$300M Equestrian Premier Jumping League Backed by Marseille Owners

The new showjumping league, Premier Jumping League (PJL), has been launched with the financial backing of McCourt Global, the owners of the French football club Olympique de Marseille. This initiative seeks to revolutionize the equestrian sport, offering a $300 million prize pool. The league plans to hold 14 international events starting in March 2027, spanning Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

The launch of the PJL marks a major milestone for equestrian sport, promising a new era of energy and excitement.

The PJL is presented as an opportunity to change the dynamics of equestrian sport, which has often been perceived as exclusive. Frank McCourt, founder of the PJL, highlighted that many of the world's best riders have been forced to choose between pursuing their talent and building a sustainable career. The league seeks to offer a clear and viable path for athletes to earn a living by competing at the highest level without compromising the traditions and values of showjumping.

With this initiative, it is expected to attract a new generation of athletes and fans, boosting the growth and popularity of the sport globally.

World number one rider Scott Brash has expressed his support for the PJL, highlighting the importance of providing a meaningful platform to address the costs associated with high-level competition. Brash notes that for most riders, securing financial support while dedicating the necessary time to the sport is a constant balancing act. The PJL seeks to alleviate this burden, allowing athletes to focus on their performance and development.

The participation of figures like Scott Brash underlines the credibility and potential of the PJL to transform the showjumping landscape.

McCourt Global, in addition to owning Olympique de Marseille, has previous experience in the equestrian world with the Global Champions League and the Miami Celtics. The organization has also been involved in events such as the Los Angeles Marathon, during the period when McCourt owned the Los Angeles Dodgers between 2004 and 2012. This experience in sports event management and investment in high-performance teams provides a solid foundation for the success of the PJL.

The combination of experience in football, equestrian sports, and event management positions McCourt Global as a key player in the transformation of equestrian sport.

Neil Moffitt, PJL chief, stated that the launch of the league marks a major milestone for equestrian sport. The PJL has assembled an exceptional operations team with the goal of bringing a new level of energy, excitement, and engagement to the sport. With the PJL, it is expected to attract a wider audience and generate greater interest in showjumping.

The vision of the PJL is to create a sustainable sports ecosystem that benefits both athletes and fans.