How is the Premier Lacrosse League evolving its business model. What changes are planned for PLL team affiliations. Why is the league considering geographic team assignments. How might this transition impact the future of professional lacrosse.
The Evolution of the Premier Lacrosse League: From Tour-Based to City-Affiliated
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) is on the cusp of a significant transformation that could reshape the landscape of professional lacrosse in North America. After operating as a tour-based league since its inception in 2019, the PLL is now preparing to assign geographic affiliations to each of its eight franchises. This strategic move, known internally as “Project Next,” marks a pivotal moment in the league’s development and aims to deepen fan engagement while expanding revenue opportunities.
The decision to transition towards city-based franchises was reportedly discussed at a recent board meeting in Los Angeles. While the specific details are still being finalized, this shift is expected to take effect after the 2023 season, with team affiliations likely to be announced before the year’s end.
Key Aspects of the PLL’s Transition Plan
- Each of the eight franchises will be assigned a specific city, state, or region
- The current tour-based model will gradually evolve, not cease immediately
- Affiliated cities will become stops on the PLL’s annual schedule
- Teams will focus on building local fanbases through various initiatives
- The transition may eventually lead to a more traditional home-and-away schedule
The Strategic Rationale Behind Geographic Team Affiliations
The PLL’s decision to move towards city-based franchises is rooted in a desire to foster stronger connections between teams and local communities. This approach offers several potential benefits:
- Enhanced fan loyalty and engagement in specific markets
- Increased opportunities for local sponsorships and partnerships
- Greater potential for youth development and grassroots growth of the sport
- Improved ability to host ticketed events and generate consistent local revenue
- Long-term potential for more stable and predictable scheduling
By assigning geographic affiliations, the PLL aims to create a more sustainable and scalable business model that can support the continued growth of professional lacrosse.
Selecting Home Markets: A Data-Driven Approach
The process of choosing home markets for PLL teams will likely involve a comprehensive analysis of various factors. What criteria might the league consider when making these decisions?
- Popularity and participation rates of lacrosse in different regions
- Existing PLL fanbase and engagement metrics in potential markets
- Historical merchandise and ticket sales data from tour stops
- Availability and suitability of venues for hosting games and events
- Potential for corporate partnerships and local business support
- Demographics and market size considerations
By taking a data-driven approach to market selection, the PLL can maximize its chances of success in each chosen location and create a strong foundation for future growth.
Leveraging Existing Brands and Intellectual Property
As part of the transition to city-based franchises, the PLL will need to review its team names and branding strategies. The league’s acquisition of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) in 2020 provides an interesting opportunity in this regard. How might the PLL utilize the intellectual property acquired from the MLL to support its geographic expansion?
One notable example is the Boston Cannons, a former MLL team that became the PLL’s eighth franchise following the acquisition. The Cannons brand has remained strong even without its city affiliation, boasting the largest social media following among PLL teams. This success suggests that reviving other MLL brands could be a viable strategy for establishing strong local identities in certain markets.
Potential Branding Strategies
- Assigning the Cannons brand to Boston if selected as a home market
- Reviving other popular MLL team names for new PLL geographic affiliations
- Creating new city-specific brands that align with local culture and history
- Maintaining some existing PLL team names with added geographic identifiers
By carefully considering its branding options, the PLL can create a set of team identities that resonate with local fans while maintaining the league’s overall vision and aesthetic.
Exploring New Revenue Opportunities Through Local Engagement
The transition to city-based franchises opens up a range of new revenue opportunities for PLL teams. How can teams leverage their geographic affiliations to drive growth and engagement?
- Hosting youth camps and clinics to develop grassroots interest
- Securing local sponsorships and partnerships with area businesses
- Organizing fan events and meet-and-greets with players
- Creating city-specific merchandise and promotional items
- Developing relationships with local media outlets for increased coverage
These initiatives can help teams build stronger connections with their local communities and create new revenue streams beyond game-day ticket sales.
Potential Schedule Innovations
As the PLL evolves its model, there may be opportunities to experiment with new scheduling formats. One idea discussed at the recent board meeting was the possibility of having the “home” team play a double-header when the tour stops in its market. This approach could provide additional value for local fans and create a more immersive experience during tour stops.
