Overview
- The PLL closed a $100 million Series E on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, led by Ares funds and Joe Tsai with ESPN increasing its equity stake and participation from Glen Powell, Rob McElhenney, Next 3 and Bolt Ventures.
- As part of the deal Jim Miller, co-head of Ares Sports, Media and Entertainment, will join the PLL board and actor Glen Powell will serve as a creative advisor focused in part on building a Texas presence.
- League leaders say the capital will expand media distribution, boost original storytelling and grow sponsorship and commercial partnerships to raise the sport’s profile before the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
- The PLL operates an eight-team single-entity men’s league and the WLL is a four-team women’s league, both airing on ESPN and ABC in 2026 as the leagues prepare for lacrosse’s Olympic return.
- Beyond short-term growth, the league plans youth programs, new event formats and broader distribution that could lift valuations, create a market for future franchise sales and change where pro lacrosse is played.