#USA #Las Vegas #Professional Grappling Federation #Jiu Jitsu #PHILLY PHENOMS

PGF Expands with Seven-Figure Franchise Sale

In an exciting development for the world of Jiu Jitsu, the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) has taken another significant step by launching the Philadelphia Phenoms, a new franchise acquired in a remarkable seven-figure deal. The announcement, made on August 20, 2025, solidifies PGF's position as the leading league in professional grappling and introduces the league's first female team owner, Lauren Barone.

Barone is not just an investor in the Philadelphia Phenoms; she is also an active competitor in the sport of Jiu Jitsu, bringing a practitioner's insight and community-driven passion to her role. Her involvement is symbolic of a broader movement aimed at elevating the sport of grappling to unprecedented heights. "I'm extremely grateful for the chance to build a PGF team and be part of a league that is redefining Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's future," Barone remarked. She aims to create a team imbued with perseverance and tenacity alongside seasoned professionals who understand the rigors of competing at high levels. "We’re ready to make a mark and represent the Philly spirit within the PGF!" she added.

With the addition of the Philadelphia Phenoms, PGF looks forward to their debut in Season 9, joining other franchises like the New Hope Kings and the Alabama Twisters. This move signifies an essential step in PGF's strategy to blend grassroots authenticity with a professional framework, aiming to elevate Jiu Jitsu into a fully recognized sport.

A Bold Step Forward in Franchise Model

The establishment of the Philadelphia Phenoms marks a pivotal achievement in PGF's franchising strategy. As interest from gym owners and investors surges, this selling trend highlights an increasing faith in the growth potential of professional grappling as a burgeoning global market. Zoltan Bathory, PGF co-owner, articulated, "Getting in early is likened to entering the NFL or NHL during their formative years, but here we're establishing a scalable format from day one. The momentum is overwhelming, and we're planning to expand our teams to a total of between eight and twelve in the near future."

As PGF embarks on its eighth season, it is experiencing unprecedented engagement across various digital channels, driven largely by free weekly broadcasts on YouTube, along with collaborations with various streaming services and television partners. This visibility is pushing Jiu Jitsu deeper into the mainstream sports dialogue than ever before.

Brandon McCaghren, PGF's Commissioner, stated, "Jiu Jitsu is fast emerging as the most popular combat sport globally, drawing attention from both everyday enthusiasts and high-profile celebrities including Mark Zuckerberg, Tom Hardy, and Keanu Reeves. We're dedicated to harnessing this energy and guiding Jiu Jitsu into its professional era."

New Partnerships and Growing Influence

In addition to expanding its franchises, PGF has attracted several significant sponsorship collaborations.

• - Dollamur, a leader in the production of professional fight surfaces, is backing Team Dollamur.
• - Once Upon a Coconut, the premier coconut water brand, partners with the Tropic Thunders.
• - 1st Phorm and Black Rifle Coffee, both prominent brands in their respective sectors, are also engaging with PGF.
• - Notably, Constellation Network, an innovative blockchain entity focusing on enterprise-level architecture for Web3, is collaborating with PGF for its overarching growth trajectory.

These endorsements reflect a growing commercial interest in PGF's unique team-based approach driven by media engagement and robust league infrastructure.

Meet the Ownership Team

The ownership group behind PGF is a mix of musical talents, marketing experts, and seasoned martial artists. Notable figures include:

• - Zoltan Bathory: A musician and martial artist, he brings immense creativity and experience from the entertainment industry.
• - Keelan Lawyer: An innovator in martial arts cinematography, his expertise has set new industry standards for Jiu Jitsu production.
• - Brandon McCaghren: With a notable presence in the Jiu Jitsu community and a deep digital following, he is well-regarded for his insights into the sport.
• - Heather Gracie: Part of the famed Gracie family, she serves as CEO of Gracie Fight Management and plays an essential role in fighters' careers.

Furthermore, PGF benefits from a board of advisors that includes celebrated figures from the worlds of Jiu Jitsu and Judo, ensuring the organization is well-anchored in expertise as it forges ahead in this exciting new era.

For franchise inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or media requests, visit www.pgf.world or contact [email protected].