Celebs Dive Into Pro Lacrosse With $100M Funding

The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) has announced a landmark $100 million Series E financing round, securing investment from notable Hollywood figures Glen Powell and Rob McElhenney. This capital raise, led by Ares and Joe Tsai, represents the largest in professional lacrosse history and also includes a new minority equity investment from ESPN. The financial injection is designated for both the PLL and its corporate sibling, the Women's Lacrosse League (WLL), aiming to propel their growth and visibility.

Paul Rabil, PLL co-founder, highlighted the potential for lacrosse to achieve a significant pop-culture crossover, drawing parallels to the success of Rob McElhenney's "Welcome to Wrexham" documentary series. Glen Powell, who will serve as a creative advisor, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing professional lacrosse to the forefront of culture, starting with his home state of Texas. The league plans to utilize these funds to expand media distribution, foster commercial partnerships, deepen investment in the WLL, and increase youth lacrosse accessibility.

This investment comes at a pivotal moment for lacrosse, with the sport set to be featured in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. "Lacrosse is entering one of the most important periods in its history," stated Mike Rabil, co-founder and CEO of the PLL, emphasizing the opportunity to introduce the sport to a global audience. Other notable investors include country music artist Warren Zeiders and actor Tony Cavalero.