John Elway played with the Broncos for 16 years. Now he’s teaming up with the bulls.
Elway and former hockey star Wayne Gretzky each staked a claim to Pueblo-based Professional Bull Riders, Inc., the world’s most-followed rodeo, the PBR said this week.
“To be associated with a group of people like the Professional Bull Riders, and my good friend Wayne Gretzky, is a win-win situation for me,” Elway said. “I really look forward to being involved with this great group and sharing in our successes together.”
The two hall of famers became shareholders in Spire Capital Partners, the majority investor in PBR and its financial arm.
Randy Bernard, PBR’s CEO, said of Elway’s and Gretzky’s investment: “This is another way the PBR can become more visible in the world of mainstream sports.”
Elway also is co-owner of the Arena Football League’s Colorado Crush, and of two Denver-area restaurants that bear his name. Gretzky is the coach and part owner of the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes.
“(PBR’s) success as an entertainment vehicle has been well documented,” Gretzky said, “and to be a part of such a well-respected and up-an-coming venture is thrilling.”
The PBR runs several national rodeo circuits, including its top competition, the Built Ford Tough Series, which culminates each November in Las Vegas with the World Finals.
