Grass League
Grass League is a Phoenix-based sports league founded in 2023 that operates the world's first high-stakes par-3 golf franchise competition, staging lighted night tournaments for 11 city-based teams of professional and amateur golfers, broadcast on Golf Channel and monetized via franchise sales, sponsorships, and merchandise.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2023
- HeadquartersPhoenix, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Grass League does
Grass League, founded in 2023 by Phoenix-based entrepreneurs Jimmy and Jake Hoselton, operates the world's first high-stakes par-3 golf league, staging team-based scramble competitions on lighted par-3 courses that pair professional players (including PGA Tour winner Wyndham Clark and tour professionals Ryan and Gabriela Ruffels) with elite amateurs and golf content creators. The league runs a city-franchise model with 11 U.S. teams (Dallas Horsemen, Hollywood Hitters, Las Vegas Action, Los Angeles Roses, Michigan Auto Aces, Minnesota Muskies, New York Blue Birds, Phoenix United, San Diego Munis, Scottsdale Strikers, Tampa Bay Swamp Dawgs) and an annual calendar anchored by the Grass Clippings Open ($150,000 purse), Summer Grind, GL Championship, and a new Match Play Series. Its anchor venue is Grass Clippings Rolling Hills in Tempe, Arizona, a $15M entertainment-grade facility that also hosted the first broadcast under a two-year Golf Channel/Peacock agreement beginning April 2026.
The league monetizes through a diversified mix of one-time franchise sales (with Las Vegas Action transacting at a record $1M), sponsorship partnerships led by Gila River Resorts & Casinos, LA GOLF, and INSÓLITO Tequila, broadcasting/licensing rights, event-day ticket and merchandise sales via a Shopify storefront, and a recent $2.75M seed-plus funding round (July 2025) co-led by Creator Sports Capital and Old Tom Capital. Distribution combines linear broadcast (Golf Channel, Peacock), YouTube long-form content, and Instagram (approximately 54,620 followers), with strategic leverage from content creator partners such as Paige Spiranac (strategic front-office partner and 2026 season host) and Good Good Golf (Dallas Horsemen franchise owner). In March 2026, Michael Prindiville, formerly of NBC Sports and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, was appointed President to professionalize operations ahead of an expansion plan targeting up to 24 franchises across the U.S. and international markets including Korea, Tokyo, and major European cities.
Grass League firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Grass League
- Legal name
- Grass League
- Website
- https://grassleague.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2023
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Grass League is a Phoenix-based sports league founded in 2023 that operates the world's first high-stakes par-3 golf franchise competition, staging lighted night tournaments for 11 city-based teams of professional and amateur golfers, broadcast on Golf Channel and monetized via franchise sales, sponsorships, and merchandise.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Grass League industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sports League Entertainment
- NAICS
- Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Spectator Sports (7112), Other Spectator Sports (711219)
- SIC
- Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Golf Tours & Professional Circuits (MPAKAAAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Golf Courses & Golf Facilities (MPAKAEAD), Golf Clubs & Tournament-Host Clubs (Professional/Elite Golf Clubs) (MPAKABAE)
Keywords
Where Grass League is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Phoenix
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Grass League business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Franchise Sales: Sale of franchise ownership opportunities to ownership groups. Las Vegas Action franchise was acquired for $1 million, indicating significant franchise valuations with growth potential.
- Event Revenue/Prize Money: Prize purses at tournaments including $150,000 for Grass Clippings Open and $100,000+ for other events. Teams compete for points and prize money toward championship titles.
- Sponsorship Revenue: Partnership deals with sponsors including Gila River Resorts & Casinos (presenting sponsor), LA GOLF (Summer Grind sponsor), and INSÓLITO Tequila. Expanded agreements include on-site hospitality, broadcast integration, and digital content.
- Broadcasting Rights: 2-year broadcasting agreement with Golf Channel to air High Stakes Par 3 Golf tournaments. First broadcast aired April 25 at 9pm ET on Golf Channel with additional streaming on Peacock.
