Inside Lacrosse Podcasts PLL, WLL Season Preview with Paul Rabil
May 7, 2026
Paul Rabil, co-founder and president of the Premier Lacrosse League and founder of the Women's Lacrosse League, talks growth and commercialization of pro lacrosse. He previews the expanded PLL spring schedule and debut WLL season. He discusses the ESPN renewal, building stars and fan engagement, uniform partnerships, and long-term plans to make lacrosse a top North American sport.
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Top Five League Is The Real Championship
- Paul Rabil frames the league goal as becoming a top five or six team sports league in North America.
- That long-term metric drives decisions on sold-out stadiums, million-plus viewership, sponsorship growth, and structural changes to reach scale.
WLL Pulled Forward After Athletes Unlimited Shift
- The WLL accelerated from a Champ Series to a full season because Athletes Unlimited's exit created urgency and opportunity.
- Rabil says the Champ Series success, distinct fanbase, and star players like Charlotte North made full-season launch viable.
Women's Lacrosse Has Real Star Crossover Potential
- Rabil sees women's lacrosse as primed for major crossover stars and broader participation due to existing college depth and Olympic inclusion.
- He compares potential impact to Caitlin Clark and other athletes who changed their sports' trajectories.