Premier Lacrosse League Secures Landmark $100 Million Series E Funding for LA28 Expansion

The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) has successfully closed a $100 million Series E financing round, marking the largest capital investment in the history of professional lacrosse.

Led by Ares and Alibaba Group Chairperson Joe Tsai, the round includes a strategic minority equity investment from ESPN and contributions from a high-profile group of investors, including actor Glen Powell, Wrexham A.F.C. co-chairman Rob McElhenney, and singer-songwriter Warren Zeiders.

This influx of capital is strategically timed to accelerate the league’s growth ahead of lacrosse’s highly anticipated return to the Olympic Games at LA28. The PLL plans to deploy these funds across four core pillars: expanding media distribution, enhancing commercial partnerships, scaling the Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL), and increasing youth accessibility to the sport across North America.

Emphasising the timing of the investment, co-founder and CEO of the Premier Lacrosse League, Mike Rabil, said: “Lacrosse is entering one of the most important periods in its history.”

“With the Olympics on the horizon, we have an opportunity to introduce the sport to a new generation of fans and athletes around the world.

“Our focus is on building the infrastructure to support that growth through elite competition, broader distribution, youth participation, and a stronger professional ecosystem,” Rabil stated.

As part of the financing, co-head of Ares Sports, Media and Entertainment, Jim Miller, will join the PLL board of directors.

Additionally, Glen Powell will join the league as a creative advisor to collaborate with founders Paul and Mike Rabil on brand expansion.

“Lacrosse has the ingredients to become one of the most exciting growth stories in sports.”

“I’m thrilled to invest in the PLL and WLL and help bring professional lacrosse to the forefront of culture. Starting with my home state of Texas,” Powell added.

The PLL currently operates eight men’s teams across North America and four women’s teams under the WLL banner.

The league is currently evaluating a transition from its traditional touring model toward a franchise-based ownership structure, with expansion into markets like Texas serving as a primary target for future development.

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