in this year’s Cynopsis Sports Awards, recognizing an exceptional group of organizations, teams and individuals driving innovation, creativity and impact across the sports industry.

Behind the Shield is one of four finalists in the Best Sports Team/Event/Competition Documentary or Docuseries Category. The other finalists in the category include ESPN with the ACC Network’s We’re #1! series; ESPN, NFL Films, Skydance Sports, Words + Pictures and 2PM Productions for The Kingdom; and Esports Foundation/This Machine for Esports World Cup: Level Up.

“Lacrosse doesn’t need to wait for LA28 Summer Olympics to become a global story,” said Dave Krupinski, VP of Marketing, Media and Communications for USA Lacrosse. “Behind the Shield was built to break the traditional governing body mold and create premium content that deepens connection to our athletes, our culture, and our game. We produced it entirely in-house because the future belongs to organizations that think like creators, produce like studios, and move at the speed of culture. To be recognized alongside industry giants like ESPN, NFL Films, ESports Foundation, and Skydance Sports proves the gap between legacy power and challenger brands is shrinking. Lacrosse is here and we’re ready for the moment.”

This year’s finalists include leading organizations such as ESPN, NBC, FOX Sports, Prime Video, NFL Media, Nielsen, Playfly Sports, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Barstool Sports, CBS Sports and YES Network, among others, reflecting a powerful cross-section of the modern sports ecosystem. 

 “This year’s finalists represent the creativity, innovation and leadership that continue to move the sports industry forward,” said Lynn Leahey, Editorial Director, Cynopsis. “Alongside our Luminary and Top Women in Sports honorees, they reflect the individuals and organizations setting the standard for excellence across the business of sports.”

Behind the Shield is a groundbreaking documentary series from USA Lacrosse that captured the drama, pride, and evolution of the United States U20 national lacrosse team at the 2025 World Championship in Jeju, South Korea. Produced in-house and streamed on YouTube, the series represents an innovative leap for a grassroots sports organization and national governing body. With Behind the Shield, USA Lacrosse proved that compelling storytelling, authenticity, and strategic digital distribution can rival the impact of traditional, big-budget sports documentaries.

Winners will be revealed at the 2026 Cynopsis Sports Awards Gala on June 4 in New York City, bringing together leaders from across the industry to celebrate the teams and organizations shaping the future of sports media and marketing.