Former UFC fighter Jorge Masvidal has joined the World Jai-Alai League as its newest team owner, the league announced this week. He purchased the Dejada Devils for the upcoming fall season in Miami.
Masvidal and the other WJAL team owners will build their rosters during the Aug. 8 draft.
A Miami native, Masvidal retired from the UFC in April. He holds the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history, at five seconds, and he was also named the BMF Champion in 2019 by beating Nate Diaz by TKO.
“After watching live jai-alai last season, I was blown away by the sport and knew that I had to be a part of this League,” Masvidal said in a press release. “Players in the World Jai-Alai League are some of the best athletes in the world and I’m happy to join the league as a team owner. I look forward to putting my team together on Draft Day, competing for a championship, and helping the WJAL continue to grow.”
How much do jai-alai teams cost to purchase?
Teams in the WJAL cost $100,000 to purchase, and prospective team owners have until June 30 to buy a team.
“We’re excited to welcome Jorge Masvidal to the World Jai-Alai League as a team owner,” said Scott Savin, chief operating officer of World Jai-Alai League, in the release. “Masvidal’s competitive spirit and background as a professional athlete will be a strong asset to the League and will undoubtedly help motivate his team through the season.
“We continue to welcome other mega fans to get in on the action and snag their own jai-alai team for this season.”
Magic City Casino is the home of jai-alai
The WJAL hosts all of its jai-alai matches at Magic City Casino in Miami, Florida. The season lasts 13 weeks, and there are seasons in the spring and fall.
Masvidal is the second former professional athlete to join the World Jai-Alai League this year. In March, NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis joined the league’s board of directors.
“I’m excited to join WJAL on the ground floor and help spread the word about this fast-growing sport,” Lewis said in a press release at the time. “These are incredible athletes playing a uniquely challenging game, and Scott Savin and his team are building something special.”
