What's happened
The Premier Lacrosse League has secured funding from Ares, ESPN and others, valuing the eight-team league at more than $500 million. The investment supports a shift from single-entity ownership to franchise sales and expands the league’s ambitions ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
What's behind the headline?
- The investment signals a clear push to professionalize and scale a sport that has recently broadened its media footprint. - Analysts expect the league to leverage Olympic exposure to accelerate growth, including potential international expansion and youth participation programs. - The move to a franchise model mirrors other emerging leagues and could unlock valuations in the hundreds of millions.
How we got here
The PLL has raised capital from Ares funds, Joe Tsai and ESPN as it moves toward selling franchises and expanding ownership. The round follows an earlier $100 million Series E and coincides with ESPN renewing its rights and expanding coverage ahead of lacrosse’s Olympic return in 2028.
Our analysis
CNBC reports on a $100M Series E and broader ownership transition; AP News notes ESPN and Tsai involvement and strategic advisory roles; Bloomberg confirms the valuation at over $500M and the ownership transition in progress.
Go deeper
- How soon will franchises be sold under the new model?
- What impact will Olympic exposure have on PLL's growth?
- Which regional markets are being targeted first for new teams?
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Paul Rabil - American lacrosse player
Paul Rabil, is an American professional lacrosse player with the Cannons Lacrosse Club of the Premier Lacrosse League, which he co-founded. He formerly played for the Boston Cannons and the New York Lizards of Major League Lacrosse.