ESPN Films Nabs Lacrosse Doc ‘Fate of a Sport’ From Tribeca (EXCLUSIVE)
Matt Donnelly Senior Film WriterESPN Films has acquired worldwide rights to the documentary “Fate of a Sport,” Variety has learned exclusively.The deal was struck ahead of the film’s world premiere on Wednesday at the annual Tribeca Film Festival. Directed by Michael Doneger and written by Dan Crane, the expansive sports story was produced by Matt Tolmach (of the “Jumanji” and “Venom” franchises) and Doneger.“Fate” follows trailblazing athlete Paul Rabil, who spent eleven years as one of the most dominant and controversial players in a professional lacrosse league that filmmakers described as “anything but professional.” Rabil and his brother Mike took matters into their own hands, and document their journey raising capital, attempting to poach top players, fight off lawsuits, and persevere through a global pandemic to launch the Premier Lacrosse League.