How Paul Rabil Is Transforming Lacrosse Into a Major League Sport
Jan 16, 2025
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Paul Rabil, co-founder and president of the Premier Lacrosse League and former professional player, shares his journey from athlete to league creator. He discusses the challenges of establishing a new league and the critical role of digital media in growing lacrosse. Rabil emphasizes the importance of partnerships and innovative strategies to boost accessibility and participation. He also highlights the evolving landscape of mental health in sports, advocating for performance coaching while blending personal anecdotes with insights on leadership and community engagement.
Paul Rabil emphasizes the importance of innovative media strategies and community engagement to elevate lacrosse's visibility and popularity.
The Premier Lacrosse League's unique touring model aims to make lacrosse more accessible and appealing to a diverse audience, fostering grassroots participation.
Deep dives
Evolution of Lacrosse and Paul Rabil's Influence
Paul Rabil has significantly impacted the evolution of lacrosse, transitioning from a player to the co-founder and president of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). His journey reflects a deep commitment to not just play the game, but to expand its reach beyond traditional boundaries, especially as lacrosse gains a foothold in events like the 2028 Olympics. Rabil emphasizes the importance of understanding the sport's history and utilizing it as a foundation for growth, especially in marketing and media strategies that appeal to a contemporary audience. He believes that a successful league must make bold moves to secure media rights and build an engaging platform for both players and fans.
The Challenge of Starting a New League
Starting the PLL required a shift in approach and mindset, particularly given the existence of the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) at the time. Rabil and his brother, Mike, took a calculated risk to launch a new league instead of trying to revive the existing one, focusing on innovative strategies such as a touring model to reach a wider audience. They aimed to create a sustainable business by leveraging modern media strategies and engaging community markets, which had become essential in the current sports landscape. This groundbreaking move was not without its challenges, but Rabil's background as a player and his understanding of the business of sports allowed them to navigate the complexities of launching a new league.
Accessibility and Growth of the Game
Rabil highlights the significance of making lacrosse accessible to a broader demographic, especially amidst the growing popularity of privatized youth sports. He argues that reviving recreational sports infrastructure is critical for the health of the game, allowing more young athletes to participate without the financial burden of travel teams and specialized equipment. To address this, initiatives like street lacrosse have been introduced to simplify access, encouraging diverse communities to engage with the sport. This approach not only fosters participation at the grassroots level but also aims to educate new fans about lacrosse's rich history and unique cultural significance.
Future Aspirations and Strategic Business Moves
As the PLL looks toward the future, their goals include enhancing the league's visibility and positioning lacrosse as a top-tier sport in North America. Rabil envisions a dual strategy that combines a touring model with potential expansion into local ownership of teams, which can cultivate community engagement and increase revenue streams. The league's relationship with media partners is pivotal, as securing broad visibility can significantly boost attendance and fan interaction. By aligning their business model with contemporary digital trends and maintaining a focus on community, Rabil aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of professional lacrosse.
In this episode of The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with former professional lacrosse player Paul Rabil to discuss the evolving business of the sport. Rabil tells the hosts how he managed to develop a new lacrosse league, why he's investing in its digital media presence and how he plans for the league's future growth.