NEW YORK (AP) – The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) is experiencing a significant financial boost with the announcement of a $100 million financing round. This funding marks the largest capital raise in the history of professional lacrosse. Notably, actors Rob Mac and Glen Powell have joined as investors in this major initiative. The financing round was spearheaded by Ares funds and Joe Tsai, the owner of the New York Liberty, and it also attracted a minority equity investment from ESPN.

In a pivotal development, Jim Miller, the co-head of Ares Sports, Media and Entertainment, will be joining the PLL's Board of Directors as part of this investment round. Glen Powell, known for his role alongside Tom Cruise in “Top Gun: Maverick,” will take on a new position as a Creative Advisor for the PLL. In this role, Powell will collaborate closely with league founders Paul and Mike Rabil to help establish the first PLL and Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL) teams in Texas, marking an exciting expansion for the sport.

The Premier Lacrosse League, a prominent men’s professional lacrosse league comprising eight teams across North America, is poised for significant growth. Mike Rabil, the co-founder and CEO of the PLL, emphasized the importance of this period for lacrosse, stating, “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.” Rabil highlighted the league's commitment to building infrastructure that supports growth through elite competition, broader distribution, increased youth participation, and a more robust professional ecosystem.

This new alignment with ESPN, not only as the league's media rights partner but also as an equity investor, strengthens their partnership, which already includes live game distribution and original storytelling featuring both the PLL and the Women’s Lacrosse League. ESPN’s involvement is expected to enhance the visibility and reach of lacrosse as it builds momentum toward its Olympic comeback.

The upcoming 2026 seasons for both the Premier Lacrosse League and the Women’s Lacrosse League are set to be broadcasted on ESPN platforms and ABC. This move is part of a strategic effort to cultivate interest and viewership in lacrosse as the sport prepares for its return to the Olympic stage at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.