New ESPN Original goes inside the high-stakes fight to make professional lacrosse a major American sport

Five-part series from Academy Award-nominated and nine-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Matthew Heineman (TIGER, Cartel Land, American Symphony) follows the founders and athletes of the Premier Lacrosse League and Women's Lacrosse League as they bet their futures on the game, told from the inside by Paul Rabil in his directorial debut.

ESPN Originals is currently in production on the big leagues, exploring how North America's oldest sport is now establishing itself in an ultra-competitive sports and entertainment market. As lacrosse returns to the Olympic games in 2028, the five-part series will interrogate whether one of the fastest growing sports in America can go mainstream.

"What drew us to this story is the opportunity to take viewers inside a side of professional sports they rarely get to see," said Lindsay Rovegno, Vice President & Executive Producer, ESPN Originals. "the big leagues is told through a unique voice that will capture the decisions, risks, and relationships that shape this young league with a bright but unpredictable future."

Behind the league are brothers Paul and Mike Rabil. After a Hall of Fame playing career, Paul stepped away from the game to build the league alongside Mike, a serial entrepreneur. The series will follow the brothers as they navigate the financial, operational and cultural challenges of growing professional lacrosse, testing their partnership as brothers and business partners.

"Part American dream story, part family story, part sports story, the big leagues hits on deep, universal themes we can all relate to," said Matthew Heineman, nine-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and executive producer. "It's big in scope but deeply personal, and I'm honored to help bring this story to life. It's been amazing to watch Paul, the greatest lacrosse player of all time, step into the director's chair with the same confidence and ease he showed on the field."

Moving between the locker room and the boardroom, the series will follow PLL and WLL athletes as they balance the demands of competing at the highest level with the realities of building professional careers in a growing sport. Their stories will reveal the personal and professional investments required to grow the game, attract new fans and establish a lasting future for professional lacrosse.

"This is a story about betting on something you believe in," said Paul Rabil, co-founder of the PLL and director of the big leagues. "Mike and I set out to give players the league they deserved, and we've learned a lot the hard way. I'm grateful to my friends at Our Time Projects and ESPN for giving us the chance to show what it really takes, and I hope it inspires people to fall in love with the game the way we did."

The series is produced by ESPN Originals, Our Time Projects and Two Point Productions, with executive producer Matthew Heineman, and Gene Gallerano serving as showrunner.

The premiere date and distribution details will be shared at a later date.