ESPN Extends Deal with PLL, Takes Equity Stake

The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) has secured a five-year media rights renewal with ESPN, commencing next season and extending through 2030.

This agreement also includes a minority equity investment from ESPN into the PLL, signalling a deeper strategic ties between the broadcaster and the burgeoning professional lacrosse league.

The deal further encompasses media rights for the newly established Maybelline Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL).

While the specific size of ESPN’s investment remains undisclosed, PLL co-founder and CEO, Mike Rabil indicated the capital would be directed towards strengthening league infrastructure, expanding game schedules for both the PLL and WLL, enhancing player compensation, and bolstering marketing, production, and content development.

Articulating the strategic rationale behind inviting equity investment, Rabil, said : “We’ve really looked at ourselves as a hand-raising partner, wanting to innovate and wanting to try new things as ESPN continues to evolve their platform.”

This structure allows ESPN to directly participate in the financial upside if the PLL continues its upward trajectory, aligning incentives beyond just broadcast ratings.

This move by ESPN to take an equity stake is a big development in the evolving sports media landscape, where broadcasters are increasingly looking to move beyond traditional rights fees to participate in the long-term growth of sports properties. 

The PLL has demonstrated consistent growth, a key factor in attracting this heightened commitment from ESPN.

During the 2025 season, PLL games on ESPN networks are averaging 277,000 viewers, a substantial increase from 197,000 viewers across ESPN, ABC, and ESPN2 in the previous season. 

The deal’s inclusion of the Maybelline Women’s Lacrosse League, launched by the PLL in November 2024, reflects a commitment to the women’s game. This broadens the content offering for ESPN and positions both leagues to capitalise on the rising interest in women’s sports.

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