ESPN Docuseries Chronicles PLL's Founding by Rabil Brothers — SkimNews
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- ESPN is producing a five-part docuseries titled The Big Leagues that chronicles the formation of the Premier Lacrosse League, with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Matthew Heineman as executive producer
- Paul Rabil is making his directing debut on the series, drawing from his transition from lacrosse star to co-founder of the PLL alongside his brother Mike
- Mike and Paul Rabil navigated financial, operational, and cultural challenges while launching the PLL, testing both their business partnership and fraternal bond
- The Big Leagues is produced by ESPN Originals, Our Time Projects, and Two Point Productions, with Gene Gallerano serving as showrunner and Matthew Heineman executive producing
- Lacrosse's inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles is a key backdrop for the series, which aims to grow the sport’s national profile during the lead-up to the Games
- ESPN deepened its relationship with the PLL through a deal granting it both a stake in the league and exclusive media rights, including broadcasting the championship game on ABC
Why it matters: The docuseries cements ESPN’s strategic investment in the PLL beyond broadcasting, turning the league’s origin story into a narrative vehicle to expand lacrosse’s mainstream appeal ahead of the 2028 Olympics, with the Rabils’ personal gamble serving as a blueprint for athlete-led sports ventures.
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