Premier Lacrosse League, ESPN Reach Multiyear Media Rights Agreement

The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) powered by Ticketmaster and ESPN have reached a four-year media rights agreement that will span the network’s broadcast, cable, and streaming platform. The League’s fourth season is scheduled to begin on June 4, playing 47 games across 13 U.S. cities, including All-Star, Playoffs, and Championship Weekend on Sept. 17.

“We’re thrilled to announce our new agreement with ESPN,” says Co-Founder and President Paul Rabil. “It’s a testament to our gameday experience, the business teams at the PLL, growing interest level and engagement of a global lacrosse audience, as well as ESPN’s foresight and meaningful investment into a game that’s indigenous to North America – one of the fastest-growing in the U.S. today.”

PLL games will air exclusively across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+, with all 47 games available to stream on ESPN+. More details, including game times, will be announced at a later date.

Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN and Sports Content, says: “This new agreement will maximize exposure for the league and sport as a whole, with a number of events on linear television and all games being available direct to consumer. Paul and Mike Rabil are incredible leaders and innovators in the sport, and we are all looking forward to continued growth for the PLL.”

“Year-over-year PLL viewership has shown consistent growth, setting record numbers for pro lacrosse across broadcast and streaming platforms,” says Mike Rabil, co-founder and CEO of the PLL. “We’re excited to work together with ESPN to bring even more eyeballs to the sport of lacrosse.”

Burke Magnus, president of ESPN programming and original content, says: “This agreement further cements leadership for ESPN in what is clearly a growth sport. Between professional, college, and high school, ESPN is the home for lacrosse. The massive reach we will bring across our leading streaming and linear platforms – ABC, ESPN and ESPN+ is the cornerstone of this innovative deal with PLL, creating many opportunities to super-serve all lacrosse fans.”