Comparing the PLL’s Approach to Other Single-Entity Leagues
The PLL’s method of transitioning to city-based franchises differs from the expansion processes used by other single-entity leagues like Major League Soccer (MLS) or the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). What are the key differences in the PLL’s approach?
- The PLL is assigning locations to existing teams rather than adding new franchises
- No new investors or expansion fees are being sought as part of this process
- The league is starting from scratch geographically, without established core markets
- The transition allows for a more tailored approach to each market’s potential
This unique strategy may be better suited to the PLL’s current stage of development and the specific characteristics of the lacrosse market. It allows the league to leverage its existing infrastructure and investor base while strategically positioning teams in markets with the highest potential for success.
The Role of High-Profile Investors in the PLL’s Growth
Since its founding in 2018 by lacrosse star Paul Rabil and his brother Mike Rabil, the PLL has attracted a number of prominent investors. Who are some of the key figures backing the league’s vision?
- Joe Tsai – Co-founder of Alibaba Group
- David Blitzer – Co-owner of multiple professional sports teams
- Robert Kraft – Owner of the New England Patriots
- Arctos Sports Partners – A private equity firm specializing in sports investments
The involvement of these high-profile investors not only provides financial support but also lends credibility to the PLL’s ambitious plans for growth. Many of these investors also hold seats on the league’s nine-person board, bringing valuable expertise and industry connections to the table.
The PLL’s Board Composition
The PLL’s board of directors reflects a diverse mix of sports industry professionals, media executives, and financial experts. Key members include:
- Paul and Mike Rabil – PLL co-founders
- Mike Levine – Co-head of CAA Sports
- Doc O’Connor – Managing partner at Arctos Sports Partners
- Mike Kearns – Partner at The Chernin Group
- Colin Neville – Partner at Raine Group
- Erika Ayers – CEO of Barstool Sports
- Brett Jefferson – Founder of Hildene Capital Management
This experienced board provides strategic guidance and oversight as the PLL navigates its transition to city-based franchises and explores new growth opportunities.
Future Possibilities: Ownership Models and Long-Term Vision
As the PLL evolves, questions arise about its long-term ownership structure and business model. Currently, the league owns all of its teams, but this could change in the future. What are some potential scenarios for the PLL’s future development?
- Transitioning to individual ownership groups for each team
- Maintaining the current league-owned model with geographic affiliations
- Exploring an initial public offering (IPO) to become a publicly traded entity
- Considering a future sale of the entire league to a larger sports or media company
Each of these options presents unique advantages and challenges, and the PLL’s leadership will need to carefully evaluate the best path forward as the league continues to grow and mature.
Aligning with Other Single-Entity Leagues
If the PLL does eventually transition to individual team ownership groups, it would bring the league more in line with other single-entity sports leagues like MLS. This model could potentially attract additional investment and local ownership while maintaining some level of centralized control over league operations and player contracts.
The Road Ahead: Implementing “Project Next”
As the PLL prepares to implement its city-based franchise strategy, many details still need to be finalized. What are some of the key steps and considerations in the coming months?
- Conducting thorough market analysis to determine optimal team locations
- Developing transition plans for each franchise, including branding and marketing strategies
- Creating guidelines for local revenue generation and community engagement
- Establishing partnerships with suitable venues in each market
- Communicating the changes to fans, players, and stakeholders
- Refining the tour schedule to incorporate new home markets effectively
The PLL’s board is expected to hold further discussions about “Project Next” during its next meetings in July, where additional details and timelines may be established.
As the Premier Lacrosse League embarks on this transformative journey, it faces both challenges and opportunities. The success of this transition could significantly impact the future of professional lacrosse in North America, potentially setting the stage for sustained growth and increased popularity of the sport. By carefully navigating this evolution, the PLL aims to create a more robust and engaging product that can attract new fans, sponsors, and players while solidifying its position as the premier professional lacrosse league in the world.
Premier Lacrosse League Preparing Shift to City-Based Franchises – Sportico.com
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The tour-based PLL, which launched in 2019, will soon be assigning a geographic affiliation—a city, state or region—to each of its eight franchises.
Illustration by Lorenzo Gordon, Photo by Getty Images
The Premier Lacrosse League is beginning its shift to geographically affiliated teams, according to multiple people familiar with the plans, a major step in the five-year-old league’s evolution.
