The Philadelphia Phenoms join the league under the leadership of Lauren Barone, PGF’s first female team owner
LAS VEGAS, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) is proud to announce another landmark seven-figure franchise sale with the launch of the Philadelphia Phenoms. This latest expansion further accelerates PGF’s rise as the Major League of Jiu Jitsu, while also making history with Lauren Barone stepping in as the league’s first female team owner.
The Philadelphia Phenoms join the league under the leadership of Lauren Barone, PGF’s first female team owner
Barone isn’t just an investor — she is an active participant in the sport, regularly training and competing in Jiu-Jitsu. More importantly, she has been deeply involved in the community, bringing the perspective of a dedicated practitioner and passionate supporter. Her ownership reflects both a personal commitment to the art and a vision for helping professional grappling reach new heights.
“Beyond grateful that this is the path my life has led me down — building a PGF team and becoming part of a league that’s reshaping the future of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu,” said Barone. “It’s beyond humbling to be surrounded by the legends, pioneers, and those who make the magic happen behind the scenes. With the Philly Phenoms, my goal is to build a team with heart, grit, and ferocity — supported by experienced minds and leaders who know what it takes to compete at the highest level — one that becomes a serious contender next season. We’re bringing that Philly spirit to the PGF, and we’re here to make the entire Jiu Jitsu community proud. Get ready for the Philly Phenoms to invade the PGF!”
The Phenoms will make their debut in Season 9, joining fellow PGF franchises the New Hope Kings and the Alabama Twisters in league play. Their arrival marks another bold step forward in PGF’s mission to combine grassroots authenticity with big-league infrastructure, transforming Jiu-Jitsu into a fully realized professional sport.
A League Redefining Professional Grappling
The sale of the Philadelphia Phenoms represents the next major milestone in PGF’s franchise model. Each deal signals increasing confidence from investors, gym owners, and entrepreneurs who see professional grappling as a high-growth global market.
“This is what it must have felt like to get in on the ground floor of the NFL or the NHL,” said Zoltan Bathory, co-owner of the Professional Grappling Federation. “The difference is, this time the format was engineered for scale from day one. Once we opened the doors to team ownership, the floodgates opened — the New Hope Kings were first, then the Philadelphia Phenoms, followed by the Alabama Twisters, with more already in negotiations. At this pace, we anticipate expanding to 8–12 teams in the coming months, which puts us firmly on track toward the 16-team national league we originally envisioned.”
Meanwhile, PGF’s Season 8 has already shattered expectations, delivering record-breaking engagement and reach across digital platforms. With free weekly broadcasts on YouTube and expanded distribution through streaming and television partnerships, the league has pushed Jiu-Jitsu further into the mainstream sports conversation than ever before.
“Jiu-Jitsu is the fastest growing combat sport in the world, and it’s becoming the sport of royalty,” said Brandon McCaghren, Commissioner of the Professional Grappling Federation. “From everyday people to A-list celebrities like Mark Zuckerberg, Tom Hardy, Keanu Reeves, and Guy Ritchie, everyone is on the mats now. PGF is here to harness that momentum and lead Jiu-Jitsu into its professional era.”
Franchise Growth and Brand Partnerships
In addition to franchise expansion, major brands have been working with PGF teams:
Dollamur – The world-renowned manufacturer of professional fight surfaces is backing Team Dollamur
Once Upon a Coconut – The world’s fastest-growing premium coconut water brand has partnered with The Tropic Thunders
1st Phorm – One of the largest and most influential supplement companies in the United States
Black Rifle Coffee – A major national coffee company with millions of customers and a strong retail presence across America
Constellation Network – A leading blockchain innovator building enterprise-level infrastructure for Web3 and beyond
These sponsorships represent the growing commercial interest in PGF’s team-based, media-driven format — and the momentum behind its league infrastructure.
Ownership Group
ZOLTAN BATHORYMusician, martial artist, philanthropist, and serial entrepreneur, with several internationally recognized brands under his leadership. He is an actively competing judo and jiu-jitsu black belt, a national silver medalist, and the founder and guitar player of the multi-platinum hard rock juggernaut, Five Finger Death Punch.
KEELAN LAWYER At the forefront of video production and technology in martial arts, his innovative approach at Subconscious Studios has redefined Jiu Jitsu cinematography. His creative and technical prowess have established him as a key innovator in the industry.
BRANDON MCCAGHRENA black belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu and a leading martial arts influencer, he has cultivated a substantial digital following through his social media content. Known for his expert color commentary in major Jiu-Jitsu promotions such as UFC, CJI, EBI and ADCC, his voice has become synonymous with the sport’s evolving narrative.
HEATHER GRACIESerial entrepreneur and the CEO of Gracie Fight Management, guiding the careers of several fighters. As the granddaughter of Carlos Gracie Sr., she is a member of the royal family of martial arts, the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Dynasty.
Board of Advisors
Beyond the ownership group, PGF is supported by a Board of Advisors that includes some of the most respected and decorated figures in the history of Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, including:
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, 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
Mike Swain – 4-time Judo Olympian, 1996 U.S. Olympic Coach, and first American male Judo World Champion
Joe Marchal – 8th-degree coral belt, Olympian, national champion, and former USA Judo board member
Jonathan Anastas – Former CMO of ONE Championship, global brand strategist and operating executive
For franchise inquiries, sponsorships, or media requests, visit www.pgf.world or contact [email protected].
SOURCE Professional Grappling Federation
