Diamond Baseball Holdings

Diamond Baseball Holdings
IndustrySports management
Founded2021 (2021)
FounderEndeavor
Key people
Pat Battle, executive chairman
Peter B. Freund, CEO
ParentSilver Lake
Websitediamondbaseballholdings.com

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is an American sports ownership and management group that operates over 40 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) teams in the United States and Canada. DBH was established in 2021 by media conglomerate Endeavor and is a subsidiary of the investment firm Silver Lake.

History

Established in 2021 by media conglomerate Endeavor, the organization originally was the owner and operator of nine MiLB clubs.[1] In 2022, ownership of DBH shifted from Endeavor to Silver Lake, parent company of Endeavor,[2][3] who purchased DBH for $280 million.[4]

The company is led by Pat Battle, who formerly headed Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), which licensed the rights to college athletic team apparel and merchandise, and IMG College, which acquired CLC. Battle and CEO Peter B. Freund convinced Major League Baseball (MLB) that increased professionalization and consolidated ownership of Minor League Baseball, with sharing of best practices and cross-investment, was best for MLB teams. The company plans to reach the current MLB limit of owning 50 teams. In addition to gate revenue, the company also plans to pursue mixed-use development on stadium parking lots; increase the number of non-game events such as concerts, weddings, and corporate events; and consolidate sponsorship, advertising, and back-office activities to a national marketplace.[4]

Baseball America called DBH "the most powerful ownership group in the history of Minor League Baseball" in 2024.[5] Battle and Freund reportedly have a close relationship with Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred.[6] DBH has received more than $275 million in tax preferences for MiLB teams that they own, as of March 2024.[7]

DBH has relocated several of its minor league franchises:

DBH has also rebranded some teams, with the Rome Braves becoming the Rome Emperors and Salem Red Sox becoming the Salem RidgeYaks.[20][21]

Teams

Diamond Baseball Holdings owns 48 teams, as of January 2026.[22]

Teams owned by Diamond Baseball Holdings
Team Location League Class Affiliate Acquired
Albuquerque Isotopes[23] Albuquerque, New Mexico Pacific Coast League Triple-A Colorado Rockies 2023
Altoona Curve[24] Altoona, Pennsylvania Eastern League Double-A Pittsburgh Pirates 2023
Arkansas Travelers[25] North Little Rock, Arkansas Texas League Double-A Seattle Mariners 2024
Augusta GreenJackets[26] North Augusta, South Carolina Carolina League Single-A Atlanta Braves 2021
Binghamton Rumble Ponies[27] Binghamton, New York Eastern League Double-A New York Mets 2024
Birmingham Barons[28] Birmingham, Alabama Southern League Double-A Chicago White Sox 2023
Brooklyn Cyclones[29] Brooklyn, New York South Atlantic League High-A New York Mets 2024
Charlotte Knights[30] Charlotte, North Carolina International League Triple-A Chicago White Sox 2024
Columbus Clingstones[26] Columbus, Georgia Southern League Double-A Atlanta Braves 2021
Corpus Christi Hooks[31] Corpus Christi, Texas Texas League Double-A Houston Astros 2025
Dayton Dragons[32] Dayton, Ohio Midwest League High-A Cincinnati Reds 2025
Fayetteville Woodpeckers[33] Fayetteville, North Carolina Carolina League Single-A Houston Astros 2025