At a board meeting in Los Angeles last month, PLL executives discussed assigning each of the league’s eight franchises a specific affiliation—a city, state or region—said the people, who were granted anonymity because the details are private. The plan, dubbed “Project Next,” would take effect after the 2023 season, with geographic affiliations likely assigned before the end of the year.
The PLL’s current tour-based model won’t cease immediately, the people said; the eight home markets will likely become stops on the PLL’s annual schedule next year.
That said, individual teams will be able to begin growing a local following via youth camps, local sponsorships and other ticketed events. Longer term, it could pave the way for a more standard home-and-away schedule.
A representative for the PLL declined to comment.
Founded in 2018 by lacrosse star Paul Rabil and his brother, Mike Rabil, the PLL launched with six teams, and later expanded to eight. Along the way, it lured a number of high-profile investors, secured distribution via ESPN, and purchased Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the incumbent outdoor circuit.
Specifics of the “Project Next” transition are yet to be determined, the people said. The PLL has the next few months to decide which cities/regions are best for its first home markets. That will likely include an analysis of lacrosse’s popularity, the PLL’s local fanbase, merchandise and ticket sales, and available venues.
The league will also review its individual team names and brands, which could result in changes.
For example, the PLL owns all the IP from the MLL as part of its 2020 acquisition. One MLL team, the Boston Cannons, became the PLL’s eighth franchise following that deal, and the brand, stripped of its city affiliation, has remained strong. The Cannons have more followers on Twitter (28,000) and Instagram (73,000) than any other PLL team.
Should Boston be chosen as a city, the Cannons would likely be that city’s team. The PLL could also choose to revive other MLL brands as part of its push into specific geographic areas.
Once the geographic affiliations are assigned, PLL teams will begin experimenting with local revenue opportunities, which could be boosted by changes to the league’s structure and schedule. As an example, board members last month discussed the possibility of the “home” team playing a double-header when the tour stops in its market next year, according to one of the people.
This is a different approach to new cities than the one taken by other single-entity leagues like the NWSL or MLS, which run location-agnostic expansion processes; however this process may better suit the PLL given its sport, its structure, and its stage of development.
While those leagues have their core cities, including New York and Los Angeles, already locked up, the PLL is starting from scratch geographically. (Future expansion beyond the first eight could follow a different process.)
Also, the PLL is not looking to bring in new investors, or expansion fees, the way other leagues are. The league’s franchises already exists, as do the investors. The PLL cap table includes many of the names that you might expect to line up for franchise ownership, such as Joe Tsai, David Blitzer, Bob Kraft and Arctos Sports Partners.
Many of those investors also have board seats. The league’s nine-person board is comprised of Paul and Mike Rabil, CAA Sports co-head Mike Levine, Tsai, Arctos managing partner Doc O’Connor, The Chernin Group partner Mike Kearns, Raine partner Colin Neville, Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers and Hildene Capital Management founder Brett Jefferson.
The PLL owns all of its teams right now. It’s unclear if the long-term vision includes teams eventually transitioning to individual ownership groups (a move that would bring PLL in line with other single-entity leagues like MLS), or a continuation of the current model.
Other possibilities could include an IPO (a la WWE), or a future sale.
More discussions about “Project Next” will likely be held during the PLL’s next board meetings in July.
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Follow the #ProBuckeyes – Ohio State Buckeyes
Follow the #ProBuckeyes – Ohio State Buckeyes
This summer, seven former Buckeyes will be suiting up for professional lacrosse teams.
Follow their journies here.
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Major League Lacrosse
Ben Randall • New York Lizards
Two-time All-American Ben Randall, an MLL All-Star last season, is once again playing this summer for the New York Lizards. Through four games, he’s started each contest and has seven ground balls and three caused turnovers.
Bio and Stats
Jack Jasinski • Denver Outlaws
Jack Jasinski and the Denver Outlaws reached the MLL Championship Game, falling to Boston, 13-10. Jasinski was Denver’s fourth-leading scorer, finishing with nine points (6G, 3A).
Bio and Stats
July 18-25
2020 MLL Schedule
Project next link
Jack Jasinski: Pioneer on the Rise
From amateur motocross to baseball, and eventually lacrosse, the path for Jack Jasinski to the MLL was not the smoothest. Yet, the Denver Outlaws midfielder never lost sight.
Read more
Premier Lacrosse League
Dominique Alexander • Archers
A captain for the 2013 Buckeyes, Dominique Alexander is in his second year with the Archers LC.
