Welcome, New Hope Kings!
The Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) Breaks New Ground: Jiu-Jitsu League Expands to Full Pro Season, Inks 7-Figure Deal, and Welcomes its First Franchise Team The New Hope Kings
PGF Becomes First-Ever Professional Jiu-Jitsu League to Sell a Franchise Team, as a “New Era” for the Sport Begins.
Las Vegas, NV (June 10, 2025) — The Professional Grappling Federation, the world’s fastest-paced grappling format, and a driving force in the evolution of modern Jiu-Jitsu, announced today that it has finalized a 7-figure sale of its first PGF team, now to be named the “The New Hope Kings.” The franchise has been acquired by New Hope Regeneration, a national leader in regenerative therapy and athletic recovery.
This landmark transaction marks the PGF’s formal entry into the pro sports franchise model, mirroring league systems like the NFL, NBA, and Formula 1—where teams are owned, becoming potentially appreciating assets with long-term upside.
“We are beyond excited, and it is a dream come true to participate in professional sports history by partnering with PGF, and purchasing the world's first professional Jiu-Jitsu franchise team, the New Hope Kings. PGF is what grappling should be, it's real for the athletes and it's built for the fans,” said Kevin Lucas of New Hope Regeneration.
The announcement follows a breakout year for the PGF. Season 7 alone generated over 11 million views across all social media and media rights distribution platforms, driven by the league’s unique format, cinematic storytelling, and explosive growth across digital and social media. PGF content has been distributed globally through platforms such as UFC Fight Pass, helping establish its reputation as one of the most watched and respected properties in the sport.
“I’ve spent over two decades building global brands and bands, taking them from ground zero to sold-out arenas, international recognition, and multi-platinum success,” said Zoltan Bathory, PGF co-owner, serial entrepreneur, and founder of one of the most successful rock bands of our time, Five Finger Death Punch. “I know what it takes to make an impact while building something real that has lasting relationships with fans. That’s exactly what we’re doing with the PGF. This league has all the right structural pillars of a major sport: elite athletes, team rivalries, a full-season format. But more importantly, it has the cultural momentum. For future team owners, this isn’t just a lucrative investment in the fastest-growing combat sport, but a chance to be part of building the next great league from the ground up.”
“My family helped introduce Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the World and created the UFC which changed the course of martial arts forever. Now, with the PGF, we’re writing the next chapter,” said Heather Grace Gracie, PGF co-owner and member of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Dynasty. “We’re building a league, a structure that gives athletes real careers and fans a true sport to follow. I’m proud to carry my family’s legacy forward by helping bring Jiu-Jitsu to its next level: The professional era.”
A New Era of Professional Jiu-Jitsu
Season 8 will debut the Kings on the league’s biggest stage yet, kicking off with the PGF Draft on June 25th, followed by weekly matches beginning July 23, and culminating in a high-stakes playoff championship event on September 10. The league’s new Full League Era format, introduced in 2025, replaces the previous 1-week tournament model with a 12-week season featuring athlete contracts, team rivalries, and long-form fan engagement.
“This is more than a milestone. It’s proof of concept,” said Brandon McCaghren, PGF Founder and Commissioner. “This sale signals that the PGF model is not only working—it’s investable, it’s scalable, and it’s got the potential to change how the world views Jiu-Jitsu. The Kings are the first. They won’t be the last.”
With additional ownership conversations underway, the PGF is accelerating toward its vision: a true professional Jiu-Jitsu league, complete with permanent teams, fantasy sports, franchise economics, and year-round content.