Fredericksburg Nationals[34] Fredericksburg, Virginia Carolina League Single-A Washington Nationals 2025
Fresno Grizzlies[35] Fresno, California California League Single-A Colorado Rockies 2023
Gwinnett Stripers[26] Lawrenceville, Georgia International League Triple-A Atlanta Braves 2021
Harrisburg Senators[36] Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Eastern League Double-A Washington Nationals 2024
Hickory Crawdads[9] Hickory, North Carolina Carolina League Single-A Texas Rangers 2023
Hudson Valley Renegades[26] Fishkill, New York South Atlantic League High-A New York Yankees 2021
Hub City Spartanburgers[9] Spartanburg, South Carolina South Atlantic League High-A Texas Rangers 2023
Inland Empire 66ers[37] San Bernardino, California California League Single-A Los Angeles Angels 2024
Iowa Cubs[26] Des Moines, Iowa International League Triple-A Chicago Cubs 2021
Lansing Lugnuts[38] Lansing, Michigan Midwest League High-A Athletics 2023
Louisville Bats[39] Louisville, Kentucky International League Triple-A Cincinnati Reds 2023
Memphis Redbirds[26] Memphis, Tennessee International League Triple-A St. Louis Cardinals 2021
Midland RockHounds[40] Midland, Texas Texas League Double-A Athletics 2022
New Hampshire Fisher Cats[41] Manchester, New Hampshire Eastern League Double-A Toronto Blue Jays 2023
Norfolk Tides[42] Norfolk, Virginia International League Triple-A Baltimore Orioles 2023
Oklahoma City Comets[26] Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Pacific Coast League Triple-A Los Angeles Dodgers 2021
Omaha Storm Chasers[43] Papillion, Nebraska International League Triple-A Kansas City Royals 2024
Ontario Tower Buzzers[44] Ontario, California California League Single-A Los Angeles Dodgers 2025
Portland Sea Dogs[40] Portland, Maine Eastern League Double-A Boston Red Sox 2022
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes[45] Rancho Cucamonga, California California League Single-A Los Angeles Dodgers 2024
Reading Fightin Phils[46] Reading, Pennsylvania Eastern League Double-A Philadelphia Phillies 2025
Rome Emperors[26] Rome, Georgia South Atlantic League High-A Atlanta Braves 2021
Salem RidgeYaks[47] Salem, Virginia Carolina League Single-A Boston Red Sox 2023
San Jose Giants[26] San Jose, California California League Single-A San Francisco Giants 2021
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders[26] Moosic, Pennsylvania International League Triple-A New York Yankees 2021
Springfield Cardinals[48] Springfield, Missouri Texas League Double-A St. Louis Cardinals 2023
St. Paul Saints[49] Saint Paul, Minnesota International League Triple-A Minnesota Twins 2023
Sugar Land Space Cowboys[50] Sugar Land, Texas Pacific Coast League Triple-A Houston Astros 2025
Syracuse Mets[51] Syracuse, New York International League Triple-A New York Mets 2024
Tri-City Dust Devils[52] Pasco, Washington Northwest League High-A Los Angeles Angels 2024
Tulsa Drillers[53] Tulsa, Oklahoma Texas League Double-A Los Angeles Dodgers 2023
Vancouver Canadians[54] Vancouver, British Columbia Northwest League High-A Toronto Blue Jays 2023
Wichita Wind Surge[40] Wichita, Kansas Texas League Double-A Minnesota Twins 2022
Winston-Salem Dash[55] Winston-Salem, North Carolina South Atlantic League High-A Chicago White Sox 2024
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers[56] Grand Chute, Wisconsin Midwest League High-A Milwaukee Brewers 2025
Worcester Red Sox[57] Worcester, Massachusetts International League Triple-A Boston Red Sox 2023

