Rocker B Ranch features four baseball fields and resort-style amenities such as cabins, casitas, two swimming pools, a fishing pond and a music venue.
PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas — This story was originally published by our content partners at the Dallas Business Journal. You can read the original version here.
A youth sports company partly owned by Josh Harris, owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Commanders, acquired a 325-acre sports and luxury ranch resort about an hour outside Fort Worth.
The company, Unrivaled Sports, announced Jan. 2 the purchase of Rocker B Ranch at 1125 Chaney Lane in Graford. The Palo Pinto Appraisal District pegs the property’s value at around $3.75 million, although such tax appraisals are often lower than market value.
Rocker B Ranch features four baseball fields and resort-style amenities such as cabins, casitas, two swimming pools, a fishing pond and a music venue. The property also has volleyball, basketball and tennis courts. Last year, Rocker B Ranch hosted about 60,000 visitors and more than 900 baseball teams that played in over 30 seasonal tournaments, according to the announcement.
The ranch was developed by Fort Worth oil and gas and real estate entrepreneur Lance Byrd. The Byrd family purchased the land in Palo Pinto County in 2005. Brothers Lance and Bart Byrd plan to continue to be involved in the ranch as part of Unrivaled Sports, according to the company.
In partnership with The Chernin Group, Unrivaled Sports was founded by David Blitzer and Josh Harris, an investor who’s managing partner of the 76ers in the NBA, the Commanders in the NFL and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. Blitzer is also part of the 76ers ownership group. Unrivaled also owns Ripken Baseball, a youth sports company founded by baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken.
“Rocker B Ranch was built on the idea of bringing people together, whether it’s for the love of baseball, a special occasion, or simply a chance to connect with nature,” Lance Byrd said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to see that tradition continue for years to come. Unrivaled Sports has a remarkable ability to elevate facilities and undoubtedly help Rocker B Ranch reach its full potential.”
Unrivaled plans to add more baseball and multi-sport fields and accommodations to the property.
“Rocker B Ranch represents everything we strive for at Unrivaled Sports — excellence in youth sports and unforgettable experiences for families and communities,” Wade Martin, CEO of Unrivaled Sports’ baseball division, said in a statement. “What Lance Byrd and his family built is one of the most unique experiences in youth sports. We couldn’t be more proud and excited to be partners and lead the next chapter. Since we currently only use 55 of the 325 acres, the opportunities to expand and build upon the great foundation are very exciting.”
Unrivaled Sports has 15 other youth sports properties across baseball, softball and football, attracting 1.4 million visitors a year, according to the company’s website.
Sports facilities are being developed all over the Dallas-Fort Worth area. That includes an $88 million stadium in Mansfield, which will host North Texas Soccer Club, the reigning 2024 MLS Next Pro champion. A 122-acre youth sports complex is being added in Roanoke. In Frisco, FC Dallas is making Toyota Stadium the centerpiece of a large sports and entertainment district, starting with a $182 million renovation.