Professional Sports Executive With More Than Four Decades of Sports Leadership Experience to Advance the Growth of Box Lacrosse in the United States
ORLANDO, FL — The newly formed American Box Lacrosse League (ABLL) today announced that League Co-Founder Steve Donner has been named Commissioner, bringing more than four decades of executive leadership, franchise development, and innovation across professional sports to the league.
Widely recognized as one of the pioneering executives in modern lacrosse, Donner was an original founder and influential operator of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), where he helped establish and grow the sport at the professional level. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been instrumental in building successful franchises and leagues that have elevated professional lacrosse while expanding opportunities for athletes, coaches, and fans.
Today, Donner serves as Co-Owner and Chief Executive Officer of the Corpus Christi IceRays of the North American Hockey League and is the majority owner of Dothan United Soccer Club of USL League Two. He also previously served as a co-owner of the Elmira Mammoth of the Federal Prospects Hockey League.
Donner’s career includes founding and leading some of the most recognizable organizations in professional sports. Throughout his decades of experience, he has served as Founder and CEO for three sports franchises: The Rochester Knighthawks (NLL), the Rochester Rattlers (Major League Lacrosse), and the Rochester Raging Rhinos (United Soccer League). He has also served as President and CEO of the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League, one of professional hockey’s most historic franchises, and held chief executive leadership positions with numerous other professional sports organizations and ventures.
As Co-Founder and Commissioner of the American Box Lacrosse League, Donner will leverage his extensive expertise in league operations, franchise development, business strategy, and professional sports management to guide the league’s play on the turf, as well as its long-term vision.
“The ABLL represents an important opportunity to strengthen the future of the sport in the United States,” said Donner. “By creating a true developmental pathway for American players and coaches, we can accelerate the growth of indoor lacrosse while providing meaningful opportunities to compete, develop, and ultimately reach the professional level.”
“Steve has spent his career building winning organizations and creating opportunities for athletes at every level,” said George Manias, President and Chief Operating Officer of the ABLL. “His vision, leadership, and unparalleled experience in professional sports make him the ideal Commissioner as we establish the ABLL as the premier developmental platform for box lacrosse in the country.”
About the American Box Lacrosse League
The American Box Lacrosse League (ABLL) is a United States-based professional indoor/box lacrosse developmental league created to provide players and coaches with opportunities to develop their skills and pursue advancement within the sport.
Founded by sports industry professionals George Manias and Steve Donner, and developed by experienced sports-business advisory groups, the ABLL was established to accelerate the growth of professional box lacrosse in the United States through player development, market expansion, and long-term league sustainability, beginning in January 2027.
For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, player information or additional information about the American Box Lacrosse League:
American Box Lacrosse League
Email: Info@TheAbll.com
Phone#: 866-708-LAXX (5299)
Website: www.TheAmericanBoxLacrosseLeague.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/OfficialABLL
Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube: @OfficialABLL
#LAXtotheMAX