ESPN & PLL: Renewed Deal & Equity Stake
- ESPN is extending its partnership with the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) through a new five-year media rights agreement, also acquiring a minority stake in the professional lacrosse association.
- As part of the agreement, ESPN, owned by Disney, will take a 3% minority stake in the league.
- Rabil said the media deal with ESPN has been critical to the sport's growth, noting the network's three-decade investment in lacrosse.
ESPN bolsters its commitment to the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) with a renewed media rights deal extending through 2026 and a 3% equity stake showcasing confidence in the sport’s future. This robust agreement includes broadcast rights for all PLL regular-season, All-Star, playoff, and championship games, plus the Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL). As 2019, PLL has experienced ample growth in viewership, attendance, and revenue, solidifying its position. ESPN’s investment aligns with lacrosse’s anticipated inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, enhancing the league’s visibility. The PLL’s championship game and All-Star game both saw significant viewership gains. For more breaking news, visit News Directory 3. How will this strategic alignment further propel lacrosse into the sporting spotlight? Discover what’s next …
ESPN Renews Premier Lacrosse League Deal, Takes Equity Stake
ESPN is extending its partnership with the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) through a new five-year media rights agreement, also acquiring a minority stake in the professional lacrosse association. The deal, set to begin with the 2026 season, encompasses broadcast rights for all PLL regular-season, All-Star, playoff, and championship games, as well as women’s Lacrosse League (WLL) contests. This move comes as professional lacrosse experiences growth in viewership, attendance, and partnerships, and as lacrosse prepares for its inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
As part of the agreement, ESPN, owned by Disney, will take a 3% minority stake in the league. Paul Rabil, PLL co-founder and president, emphasized the importance of ESPN’s investment. He noted that ESPN’s expertise in understanding sports fans and predicting audience growth validates the league’s trajectory.
Rabil said the media deal with ESPN has been critical to the sport’s growth, noting the network’s three-decade investment in lacrosse. The partnership appears to be mutually beneficial. The PLL’s championship game on ABC saw a 9% increase in viewership year-over-year in 2024, and the league’s All-Star game achieved its highest viewership ever on ESPN.
The Premier Lacrosse League is experiencing growth across key metrics. As 2019, paid tickets have increased by 34%, attendance by 13%, ticket revenue by 149%, and sponsor dollars by over 100%, according to rabil.The league, currently in its seventh season, is backed by investors including Joe Tsai, the Chernin Group, Arctos, the Kraft Group, and CAA.
The PLL launched the Women’s Lacrosse League last year,which is currently in its inaugural season,further expanding the league’s reach and impact on the sport of lacrosse.
What’s next
The renewed partnership between ESPN and the Premier Lacrosse league promises continued growth and visibility for professional lacrosse, especially with the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The investment by ESPN signals confidence in the PLL’s future and its potential to attract a broader audience.