• Loading stock data...
Thursday, April 24, 2025

Premier Lacrosse League Assigning Designated Home Markets

  • New structure, set for 2024 debut, more closely resembles those at other major sports leagues.
  • Latest move extends a run of major business developments for the league in the last three years.
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Premier Lacrosse League is hitting another milestone with the formation of a new competition structure. 

In one of the PLL’s largest developments since its 2019 debut — a plan that will begin next year and evolve from PLL’s existing, tour-based model — each of its eight teams will be assigned to specific geographic markets. 

The PLL will continue to operate as a single-entity property and still own and operate all eight franchises — but will now more closely resemble other major sports leagues.

The new format is only the latest evolution for the league. 

It signed a media rights deal in 2022 with Disney’s ESPN and ABC reportedly worth eight figures, brought in additional top-tier investors in a Series D funding round, completed a large-scale deal with Ticketmaster, posted other gains in fan engagement, and merged with the former Major League Lacrosse to become the only significant entity in outdoor pro lacrosse.

That last funding reportedly doubled the league’s undisclosed valuation compared to 2021. Burke Magnus, ESPN’s president of content, called the market-based plan “a smart progression at the perfect time.”

Fans can vote on potential team locations starting June 3. Their input will inform internal analysis and various business considerations to produce the final selections, which will be announced in Q4 2023. 

“This move will unlock deeper, more connected relationships between our fans, teams, and players,” said Paul Rabil, PLL co-founder and president. “We’re giving the PLL local love and global awareness.”

The 2023 PLL season will start June 3-4 in Albany, New York.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Comcast Leans On Sports As Revenue Slides and Cord-Cutting Grows

NBC Sports’ rights portfolio remains a company bedrock.
Cristina Daglas
exclusive

ESPN Executive Editor Cristina Daglas Out After HR Investigation

Daglas was placed on administrative leave in January.

ESPN Nears Draft Rights Extension Amid NFL-Disney Talks

The league has not signed its next NFL Draft media-rights deals.
FuboTV signage

Disney’s Fubo Takeover Now Faces DOJ Antitrust Review

The deal struck by the ESPN parent company could be in jeopardy.

Featured Today

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.

Cooper Flagg’s Timing Is Perfect for the NBA and USA Basketball

The projected No. 1 pick just declared for the draft.
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards
April 21, 2025

ESPN’s WNBA Coverage Mirrors the League’s Stunning Growth

“I don’t think we stand still in our coverage of women’s sports,” says Rowe.
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Isaiah Joe (11) after score in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
April 20, 2025

Unorthodox OKC: The Thunder Redefined Tanking to Become NBA’s Best

A rebuild years in the making has OKC in the driver’s seat.
Mar 13, 2020; Augusta, GA, USA; The front entrance at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday morning. The Masters Tournament has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
opinion
April 20, 2025

What’s It Like to Play Augusta? A Day on the World’s Most..

Inside a round at the most exclusive club in the world.
Vancouver

PWHL Picks Vancouver for First Expansion Team

More than 19,000 fans attended a game in Vancouver in January.
April 23, 2025

NHL’s U.S. Playoff TV Ratings Down 27% in Early Games

This season’s numbers were down 12% compared to the 2023–2024 season.
USL
April 23, 2025

USL Super League Sells Its Name in Push for Soccer Relevance

The deal was for seven figures.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

This week, Two-time Super Bowl Champion and CBS NFL analyst Logan Ryan joins us to talk the business of sports on our third installment of Portfolio Players.
April 23, 2025

Green Bay Gears Up for One of the Most Distinct NFL Drafts..

Around 250,000 fans are expected to attend this year’s draft.
April 22, 2025

NFL Draft Hosts: D.C., Denver, Buffalo Among Future Contenders

Pittsburgh will host in 2026, but 2027 and beyond is to be determined.
April 22, 2025

Masters Champ McIlroy Set to Draw Big Crowds (Again) at Zurich Classic

The Zurich Classic is expecting to break its attendance record.
July 18, 2009; Turnberry, SCOTLAND; Tom Watson (USA) makes a bogey on the 18th to take the championship to a playoff with Stewart Cink (USA) during the final round of the 2009 British Open at Turnberry Country Club.
April 22, 2025

R&A Opens Door to Taking Major Championship Back to Trump Turnberry

The course last hosted the Open Championship in 2009.