- Merchandise Sales: Franchise shop selling team merchandise for all 11 franchise teams including Dallas Horsemen, Hollywood Hitters, Las Vegas Action, Los Angeles Roses, and others.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Grass Clippings Open - $150,000 purse |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Franchise Ownership - $1 million+ |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Grass League product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Grass League operates the world's first high-stakes par-3 golf league, running team-based franchise tournaments on lighted par-3 courses with both professional and amateur players. The league sells franchise ownership opportunities to investor groups, generates sponsorship and broadcasting revenue, and distributes entertainment content through live events, Golf Channel/Peacock broadcast, YouTube, and a merchandise storefront. Annual events include the Grass Clippings Open (April), Summer Grind (September), and GL Championship (December).
Product overview
Grass League is a single unified product - the world's first high-stakes par-3 golf league. The offering consists of the core league platform with multiple tournament events (GL Championship, Summer Grind, Grass Clippings Open, Match Play Series), an annual draft system, and a franchise ownership model with 11 regional teams. The franchise teams operate as sub-brands under the Grass League umbrella, with expansion franchises available for new markets.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Grass Clippings Open Season-opening major tournament with $150,000 prize purse, featuring a two-day qualifier draft and main event competition at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills in Tempe, Arizona. Open to professional and amateur players competing in two-person teams.
- Summer Grind Mid-season tournament event held at Goat Hill Park in Oceanside, California, featuring franchise aggregate scoring and 2-person scramble format across 36 holes. Marked the league's first event outside Arizona in 2025.
- GL Championship The season-culminating championship event featuring the highest point value (5,000 points) and largest purse of the season, held at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills in Tempe, Arizona.
- Grass League Match Play Series New match-play format tournament introduced for 2026, featuring head-to-head quarterfinal matchups between franchise teams, broadcast on YouTube.
- Grass League Draft Annual player draft following the qualifier event, where franchises select players to join their rosters for the season. 108 two-person teams compete in qualifier for draft spots.
- Expansion Franchise Opportunity for new ownership groups to acquire city-based franchises. Las Vegas Action was acquired by The Sports Group Endeavors for a record $1 million. Up to two new franchises available for 2026 season expansion with plans to scale to 24 franchises nationally and internationally.
- Franchise Teams Eleven city-based franchise teams representing regions across North America (Dallas Horsemen, Hollywood Hitters, Las Vegas Action, Los Angeles Roses, Michigan Auto Aces, Minnesota Muskies, New York Blue Birds, Phoenix United, San Diego Munis, Scottsdale Strikers, Tampa Bay Swamp Dawgs). Each franchise recruits players, builds regional fandoms, and competes in the season-long points race.
Quantifiable outcome
- Franchise valuations increased more than eightfold in two years
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Grass League
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Grass League technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Grass League partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, minor and core.
- Golf Channelflagship2-year broadcasting agreement to air High Stakes Par 3 Golf tournaments. First broadcast scheduled for Saturday 4/25 at 9pm ET on Golf Channel with additional coverage. League content also streams on Peacock platform.
- Gila River Resorts & CasinosflagshipArizona-based hospitality brand serving as Official Resort and Casino Partner and Presenting Sponsor of two championship events for 2026 season. Expanded agreement includes deeper on-site hospitality, broadcast integration, trophy presentation rights, year-round digital content, and prominent presence across all three championship events. The partnership was renewed and expanded from previous years.
- INSÓLITO TequilaminorTequila brand partnered with Grass League for 2025 Championship weekend in Tempe, AZ. INSÓLITO served signature cocktails at the event featuring live music from Midland. Partnership blends sports, entertainment, and premium branding.
- Goat Hill ParkminorGolf course in Oceanside, California hosted the 2025 Summer Grind, marking the league's first event outside of Arizona. Partnership demonstrates league's ability to expand to new venues.
- LA GOLFcorePresenting sponsor for the 2025 Summer Grind tournament at Goat Hill Park in Oceanside, California. Event features 36-hole golf competition with 44 two-person teams including branding, event tickets, and social media collaborations.
- Paige SpiranaccoreFormer professional golfer turned content creator joined as strategic front-office partner in May 2025. Serves as host for 2026 season, lending social media expertise while expanding portfolio of golf-centric brand partnerships.
