The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and ESPN have formed a four-year media rights agreement that will span the network’s broadcast, cable and streaming platform.
The collaboration sees PLL games 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.
“We’re thrilled to announce our new agreement with ESPN,” commented PLL’s 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 US today.”
The fourth season of the league, which is powered by Ticketmaster, is scheduled to begin on 4 June 2022 across 13 US cities, including All-Star, Playoffs, and Championship Weekend in September.
Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN and Sports Content, added: “This new agreement will maximise exposure for the league and sport as a whole, with a number of events on linear television and all games being available direct to consumers. 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,” said 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.”
Earlier this year, ESPN further expanded its sports offering in building upon a broadcast partnership with Tennis Australia with coverage of the Australian Open across Latin America, Brazil and the Caribbean.
For further 10 years, viewers are now able to follow all AO Events including the AO Qualifying Tournament, AO Junior Championships, AO Wheelchair Championships, AO Legends, AO Australian and Asia-Pacific Wildcard Play-offs and the lead in Adelaide International ATP 250 tournament.
On the firm’s newest PLL agreement, Burke Magnus, President of ESPN Programming and Original Content, concluded: “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.”
