The Premier Jumping League has launched with an unprecedented $300 million guaranteed prize pot as it seeks to define a new era for showjumping.
Backed by McCourt Global and its Executive Chairman, Frank McCourt, the PJL is a global competition that is designed to bring together the world’s top riders and horses to compete across 14 iconic venues in Europe, North America and the Middle East. Built on “merit, integrity and excellence,” the PJL will introduce the largest prize pot in the discipline’s history, which it says will create “a more resilient, long-term financial model for the sport.”
In addition, the league will place welfare standards at the heart of its model to further “professionalize” the sport.
Represented by 16 teams, the PJL says that it will introduce an innovative rider selection process from a pool of 250 of the world’s leading riders, although it has yet to reveal what this will entail.
The inaugural season will run from March to October 2027, combining world-class athletic performance with premium entertainment to open up the sport to new global audiences.
Unlocking The Potential of Jumping
The PJL has also partnered with Emmy award-winning production company Box to Box Films, supported by a free-to-view broadcasting model, to offer cutting-edge technology, transparency, fresh new team formats and rivalries to unlock the full potential of showjumping.
“For far too long, many of the world’s best riders have been forced to choose between pursuing their talent and passion and building a sustainable career,” said Frank McCourt, founder and chairman of the PJL. “The PJL is changing that by creating a clear and viable path for athletes to earn a great living by competing at the highest level, without compromising the traditions and values that define jumping. By aligning opportunity with performance and commitment, we are reshaping the future of the sport and empowering its most talented athletes to devote themselves fully to excellence.”
McCourt, who is also the owner of French Ligue 1 football club Olympique de Marseille, also has a business portfolio that includes real estate and infrastructure firm McCourt Partners and LLC Project Liberty (with the Project Liberty Institute as a non-profit component).
“Today marks a major milestone for equestrian sport,” said PJL CEO Neil Moffitt. “The PJL has assembled an exceptional operations team to deliver on our mission to bring a new level of energy, excitement, and engagement to the sport.”
“There is no greatness in horse sport without the welfare and safety of the horse,” said Chief Equestrian Advisor Lisa Lazarus. “The PJL’s competition design, scheduling, travel approach, and veterinary oversight will reflect uncompromising standards of care, rest, and responsible decision-making every step of the way.”
Copyright © 2026 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000