TEMPE, ARIZ. —
Grass League has announced the renewal and enhancement of its partnership with Gila River Resorts & Casinos, confirming the Arizona-based hospitality brand’s status as the Official Resort and Casino Partner of Grass League. This elevated partnership designates Gila River as the Presenting Sponsor for two out of the league’s three championship events in the 2026 season.
Building on a successful initial collaboration, the flagship event will now be called the Grass Clippings Open Presented by Gila River Resorts & Casinos, while the season finale will be referred to as the Grass League Championship Presented by Gila River Resorts & Casinos. The expanded agreement will enhance on-site hospitality and activations, integrate broadcasts, and secure trophy presentation rights, along with generating year-round digital content and increased visibility across league media channels.
“Renewing and expanding our partnership with Gila River Resorts & Casinos marks a significant milestone for Grass League,” said Jimmy Hoselton, Co-Founder and Head of Brand, Partnerships and Sales. “Gila River has supported us since the beginning, and this next step—having them as Presenting Sponsor of the Grass Clippings Open and GL Championship—demonstrates the trust we’ve built with one of Arizona’s esteemed hospitality brands. Our league originated in Arizona, and this renewal places a world-class local partner at the heart of our most significant events, enhancing both fan experiences and player memories.”
Gila River Resorts & Casinos will continue as the Preferred Hospitality Partner for players, owners, celebrities, and VIP guests, remaining the official recommended accommodation for all Arizona-based Grass League events. The renewed collaboration includes an expanded “Stay & Play with Gila River Resorts & Casinos” campaign that will be integrated into event travel messaging and aimed at out-of-state ticket purchasers throughout the season.
For all three championship events—the Grass Clippings Open, Summer Grind, and GL Championship—Gila River will enhance its on-site, broadcast, and digital presence. This will include branded hospitality lounges, activation areas, course signage, commercial slots during event broadcasts, trophy presentations, and a year-round content series on Grass League’s social and digital platforms.
“Continuing our partnership with Grass League and expanding our involvement for the 2026 season showcases the strong foundation we’ve established together,” stated Dominic Orozco, President and CMO of Gila River Resorts & Casinos. “We are committed to offering a complete destination experience where exceptional golf, outstanding hospitality, and unforgettable entertainment converge. This next chapter is perfectly aligned with our vision and serves as a great opportunity to connect with a new generation of players and fans.”
The renewed partnership will take effect during the 2026 Grass League season, kicking off on April 22 with the open qualifier at the Grass Clippings Rolling Hills course in Tempe, Arizona. The qualifier precedes golf’s unique live draft on April 23, leading into the $150K purse Grass Clippings Open on April 24-25. Tickets are available at grassleague.com.
