More Details on the Sale of World Jai-alai League
Miami, FLA: August 14, 2026: We have a lot more details to share on the sale of the “World Jai alai Leage” to actor & entrepreneur Rob Gough.
First, people need to know a little bit more about jai alai. There are some stories out there with the headline like “World Jai Alai League Begins its Second Century Under New owner Rob Gough”. Sorry, but I’ve got dogs, cats, and saltwater fish older than the World Jai Alai League and none of them are named Dick Van Dyke, either. OK, I know, they are trying to say Jai alai has been at that location and is entering the second century, but no leagues ever existed for 9 ½ decades plus. You ask anyone in the Tampa Bay area “What is jai-alai”, and they will tell you it is a great beer brewed here and on tab in about every bar & restaurant in the area. Jai-alai has new blood and an envision that could dramatically change its perception in America.
Attention Rob Gough: Definity get with Joey Redner at Cigar City Brewing and Monster Beverage, now owners of Jai alai beer for a unique sponsorship relationship.
Here are some details of the sale:
Scott Savin is remaining onboard and will continue day-to-day COO functions. This is a wise decision. He’s brilliant and no one has his experience in the parimutuel industry and developing casinos around it. Gulfstream Racing, Dania Beach Casino/Jai alai, Magic City Casino, Magic City Jai-alai and finally the JAM arena. No financial details have been released, but Savin is a likely investor/owner in the project and has been for 9 years now starting with Magic City Jai alai and the good old Nate “The Great” days.
There will be no Human Resource changes in the organization. Again, great news. The foundation is in place, ready to move forward. Awesome production and social media already exist, but that will be enhanced to levels never thought possible. More on that later.
Rob Gough had bought a team franchise at the beginning of the year and the plan all along was to have him take over ownership of the entire operation.
Gough has “a long-term vision to modernize one of America’s most historic professional sports traditions and carry it into its second century” according to a press release.
The press release also says that the World Jai alai league will invest in an elevated live experience, enhanced broadcast production, premium storytelling, expanded digital content and a modern commercial platform built around its athletes, teams and partners.
The league will pursue that transformation while preserving its traditions, distinctive style of play and connection to Miami that have defined the sport for generations.
Gough said “Jai Alai already has what most modern sports properties spend years and fortunes trying to create: extraordinary athletes, unmatched speed, authentic history, and a deep connection to Miami. My role is not to reinvent what makes the sport special. It is to give it the investment, presentation and platform it deserves and to build a league capable of carrying jai alai into its next century”.
This all sounds exciting. As reported yesterday, eight figure numbers ($10 million and up) is the reported cost to be a team owner. Will cities like Vegas, New York or LA have teams? Would that price include a fronton?
Gough has been a very successful entrepreneur since his mid-20s and his devotion to sports is evident in that he made international headlines by buying a 1952 rookie Topps Mickey Mantle card for a record breaking $5.2 million dollars.
MORE STORIES TO COME
Just Who is Rob Gough?
What would you do in Rob Gough’s shoes?
