NLL signs multi-year deal with ESPN

by Stephen Ippolito Oct 28, 2021

On Tuesday, the National Lacrosse League announced that they have agreed to a major broadcasting deal with ESPN. Starting this season, all NLL games will be carried on an ESPN-owned platform (ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN+).

NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz: 

“We are so proud, honored, and excited to work with ESPN and ESPN+ in this unprecedented landmark announcement for the NLL.  Never before in the 35-year history of the league have fans, sponsors, teams and players had this type of access and exposure across the United States,” “While we, our sport and the industry continue to focus on digital native fans, we will also have the benefit of expanded reach through live distribution on ESPN linear networks.  We’ve been steadily building on our media strategy and towards this kind of distribution over the last few years and are excited about the momentum an announcement like this generates heading into NLL Faceoff Weekend, December 3-4.”

Senior Director, Programming & Acquisitions, ESPN Dan Margulis:

“We’re thrilled to reach this new multi-year rights agreement with the National Lacrosse League, adding to our already extensive commitment to the sport of lacrosse on ESPN platforms. The NLL features elite players competing in an exciting and fast-paced game that we look forward to showcasing across ESPN and ESPN+ in the years ahead,”

Under the deal, at least 10 games each season will be shown on one of ESPN’s linear networks, while up to 139 games will be shown on ESPN’s streaming service ESPN+.  The Disney-owned network takes the rights over from Turner Sports who broadcasted all games on their streaming service B/R Live from 2018-20.

After canceling their 2020-21 season, the NLL finally returns on December 3^rd with Vancouver Warriors at San Diego Seals.