- Grass Clippings (Rolling Hills Golf Course)flagshipPhoenix-based company partnered with city of Tempe in 2023 to operate Rolling Hills Golf Course. $15 million invested to enhance facility into top-tier entertainment venue hosting Grass League events. Company transformed the venue with new facilities and technology for night golf.
- Good Good GolfcoreOne of the largest and fastest-growing digital golf brands, owner of Dallas Horsemen franchise. Brings natural advantage in merch, content, community, and vibes. Good Good Golf connection provides access to established golf audience and content creation capabilities.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Grass League competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Premier Lacrosse League: Tour-style professional sports league built around a traveling, event-driven format with strong digital and content strategy. Comparable as an alternative league playbook for building audience and franchise value.
- Major League Cricket: U.S.-based franchise T20 cricket league with a similar city-franchise model, broadcast ambitions, and reliance on athlete/content-creator crossover appeal. Comparable as a peer alternative sports league business model.
Direct peers
- TGL (TMRW Sports): Tech-infused team golf league backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, with a similar mission to deliver entertainment-focused golf in a shorter, broadcast-friendly format. Most direct comparable to Grass League's par-3 entertainment positioning.
- Good Good Golf: Large digital golf brand and owner of the Grass League Dallas Horsemen franchise. Direct strategic partner with overlapping audience and content model, and a model for digital-first golf media monetization.
Broad incumbents
- LIV Golf: Alternative professional golf league competing for players, sponsors, and fan attention with team-based formats and high-stakes purses. Relevant as both a competitor for the same audience and as a precedent for alternative golf league economics.
- PGA Tour: Incumbent U.S. professional golf tour that controls most elite player access, broadcast deals, and sponsor dollars. Grass League's positioning as a complementary/alternative product is anchored against the PGA Tour's offering.
- Topgolf: Largest golf entertainment operator in the U.S., offering tech-enabled, social, non-traditional golf play. Comparable as a precedent for entertainment-oriented golf products and as a potential partner or competitor in the entertainment-golf category.
- Drive Shack: Operator of golf entertainment venues (Puttery, Drive Shack) competing in the same entertainment-golf category. Comparable as a venue-based, experience-led golf business model.
Others
- Creator Sports Capital: Lead investor in Grass League's $2.75M seed+ round and an investor in other sports/entertainment properties. Comparable as a peer investor in alternative sports leagues and content-driven sports businesses.
- USGA: National governing body for golf in the U.S., including the U.S. Open. Relevant as the institutional counterpart and potential sanctioning/partner relationship for any non-major golf competition in the U.S.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Grass League social profiles
Digital presenceGrass League financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Grass League leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Grass League funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Grass League M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Grass League
What does Grass League do?
Grass League operates the world's first high-stakes par-3 golf league, running team-based franchise tournaments on lighted par-3 courses with both professional and amateur players. The league sells franchise ownership opportunities to investor groups, generates sponsorship and broadcasting revenue, and distributes entertainment content through live events, Golf Channel/Peacock broadcast, YouTube, and a merchandise storefront. Annual events include the Grass Clippings Open (April), Summer Grind (September), and GL Championship (December).
Is Grass League a public or private company?
Grass League is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Grass League founded?
Grass League was founded in 2023. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Grass League based?
Grass League is headquartered in Phoenix, United States, in the North America region.
How does Grass League make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Franchise Sales are the primary driver. The others are event Revenue/Prize Money, sponsorship Revenue, broadcasting Rights and merchandise Sales.
Who are Grass League's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Premier Lacrosse League and Major League Cricket. Direct peers are TGL (TMRW Sports) and Good Good Golf. Broad incumbents are LIV Golf, PGA Tour, Topgolf and Drive Shack. Others are Creator Sports Capital and USGA.
Does Grass League have an API?
No public API is recorded for Grass League.
What industry is Grass League in?
Grass League's product category is Sports League Entertainment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAKAAAK, Golf Tours & Professional Circuits, with a secondary code of MPAKAEAD, Golf Courses & Golf Facilities. Its NAICS code is 711211 and its SIC code is 7990.