Although the powers behind the expansion franchise in New York City haven't yet announced their presence, they are in for 2007 and preparing for the National Lacrosse League expansion draft next month.

The New York franchise -- which still has no name, logo, colors, staff, arena or official existence -- will join the Chicago Shamrox in participating in the 12 July expansion draft (4:00 PM Eastern, via conference call).

As in past expansion drafts, the existing franchises will be allowed to protect either (a) thirteen runners and one goaltender or (b) ten runners and two goaltenders, with New York and Chicago selecting from the leftovers. After losing one player, a team can protect an additional player; following the second loss, all of that team's players are off-limits.

Protected lists are expected to be announced later this week.

Chicago will select first in each of the eleven rounds of the expansion draft. The Shamrox lost a coin flip to determine which team would select first in this draft. New York won the toss and elected to have first choice in this summer's entry draft instead.