NEW YORK (AP) 鈥� The Premier Lacrosse League is adding actors and among the investors of a $100 million financing round that represents the largest capital raise in the history of professional lacrosse.
The financing round, led by Ares funds and New York Liberty owner Joe Tsai, also included a minority equity investment from ESPN.
As part of the financing, co-head of Ares Sports, Media and Entertainment, Jim Miller, will join the PLL鈥檚 Board of Directors. Powell 鈥� who starred with Tom Cruise in 鈥淭op Gun: Maverick鈥� 鈥� will join the PLL as a Creative Advisor and will work alongside founders Paul and Mike Rabil to help bring the first PLL and Women’s Lacrosse League teams to Texas.
The is a men鈥檚 professional lacrosse league composed of eight teams in North America.
鈥淟acrosse 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,鈥� said Mike Rabil, co-founder and CEO of the Premier Lacrosse League. 鈥淥ur focus is on building the infrastructure to support that growth through elite competition, broader distribution, youth participation, and a stronger professional ecosystem.鈥�
As both the league鈥檚 media rights partner and now an equity investor, ESPN expands an alignment that already spans live game distribution and original storytelling across the PLL and Women’s Lacrosse League.
The 2026 PLL and WLL seasons are airing on ESPN platforms and ABC as lacrosse builds toward its Olympic return at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
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