ESPN Docuseries To Chronicle Rise Of Premier Lacrosse League

A new ESPN docuseries, The Big Leagues, is set to chronicle the formation of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and its co-founders' efforts to make lacrosse a major sport. The five-part series will follow Mike and Paul Rabil, brothers and co-founders of the PLL, as they navigate the challenges of building a professional sports league.

The series is produced by ESPN Originals, Our Time Projects, and Two Point Productions, with Matthew Heineman serving as an executive producer. Paul Rabil, a former professional lacrosse player, is set to make his directing debut with The Big Leagues. Gene Gallerano is serving as showrunner for the series.

The PLL has already seen success, with its championship game airing on ABC last month. The league has also partnered with ESPN, which has a stake in the PLL and holds its media rights. The series will capture the decisions, risks, and relationships that shape the young league, according to Lindsay Rovegno, VP & Executive Producer of ESPN Originals.

The rollout of the series is timed to coincide with the runup to the 2028 Summer Olympics, where lacrosse will make its debut as an official event in Los Angeles. The series will detail the brothers' push to make lacrosse a major sport, and will provide a unique look at the inner workings of a professional sports league.

## What's at stake The success of the PLL and the growth of lacrosse as a major sport are closely tied to the series. With the Olympics on the horizon, the series will provide a platform for the league to showcase its talent and build a wider audience. The series will also explore the challenges faced by the league, including financial and operational hurdles, and will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions made by the Rabil brothers and other league officials.

## Why it matters The Big Leagues is more than just a documentary series - it's a chance for the PLL to tell its story and build a wider audience. With the Olympics approaching, the series will provide a platform for the league to showcase its talent and build momentum. The series will also provide a unique look at the inner workings of a professional sports league, and will explore the challenges and opportunities faced by the PLL as it grows and evolves.

Production on the series is currently underway, with a premiere date and distribution plans still being finalized. The series is set to premiere ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics, and will provide a unique look at the PLL and its co-founders as they push to make lacrosse a major sport.