ESPN participates in the first Lacrosse League as part of the extension of media rights at 5 years
ESPN has acquired a minority participation in the first Lacrosse League and extended its media rights agreement for an additional five years.
The agreement begins with the 2026 season and encompasses all the regular matches of the first season of Lacrosse League, the stars, the playoffs and the championships, the games of the Maybelline women’s league, as well as the future drafts PLL and WLL.
In addition to the multi-year agreement, ESPN has also made a minority equity investment in the PLL, recognizing a significant growth potential in the PLL’s approach and avant-garde engagement to innovation.
The details of the size of the stake or the evaluation of the league following it were not disclosed.
“This partnership marks a historic moment for the PLL and the WLL. The renewed commitment of ESPN, as well as their investment, says a lot about the future of the butt,” said the co-founder and president of the PLL, Paul Rabil. “Together, we bring not only the best of the professional stick to more fans, more often, but we build a model for the way modern sports leagues can grow – with equity, innovation and access to the center.”
In a recent interview with Deadline, Rabil spoke about the rights of the league media as well as his new Omaha Productions program, Rabil places And the PLL’s prospects for the summer Olympic Games in 2028, when the butt is a demonstration sport.
“This renewed partnership with ESPN is an important step for the rise of PLL and WLL,” said Mike Rabil, co-founder and CEO of the first Lacrosse League. “This highlights the momentum behind our male and female leagues and the demand for a growing and passionate fans base – unlocking new opportunities for our players, our partners and our fans.”
All PLL and WLL games will broadcast on ESPN +, with games selected also presented on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2.
Rosalyn Durant, Executive Vice President, ESPN Programming & Acquisitions, Said: “We’re thrulled to continue our relationship with the first lacrosse league and expand our commitment to the ascendant sport by Bringing the refcently launched women’s lacrosse league to espn. Best in Lacrosse, Growing the Game Across All Levels, and Delivering World-Class Competition to Fans all year round.
