Jiu-Jitsu Enters A New Era: Professional Grappling Federation Sells First Franchise Team In Groundbreaking 7-Figure Deal

(MENAFN- PR Newswire) 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.

Cofounded by Zoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch. Season 7 Stats: 11 million fans (UFC Fight Pass Distribution)

Post thi

"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."

For media inquiries, contact:
[email protected]
310-717-7727

SOURCE Professional Grappling Federation

MENAFN11062025003732001241ID1109660383