Las Vegas, NV – The Professional Grappling Federation (PGF), the world’s fastest-paced grappling league and a driving force in the evolution of modern Jiu-Jitsu, announced today the successful sale of one of its franchise teams in a seven-figure deal!

The team, now officially named The New Hope Kings, has been acquired by New Hope Regeneration, a national leader in regenerative therapy and athletic recovery.
The team is one of the league’s four founding franchises.

This landmark transaction marks PGF’s official entry into the professional sports franchise model – mirroring systems used in leagues like the NFL, NBA, and Formula 1 – where teams are independently owned and can appreciate in value over time.

Here is what Kevin Lucas of New Hope Regeneration said:

We are beyond excited.
It’s a dream come true to make sports history by partnering with PGF and purchasing the world’s first professional Jiu-Jitsu franchise team.

PGF is what grappling should be – it’s real for the athletes and built for the fans.

The announcement comes on the heels of a breakout year for the PGF.

Season 7 alone generated more than 11 million views across social media and broadcast platforms, fueled by the league’s cinematic storytelling, fast-paced rule set, and viral growth.

PGF content is distributed globally through platforms like UFC Fight Pass, helping establish the league as one of the most-watched properties in the sport.

Zoltan Bathory – PGF co-owner, serial entrepreneur, and founder of Five Finger Death Punch, one of the most successful rock bands of our era – said the following of making that impact:

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.

I know what it takes to make an impact while building something real – something that creates lasting relationships with fans.
That’s exactly what we’re doing with the PGF.

This league has all the structural pillars of a major sport: elite athletes, team rivalries, a full-season format.
But more importantly, it has cultural momentum.

For future team owners, this isn’t just a smart investment in the fastest-growing combat sport – it’s a chance to help build the next great sports league from the ground up.

Heather Grace Gracie, co-owner and member of Jiu-Jitsu’s royal family – the Gracie Dynasty – adds:

My family helped introduce 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.

We’re building a true league – a structure that gives athletes real careers and fans a sport they can follow.
I’m proud to carry my family’s legacy forward by helping take Jiu-Jitsu into its professional era.

A New Era of Professional Jiu-Jitsu

Season 8 will debut The Kings on the league’s biggest stage yet, beginning with the PGF Draft on June 25, followed by weekly matchups starting July 23, and culminating in a championship playoff on September 10.

The 2025 season introduces the league’s Full Season Format, replacing the former one-week tournament model.
The new 12-week structure features team rosters, athlete contracts, rivalries, and long-form fan engagement – bringing structure and sustainability to professional grappling.

In the words of Brandon McCaghren, PGF Founder and Commissioner:

This is more than a milestone. It’s a proof of concept. This sale shows that the PGF model is not just working – it’s scalable, commercially viable, and has the potential to change how the world views Jiu-Jitsu.

The Kings are the first franchise. They won’t be the last.

With multiple additional ownership conversations already underway, the PGF is accelerating toward its vision: a global professional Jiu-Jitsu league built on permanent teams, franchise economics, fantasy sports integration, and year-round digital content.

About the PGF

The Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) was founded to revolutionize Jiu-Jitsu competition and create real career opportunities for athletes in one of the world’s fastest-growing combat sports. With a focus on fast-paced action, team-based formats, franchise ownership, and cinematic storytelling, PGF has emerged as one of the most influential properties in modern grappling.

For more information, visit www.pgf.world or follow PGF on social media.

PGF Founders and Core Leadership

• Brandon McCaghren – PGF Commissioner. A 10th Planet black belt and Hall of Fame inductee, McCaghren is one of Jiu-Jitsu’s most respected commentators and analysts, with appearances on UFC Fight Pass, Combat Jiu-Jitsu (CJJ), Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), and ADCC.
• Keelan Lawyer – Founder of Subconscious Studios, BJJ black belt, and the visionary filmmaker who transformed the way grappling is filmed, edited, and delivered to fans.
• Zoltan Bathory – Black belt in both BJJ and Judo, global entrepreneur, and guitarist/founder of the multi-platinum arena band Five Finger Death Punch.
• Heather Grace Gracie – Member of the legendary Gracie family, owner of Gracie Worldwide, and a key voice in the business of athlete development and combat sports.

Board of Advisors

• Royce Gracie – UFC Hall of Famer and BJJ global ambassador
• Carlos Machado – 8th-degree coral belt, world-renowned instructor
• Jean Jacques Machado – 8th-degree coral belt, 2024 ADCC Hall of Fame inductee
• Renzo Gracie – MMA and grappling icon, coral belt and founder of Renzo Gracie Academy NYC
• Pedro Sauer – 8th-degree coral belt under Rickson Gracie
• Mica Cipili – 6th-degree black belt and elite-level instructor
• Eddie Bravo – Founder of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu and the Eddie Bravo Invitational
• Jonathan Anastas – Former CMO of ONE Championship, global brand strategist and operating executive