You cannot win without the inevitable loss

In my estimation, the secret to achieving success is knowing that only through failure, we can get there. 

I often think about pain and struggle – turnovers, losses and injuries on-field…bad ideas, failed companies, relationships we’ve moved on from in life, grief. Each of those experiences, while fraught with negativity and doubt, are the moments that force us to bear witness to our shortcomings. Each of those experiences can serve as a motivator to overcoming the sense that we can all share in…the feeling of defeat. 

It’s through failure that we learn how to endure. Much like life’s lessons drawn from metaphorical moments in sport. Much like we gravitate and mistakenly celebrate size, strength and speed. We always come back to endurance. Life – like sport – favors those with the most endurance. 

I hope this film is not what you think.

The story unveils the making of the PLL over the last 4 years. We gather perspectives from those in and outside of the industry – from former MLL owners, players, to investors. It’s a raw, honest, and vulnerable depiction of what it took to get here. 

My older brother, Michael Rabil, our company’s CEO and likeminded serial competitor, has been my closest friend and mentor throughout my playing career. He encouraged me to be fierce and relentless – modes of which I’ve thrived in accessing over the years.

Almost contradicted by one of the game’s greatest players, Lyle Thompson, a teammate during my final season, who encouraged me to loosen the grip on my stick and play with more presence. “Have fun.”

Building a league and playing in it…I’ve learned there’s no right or wrong way to do it. 

As a thank you for supporting my career and the PLL from the beginning, I’d like to offer you a one-month gift of ESPN+ so you can stream FATE OF A SPORT. 

The film is available to stream now on ESPN+, will air on ESPN on Thursday, September 15th at 7pm ET, and again on ABC this September 18th at 1pm ET, just ahead of our 2022 Premier Lacrosse League Cash App Championship Game.

A very heartfelt and special thank you to our director, Michael Doneger, producer, Matt Tolmach, executive producers at The SpringHill Company, Phil Byron, Camille Maratchi, Jamal Henderson, Maverick Carter and LeBron James, our writer, Dan Crane, editor, Curtis McConnell, cinematographer, Brett Roberts, and everyone else who worked so tirelessly on the film.

Yours in the journey,

Paul