Key facts
- The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) has secured $100 million in a financing round.
- The investment is the largest capital raise in professional lacrosse history.
- Ares funds and Joe Tsai led the financing round.
- ESPN is both an equity investor and media rights partner for the PLL.
- Actors Rob Mac and Glen Powell are among the new investors.
- Glen Powell will also serve as a Creative Advisor for the PLL.
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) has announced a significant $100 million financing round, marking the largest capital raise in the history of professional lacrosse. The round was led by Ares funds and New York Liberty owner Joe Tsai, with participation from ESPN, which expands its existing media rights partnership with the league.
New investors include actors Rob Mac and Glen Powell. Powell, known for his role in "Top Gun: Maverick," will also serve as a Creative Advisor to the PLL. He will collaborate with founders Paul and Mike Rabil to establish the first PLL and Women's Lacrosse League teams in Texas.
Mike Rabil, co-founder and CEO of the PLL, stated that the sport is entering a crucial period with the upcoming Olympics, emphasizing the league's focus on building infrastructure for growth through elite competition, broader distribution, and increased youth participation.
ESPN's expanded alignment includes live game distribution and original content for both the PLL and the Women's Lacrosse League, with seasons airing on ESPN platforms and ABC leading up to lacrosse's return to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.