Jiu-Jitsu Enters a New Era: Professional Grappling Federation Sells First Franchise Team in Groundbreaking 7-Figure Deal
In a seismic shift for combat sports, PGF just sold its first Jiu-Jitsu franchise in a seven-figure deal—welcome to the pro era.
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Editorial Dept.
In a defining moment for the fastest-growing combat sport on the planet, the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) has sold its first-ever franchise team—The New Hope Kings—in a historic seven-figure deal to New Hope Regeneration. This milestone officially ushers in the professional era of Jiu-Jitsu, making PGF the world’s first true franchise-based league in the sport.
Borrowing from the frameworks of the NFL and Formula 1, PGF is rewriting the rules of Jiu-Jitsu. The Kings join PGF as one of its four founding franchises, poised to compete in a thrilling 12-week season with team rivalries, athlete contracts, brutal competition and 7+ million fans from the previous season.
“Buying this team is more than a business move—it’s a piece of sports history,” said Kevin Lucas of New Hope Regeneration. “The PGF format makes Jiu-Jitsu thrilling to watch and meaningful to compete in. We’re honored to lead the charge.”
PGF is already in talks with additional ownership groups and is on track to become a global league with fantasy sports, digital content, and a franchise economy.
With 11M+ views in Season 7 alone and distribution through UFC Fight Pass, PGF is rapidly capturing both mainstream attention and combat sports fans worldwide. Co-owner Zoltan Bathory, rock icon and founder of Five Finger Death Punch, calls it a “cultural rocket ship” with real sport infrastructure: “I’ve built global brands before, and PGF has all the DNA of the next breakout league.”
Heather Grace Gracie—PGF co-owner and member of the legendary Gracie family—adds, “My family brought Jiu-Jitsu to the world. With PGF, we’re building its professional future.”
PGF Season 8 debuts The Kings on June 25 with the league’s first draft, followed by weekly matches beginning July 23 and a championship playoff on September 10.
“This sale proves our model works,” said PGF Commissioner Brandon McCaghren. “We’re not just talking about change—we’re making it real.”
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