spring-reiter.de had already reported exclusively on this in July – now it is official: The new global team series in show jumping PJL is making a stop at Derby Park. According to the organizers, from September 3 to 5, 2027, the world’s best show jumping riders, riders and horses will be guests at the tour in Hamburg, which is worth 300 million euros.
In this way, Hamburg will be one of nine global hosts in the premiere season of the new series. From September 3 to 5, 2027, the new tournament format will take place at the traditional Hamburg Derby Park. This makes Germany part of the international PJL tournament calendar, which includes nine events in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
The PJL announcement follows the outstanding performances of the German team in international ski jumping in 2026. The team secured gold medals at both the FEI World Championships in Aachen and the latest League of Nations final in Barcelona. In the individual ranking of the Longines Rankings, German rider Richard Vogel currently holds the world title. PJL ambassador Sophie Hinners has recently improved her position to twelfth in the world ranking, making her the second highest-ranked rider in international ski jumping.
With support from McCourt Global, PJL was launched with the goal of unlocking the international potential of one of the most traditional Olympic sports through a modern competition structure based on sporting performance, exciting competition between the teams, and stories throughout the season. As a league based on performance principles, only riders ranked in the top 250 of the world ranking are eligible for team selection. This ensures that the best compete against the best.
In the inaugural season, 16 teams with a total of 80 top riders and riders will take to the starting line. Prize money totaling 300 million US dollars is guaranteed for the first three seasons of the league. This unprecedented investment is intended to ensure that top athletes in the sport are properly rewarded for their achievements at the highest level. This also includes Sophie Hinners, Germany’s currently most successful show jumper and ambassador of the PJL. At the same time, the league aims to contribute to sustainably improving the economic framework conditions for professional show jumping. Until now, many riders have relied on teaching and training to finance their sporting careers.
Sophie Hinners says, “I am extremely excited that the PJL 2027 is coming to Hamburg. We were very successful as a German team this year. It fits perfectly that a new, future-oriented league is now competing in our home country of Germany. I hope that the PJL will inspire new target groups for the sport of spring riding and enable more people to understand, follow, and cheer for our sport. Too often the sport is still misunderstood. The PJL offers the opportunity to change that and to show what it really means to ride at the highest level: athleticism, dedication, and passion, but especially hard work, sweat, and tears that stand behind every performance. I am looking forward to seeing the German audience experience our sport in a whole new way in September 2027 in Hamburg.“
At the heart of the PJL concept is the belief that ski jumping can continue to evolve and reach new audiences without abandoning the values and traditions that have shaped it over generations. The tournament format has been designed to make each round and event more closely intertwined, giving spectators a reason to get excited about the entire season. In the PJL, every round counts, creating momentum and excitement leading up to the crucial final events.
The duration and format of the tournament were also carefully considered, taking into account the changing consumption habits of modern sports audiences. The format is designed to offer high-quality show jumping in a more easily comprehensible framework while maintaining the technical complexity and sporting integrity that distinguish top-level show jumping. The league is also specifically investing in the presentation and global dissemination of show jumping. PJL relies on an accessible broadcast model to build the widest possible international fan base. The partnership with Box to Box Films, the production company behind Formula 1: Drive to Survive, is also intended to bring the personalities and stories surrounding show jumping closer to an audience that has had little contact with horse racing until now.
For Germany, which boasts one of the most traditional equestrian sports cultures in the world and a long history of success in international show jumping, the PJL opens up a new international stage.
The PJL event calendar for 2027 was carefully coordinated with the existing schedule of international tournament calendars. This will minimize unnecessary transport and improve horse welfare. When selecting the venues, particular attention was paid to optimal ground conditions, suitable stables, and high-quality equestrian infrastructure.
In addition to modern, future-oriented venues that are intended to attract new target audiences for ski jumping, the calendar also includes traditional tournament venues. In this way, the PJL underscores its commitment to preserving the identity and fundamental values of ski jumping. The Derby Park in Hamburg exemplifies this commitment. Located in the Klein Flottbek district, it is one of the most traditional equestrian sports venues in Germany. Known for its special atmosphere, its legendary natural obstacles, and its long sporting history, the Derby has welcomed the best riders and riders in the world and enthusiastic horse sports fans for generations. By doing so, the venue provides the perfect setting for the PJL’s premier season and combines the tradition of top-level sports with a new era of international equestrian sports.
The event in Hamburg is organized by Schafhof Connects in cooperation with the Norddeutsche Reiterverein (NFR), the club behind the traditional Derby. Matthias A. Rath, CEO of Schafhof Connects, says about the importance of the PJL being held in Hamburg: „The PJL and Hamburg fit together perfectly. In close collaboration, the PJL, the NFR and Schafhof Connects will realize the event in the Derby Park. The park is deeply rooted in German equestrian tradition and generations of riders and fans have gathered special memories here. We will build on this history and thus reach both long-time Derby fans as well as those who are just discovering the show jumping sport.“