Last year, he was the inaugural recipient of the league’s George Boiardi SSDM Hard Hat Award.
Bio and Stats
Tyler Pfister • Archers
Pfister spent five years with the Buckeyes (2013-17) and as a senior captain in 2017, helped Ohio State reach the National Championship Game. He is in his second year with Archers LC.
Bio and Stats
Jesse King • Chrome
Jesse King is in his first season with Crome LC. He’s played four years of professional box lacrosse following his Ohio State career that ended with him as the program’s fourth all-time leading scorer (208 points).
Bio and Stats
Jake Withers • Waterdogs
The 2018 NLL Rookie of the Year, Jake Withers is playing his first season in the PLL as a member of the expansion Waterdogs. He’s Ohio State’s all-time leader with 351 groundballs.
Bio and Stats
Kevin Buchanan • Chaos
One of the most decorated professional lacrosse players in Ohio State history, Kevin Buchanan is in his second year with Chaos LC.
He was a member of the 2014 U.S. Men’s National Team and also won an MLL title in 2011.
Bio and Stats
July 25-Aug. 9
PLL Schedule
Project next link
The Years that Morphed Jake Withers into a Potential Leader for the Waterdogs
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Blast Lacrosse game – PlayStation | Playstation
Blast lacrosse is an indoor lacrosse game. It is officially licensed and based in the National Lacrosse League and features all nine teams of its 14th season, including the mascots. He is also licensed by the Professional Lacrosse Players Association. The in-game advertisement for Shamrock lacrosse. The lid features an Ottawa Rebel player wearing #88.
Blast Lacrosse is designed to offer gamers all the action and teamwork of hardened lacrosse with Acclaim’s signature arcade-style spin. Arguably the first lacrosse video game designed for any home system, Blast Lacrosse features indoor-style five-on-five play featuring powerful collisions, fast stick checks and fast, powerful shots.
Named has additional legitimacy through an official license from the National Lacrosse League and features real teams and players. The game supports comprehensive team and player stats and special “On Fire”, “Turbo” modes for further variety and excitement in strategy and games.
Manufacturer Description:
The world’s first video game lacrosse is blowing its way onto the PlayStation game console with a 5-on-5 non-stop arcade game that tests you right in the boards!
It’s better to play a pretty pushy sport if you’re going to dare to call Hockey players all wusses. But if you’ve mastered the Crosse and got your fair share of peat in your crop, you deserve it. For the first time in history, video games are turning into one of the fastest and most physical sports from ice to game, which delivers every check as these helmets are yet to be experienced. The lacrosse blast comes in full force with gameplay straight out of NBA Jam and NFL Blitz – lightning fast gameplay, brutal strikes, no rules worth mentioning, lit turbo powers, killer special moves, and pumping graphic flares.
Providing the perfect combination of hard hitting and fast-paced action, Explosion Lacrosse captures the Uncaged fury of professional indoor lacrosse. The game features all 9 National Lacrosse League teams, as well as NBL players, uniforms, and mascots. Also find exciting game modes, complete NBLI rosters, intuitive control schemes and color commentary from sports talk radio host Scott Farrell. Get ready for a fast sport on two legs!
* Officially licensed by the National Lacrosse League.
* All 9 NBL teams featuring official player rosters, uniforms and full season games.
* Feel the intensity of professional indoor lacrosse with tabletop checks, stick checks and an intense Turbo Check!
controls * Quick Pick-Up-and-Play features like Turbo and On-Fire let you hit harder, run faster, jump higher and perform incredible special moves.
* 8 pivotal smashing game modes including: Sudden Death, Survivor, Last Man Standing and Tournament! attributes *
player include: Speed, Shot & Pass Strength, Throw Accuracy, Strength & Weight.
* Above the top color commentary of national sports talk radio host Scott Farrell. (Note: Scott Farrell is a wacky radio host who currently works for Sirius Satellite Radio on Howard Stern 100 or 101)
* Full game stats give you a story about the tape for goals, assists, shots on goal, except for percentage, body checks and time of ownership.
Features:
- The third person in the run.
- 3D graphics
- Cartoon graphics
- lacrosse theme.
Custom Lacrosse Uniform Custom Lacrosse Uniform | Valkout Clothing Co. ,Ltd
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