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Unrivaled Sports, a youth sports company co-owned by Josh Harris, owner of the NFL’s Washington Commanders and NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, has acquired the 325-acre sports and luxury ranch resort Rocker B Ranch in Graford, an hour or so west of Fort Worth.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The Palo Pinto Appraisal District estimates the property's value at approximately $3.75 million, though tax appraisals typically don’t reflect true market value.
The ranch currently combines elite youth baseball tournaments with a scenic, full-service resort destination. Rocker B Ranch features four premier baseball fields and resort-style amenities, including lodging options such as cabins, casitas, and a lodge, as well as food and beverage services, two swimming pools, a fishing pond, and a music venue. The property also includes volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts.
Unrivaled Sports, which owns Ripken Baseball® and Cooperstown All-Star Village, plans to expand the facility by adding more baseball and multi-sport fields, increasing onsite accommodations for young athletes and families, and enhancing amenities to solidify its status as a regional and national destination.
In 2024, Rocker B Ranch, in Palo Pinto County, hosted nearly 60,000 visitors, including more than 900 baseball teams that participated in over 30 seasonal, weekend-based tournaments.
"Rocker B Ranch represents everything we strive for at Unrivaled Sports — excellence in youth sports and unforgettable experiences for families and communities," said Wade Martin, CEO of Unrivaled Sports' baseball division.
"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."
Rocker B Ranch started as a “family escape.” Fort Worth residents Lance Byrd, his wife and their son and daughter. Byrd, an oil and gas guy who went to school at Baylor, purchased the property in 2005 as a place to dove hunt and ride four-wheelers while enjoying the sweeping views of Palo Pinto County.
The ranch has come a long way from the dilapidated two-room house and barn it once was. When Byrd purchased the property, he tore down the house and kept the barn as he ventured into the cutting horse business. At one point, Byrd said he had 40 horses on the ranch.
After graduating from Baylor, Byrd worked in politics for a couple of years before finding ambition in the oil and gas business.
After working as a contract landman for Enserch Exploration, he begged Maguire Oil Company for an opportunity.
“I kept calling Cary Maguire at Maguire Oil Company, and he kept telling me he didn’t have anything available but might have something down the road,” Byrd said to the Baylor Business Review. “Finally, I called him one day and said, ‘Look, hire me for 30 days, and if after 30 days it doesn’t work out, then I’ll leave you alone.'”
After three months, Byrd was hired full time, eventually being promoted to be the company’s director of acquisitions and divestitures. Byrd ultimately co-founded Sendero Energy with his business partner, David Porter. Byrd also created Daunis Energy, which serves as a holding company for oil and gas assets.
Unrivaled Sports operates 15 additional youth sports properties across baseball, softball, and football, drawing 1.4 million visitors annually, according to its website.
Youth sports and sports facilities are a space many others are trying to capitalize on. For example, the proposed $1.5 billion Staybold Street Entertainment District development in Mansfield would be anchored by a $88 million, 7,000-seat stadium for a pro soccer team. Officials in Roanoke said in July that Play It Forward has plans to build a 122-acre youth sports complex.
Byrd and his brother Bart will continue as part of the Unrivaled team, according to a press release.
Rocker B Ranch is nestled near Possum Kingdom Lake and the Brazos River with views of the Palo Pinto Mountains. The ranch has expanded beyond baseball, becoming a premier destination for sports-centered events and corporate retreats. Its proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth, exceptional hospitality, and professional staff have solidified its reputation as an idyllic venue for a range of activities.
"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," said Lance Byrd. "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."