(Photo courtesy Ron Chenoy, Pretty Instant)

Major League Lacrosse is reorganizing its ownership structure and will operate as a single-entity on a go-forward basis, multiple sources have told Inside Lacrosse and the Annapolis Capital reported on Monday.

Chesapeake Bayhawks owner Brendan Kelly told IL that he’d returned control of the team to the league and that he’d resigned his board seat. The Capital reported that Kelly’s decision "was in response to significant organizational changes being implemented by MLL, which is moving away from having franchises with separate owners" and that that decision was made in a Friday meeting.

Kelly told The Capital, “Major League Lacrosse voted to go with a single-entity league with no franchises and that is not something I want to be involved with.“

Additionally, members of the Atlanta Blaze were informed by a messagings to the team on Tuesday obtained by IL that owner Andre Gudger had returned control of the team to the league, and that the league was setting up a “northeast model” and a “10-game season,” adding that the team would be relocating.

When reached for comment, Commissioner Sandy Brown deferred to later in week. MLL Chief Revenue Officer Mark Burdett confirmed the model to The Capital, which also reported that the Bowlen family, who owns the Denver Broncos and owned the Outlaws, ceded its ownership control to MLL. Sources tell IL that that occurred in the fall. It’s unclear which markets the Blaze, Outlaws and Rattlers will occupy this season.

Multiple sources tell IL that the investment in the single entity will be led by groups previously involved with the Boston Cannons and New York Lizards franchises, which is aiming to operate six teams this summer.

The message to the Blaze also included that players with remaining years on their contracts will have their deals honored on a per-game basis, and that those without contracts running through 2020 are “in the clear and can do as [they] please.”