54 AND SPORTGATE INTERNATIONAL UNITE TO FORGE A NEW FUTURE FOR POLO  

From the historic home where the original rules were written, a new alliance sets out to take polo into a new era

At The Hurlingham Club in London - where the first official rules of polo were codified in 1875 - 54 has announced its acquisition of Sportgate International, uniting two organisations with a shared belief that polo's future lies in embracing innovation as confidently as it has upheld tradition.

Officials from both organisations were joined by England international polo players, Millie Hughes and Malcolm Borwick, to celebrate the milestone during a creative shoot at the historic venue, symbolising the moment when polo's proud past meets its promising future.

Together, 54 and Sportgate will form a unified platform capable of supporting polo’s entire value chain, steering investment and commercial strategy, providing operational oversight to world-leading facilities, staging major events and delivering international promotions and visibility. The shared vision is to elevate polo’s global standing, opening the sport to new audiences while deepening the passion of existing followers, and laying the foundations for renewed energy, growth and sustainable investment.

The move brings together two leaders that have each reshaped the sports they touch. For 54, it continues a decade-long trajectory of building, commercialising and reimagining global sports projects alongside some of the world’s most significant investors - from launching new leagues and event platforms that have redefined fan engagement and commercial opportunity, to developing national strategies that harness the power of sport.  

The ability to combine global scale and deep expertise with an unwavering belief in sport’s capacity to inspire people and communities has made 54 a trusted partner to governments, investors, rightsholders, developers, federations and brands seeking their next phase of growth.  

Sportgate International brings a complementary depth of equestrian and polo knowledge. Founded by Rory Heron, the company has become a respected force in the design, delivery and commercial development of world-class polo events, whilst also advising companies, luxury brands, leading venues, tourism boards and rightsholders.  

Its work includes serving as technical and operational advisor to the Wadi Safar Royal Equestrian & Polo Club - a landmark development in Saudi Arabia that blends equestrian traditions with modern sport and hospitality. Sportgate International has also been instrumental in curating elite polo events, such as the ever-popular Chestertons Polo in the Park - the world’s largest three-day festival of polo - connecting heritage, luxury and cultural storytelling.

Jed Moore, 54 Group CEO, said: "Polo's roots run deep; it carries a sense of culture, history and connection that few sports can match. But to sustain that magic for future generations, it must evolve. By bringing Sportgate into 54, we're combining their equestrian expertise with our global advisory capabilities to establish 54 as the key ally for polo's growth, respecting its heritage while embracing innovation across every dimension."

Rory Heron, Managing Director of Sportgate International, said: "The Hurlingham Club represents the very origins of polo, so to make this announcement here feels symbolic. It's where the sport found its structure and today, with 54, we're giving that structure new purpose. Together, we'll bring modern thinking and global reach to a sport defined by elegance and legacy, helping it capture the attention and imagination of a new generation."