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

Zoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch, Heather Gracie from the Iconic Gracie Family and Combat Sports Legends Unite To Create Combat Sports Entertainment History

LAS VEGAS, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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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SOURCE Professional Grappling Federation