Ultimate Ninjas Announces Launch of Professional Ninja League, Strategic Leadership Addition, and Global Expansion 

Chicago, Illinois – Ultimate Ninjas, the leading ninja training and obstacle gym franchise for families and athletes, is entering an exciting new chapter of growth with a series of major announcements that extend its brand globally and elevate the sport of ninja to new professional heights.

Professional Ninja League Set to Launch

Ultimate Ninjas is preparing to launch a new professional ninja league in 2027 called UNX, with a fundraising round currently underway. For ninja athletes, UNX will establish a route to a professional career, starting with events hosted at a central location with the goal of multiple host cities in the future. It will be a media-first sports property designed to elevate ninja athletes and engage fans with high-level, story-driven competition. The league will serve as a natural extension of the company’s presence in youth, amateur, and elite ninja training, creating a full pipeline from first obstacle to professional stage. 

This announcement comes at a pivotal time for the sport: ninja-style obstacle course racing will make its Olympic debut in 2028 as part of the modern pentathlon in the Los Angeles Games. With global visibility on the horizon, the momentum is building for ninja to emerge as a standalone Olympic sport in future competitions – and Ultimate Ninjas is at the forefront of that movement.

“We believe Ninja is the next great sport. One that combines power, agility, creativity, and character,” said Jeff Piejak, founder and CEO of Ultimate Ninja’s and leading the launch of UNX. “This league will not only showcase incredible athletes but also redefine how audiences connect with movement and competition.”

Will Staeger, Hugh Arian, and Nate Moore Engaged as Senior Advisors

Ultimate Ninjas is also proud to announce that veteran sports and entertainment executive, Will Staeger, has been engaged as senior advisor and fractional chief media officer through his company, Sonoma Sports & Entertainment. Staeger will also serve on the UNX board of directors. Staeger will help guide business strategy and media rights partnerships & content distribution to help bring the UNX vision to life and to audiences around the world. Staeger has served over the past two decades in senior leadership roles at iconic sports brands, where he has grown audience ratings and global exposure through premium storytelling. His tenure includes roles at Endeavor, WWE, ESPN, and most recently as chief media officer at the LIV Golf League, where he was the league’s fourth ever employee and considered one of the architects behind LIV’s revolutionary approach to bringing fresh audiences to the sport. 

He is joined by Hugh Arian, President of Echo Entertainment, a Calabasas-based media company with over 25 years of experience producing broadcast and digital content for action and lifestyle sports. Echo’s standout work includes the World Series of Poker, X Games, and content for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team, along with live sports coverage, documentaries, and branded commercial production. Echo Entertainment’s deep roots in action-sports storytelling and live event production make it an ideal creative partner for building a high-impact, fan-driven league from day one.

Also advising the league’s development is Nate Moore, President of The ATS Team, an industry leader in stunt and challenge design, rigging, and production for major television competition formats. Based in Los Angeles, The ATS Team has collaborated on hit competition shows like American Ninja Warrior, The Amazing Race, The Biggest Loser, Big Brother, Ultimate Beastmaster, and Clash of Trades. Serving top networks such as NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, Hulu, SyFy, and Disney, their expertise in obstacle course construction and experiential design makes them a key force behind the evolution of ninja competition into a scalable, professional format.

“The opportunity here is global and authentic,” said Will Staeger. “We’re creating a professional league in a sport that is fresh, inclusive, and made for modern audiences – something that inspires kids, challenges elite athletes, and brings families together. For audiences that yearn for top tier athleticism and brand partners that seek inclusive competition featuring men and women competing in the same format, the sky is the limit with UNX.”

Global Expansion: Master Franchise Signed in China

Alongside its professional league efforts, Ultimate Ninjas is proud to announce it has signed a Master Franchise Agreement in China, marking its first step into international markets. This milestone reflects the rising global demand for ninja-style training and positions Ultimate Ninjas to bring its dynamic, family-focused experience to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing fitness markets.

“This is a transformational moment for our company,” said Jeff Piejak. “We’ve proven our model across the U.S., and now we’re ready to inspire a global audience with the same energy, inclusivity, and commitment to movement that has built our community here at home.”

With a national network of training gyms, a passionate community, and now global growth and professional sport on the horizon, Ultimate Ninjas is positioned to lead the next evolution in fitness, competition, and entertainment.

About Ultimate Ninjas

Founded in 2016, Ultimate Ninjas offers state-of-the-art ninja obstacle training gyms across the U.S. for kids, families, and ninja athletes of all levels. The company is committed to building confidence, strength, and community through movement, competition, and fun.

 

For media inquiries or investor information, please contact:

 

Jeff Piejak
CEO, Ultimate Ninjas Enterprises
[email protected]
ultimateninjas.com