Premier Lacrosse League Sets Record Viewership, Business Growth Through 2023 Season
September 29, 2023 - Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) News Release
LOS ANGELES - The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) powered by Ticketmaster today announced record setting growth through the league's fifth season. The 2023 PLL season was the most watched in league history, with average viewership on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 up 36 percent and viewership on ESPN+ up more than 60 percent compared to last season.
The record breaking season was capped by the 2023 PLL Cash App Championship in Philadelphia on Sept. 24 between the Archers and Waterdogs. The Archers took home the title in a 15-14 thriller, which saw peak viewership as league MVP Tom Schreiber scored the game-winning goal. The game recorded 15 percent average viewership growth compared to the 2022 title match.
"These record-setting viewership milestones are a testament to our players' dedication to their craft and performance on-field, our groundbreaking partnership with ESPN, and how both of our respective teams strategize and execute against its distribution." said Paul Rabil, Co-founder and President of the Premier Lacrosse League. "More excitement is on the horizon. Very soon, fans will find out where each of our eight PLL Lacrosse Clubs will be located beginning in 2024. And this February, we'll be treated to this past season's top four, high-octane teams facing-off in our Championship Series."
The league also saw growth across business units, including:
PLL App
App downloads grew 157 percent year to date
Weekly Fantasy players grew by 30 percent compared to 2022
Fans' total time spent in-app more than doubled compared to 2022, through added app experiences like PLL Nation and Weekly Fantasy
Social Media
68 percent increase in social media impressions year-over-year, totaling 674 million for the 2023 season
40 percent increase in engagement rate year-over year
156 percent increase in views year-over-year, totalling 396 million for the 2023 season
Ticket Sales
Doubled the number of single-day game sellouts compared to 2022
20 percent revenue growth year-over-year
PLL Academy
45 percent revenue growth year-over-year for youth trainings and overnight events
Launch of inaugural PLL Junior Championship brought 360 youth players from more than 30 states and over 100 youth lacrosse organizations
"This record breaking season was marked by a continued investment in our fan experience, both in real life and digitally, and through new properties like our first ever PLL Junior Championships, leading to a deeper connection with our fans," said Mike Rabil, Co-founder and CEO of the Premier Lacrosse League. "With new and established partners, we continue to be humbled and inspired by the brands we serve. We look forward to continuing to drive value for our fans, players, and partners as we look ahead to a new chapter of our business - assigning teams to home cities."
In November, the PLL will announce home city assignments for its eight teams, marking the biggest investment in the league since inception. The PLL will maintain its touring model with its eight teams playing in one city over a two-day weekend. Beginning in 2024, the home team will play a double-header when the league is competing in that team's home market. For more information, visit www.premierlacrosseleague.com.
Premier Lacrosse League Stories from September 29, 2023
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