Former teams:

Team Location League Years Notes
Down East Wood Ducks[8] Kinston, North Carolina Carolina League 2023-2024 Moved to Spartansburg, South Carolina to be the Hub City Spartanburgers
Mississippi Braves[58] Pearl, Mississippi Southern League (1964–present) 2021-2024[12] Moved to Columbus, Georgia, and became the Columbus Clingstones
Modesto Nuts[16] Modesto, California California League 2024-2025 Became the Ontario Tower Buzzers

See also

References

  1. ^ McGreevy, Maura (December 8, 2021). "Endeavor Creates Diamond Baseball Holdings, Signs Agreements to Acquire Multiple MLB Professional Development League Clubs" (Press release). Endeavor and Diamond Baseball Holdings. Retrieved September 2, 2023 – via Business Wire.
  2. ^ Reichard, Kevin (August 9, 2022). "Diamond Baseball Holdings shifts from Endeavor ownership to Silver Lake". Ballpark Digest. August Publications. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  3. ^ Zee, Michaela (August 10, 2022). "Endeavor to Sell Diamond Baseball Holdings to Silver Lake". Variety. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Mazzeo, Mike (January 20, 2025). "Diamond Baseball Holdings is transforming the minor leagues while still keeping an eye on tradition". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Cooper, J. J. (May 9, 2024). "How Diamond Baseball Holdings Became The Most Powerful Owner Ever In Minor League Baseball". Baseball America. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  6. ^ Jennings, Chad; Drellich, Evan; Blum, Sam; Rosencrans, C. Trent (April 15, 2024). "A new group is buying up minor league baseball teams at a feverish pace. What's the end game?". The Athletic. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  7. ^ Pillsbury, Maura (March 20, 2024). "8 reasons to call foul on a Sea Dogs tax subsidy". Maine Center for Economic Policy. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Boschult, Christian (May 23, 2023). "Spartanburg gets a minor league baseball team, plans downtown stadium". The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on May 23, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
  9. ^ a b c Miller, Chris (May 23, 2023). "Kinston losing baseball again: Texas Rangers to sell Down East Wood Ducks". Sun Journal. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  10. ^ "Spartanburgers Win Inaugural Season Opener in Extras 4–3". MLB.com. April 4, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  11. ^ "Spartanburg City Council approves deal for largest development in city history". Spartanburg, SC. September 26, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  12. ^ a b Hill, Benjamin (January 10, 2024). "Double-A Mississippi Braves announce move to Columbus, Georgia". MLB.com. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  13. ^ "Columbus Clingstones Era Begins with Opening Night Loss at Montgomery" (Press release). Columbus Clingstones. April 4, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025 – via OurSports Central.
  14. ^ Stanfield, Ben (September 4, 2024). "Columbus bets big on baseball with $50M investment in Braves' affiliate". WTVM. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  15. ^ Barshad, Amos (September 16, 2024). "Private Equity Steps Up to the Plate". The Nation. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  16. ^ a b Jude, Adam (December 12, 2024). "Mariners announce sale of their Class A affiliate, the Modesto Nuts". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  17. ^ "Gameday: Ports 5, Nuts 4 Final Score (08/31/2025)". Minor League Baseball. August 31, 2025. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  18. ^ Brazil, Brodie (December 14, 2024). "The Modesto Nuts are LEAVING, following sale". YouTube. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  19. ^ "Ontario's new minor league ballpark, sports complex is taking shape". California Construction News. April 14, 2025. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  20. ^ "Braves affiliate minor league team is re-christened 'Rome Emperors'". Georgia Public Broadcasting. November 17, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  21. ^ Caputo, Paul (November 9, 2025). "Salem Red Sox rebrand as RidgeYaks in tribute to Blue Ridge Mountains, kayaks". SportsLogos.net. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
  22. ^ "Diamond Baseball Holdings". Diamond Baseball Holdings. Retrieved January 13, 2026.
  23. ^ Reichard, Kevin (October 17, 2023). "Norfolk Tides, Albuquerque Isotopes Sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings". Ballpark Digest. August Publications. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  24. ^ Mozes, Jon (June 28, 2023). "Altoona Curve Celebrates Its Next Chapter with Diamond Baseball Holdings". MiLB.com. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  25. ^ "Travelers Build on Long-Running History Under New Ownership, Diamond Baseball Holdings" (Press release). Arkansas Travelers. May 9, 2024. Retrieved May 12, 2024 – via MiLB.com.
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Lepp, Mike (August 10, 2022). "GreenJackets owner Diamond Baseball Holdings bought by Silver Lake". WJBF. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  27. ^ Manfre, Dylan (April 26, 2024). "Diamond Baseball Holdings Agrees to Buy Mets Double-A Rumble Ponies". Sportico. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  28. ^ Reitz, Ian (September 12, 2023). "Birmingham Barons sold to new ownership group". WVTM. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
  29. ^ "Syracuse Mets & Brooklyn Cyclones Enter Next Chapter Under New Ownership, Diamond Baseball Holdings". MiLB.com (Press release). Minor League Baseball. December 10, 2024.
  30. ^ Viola, Tommy (June 25, 2024). "Charlotte Knights Announce Sale, Welcome Diamond Baseball Holdings as New Owner" (Press release). Charlotte Knights and Diamond Baseball Holdings. Retrieved June 26, 2024 – via Minor League Baseball.
  31. ^ Mazzeo, Mike (January 13, 2026). "DBH acquires three Astros minor-league affiliates". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved January 13, 2026.
  32. ^ "Dayton Dragons Welcome Diamond Baseball Holdings as New Owner" (Press release). Dayton Dragons and Diamond Baseball Holdings. March 13, 2025. Retrieved March 16, 2025 – via MiLB.com.
  33. ^ Woolverton, Paul (December 9, 2025). "Houston Astros Selling Fayetteville Woodpeckers Baseball Team". CityView NC. Retrieved January 13, 2026.
  34. ^ Mazzeo, Mike (June 9, 2025). "DBH acquires Single-A Fredericksburg Nationals". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
  35. ^ Cardenas, Matthew (November 7, 2023). "Fresno Grizzlies sold to company that operates multiple minor league teams". ABC30 Action News. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  36. ^ De Martini, Tom (April 10, 2024). "Harrisburg Senators baseball club sold, will continue to play at FNB Field". The Patriot-News. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Advance Local Media LLC. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
  37. ^ "Inland Empire 66ers Welcome New Owners Diamond Baseball Holdings" (Press release). Inland Empire 66ers and Diamond Baseball Holdings. March 27, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2024 – via MiLB.com.
  38. ^ Calloway, Brian; Couch, Graham (March 8, 2023). "Lansing Lugnuts to be sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings, pending city's approval". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  39. ^ "Louisville Bats Begin New Chapter with Diamond Baseball Holdings" (Press release). Louisville Bats. December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023 – via MiLB.com.
  40. ^ a b c Reichard, Kevin (December 6, 2022). "DBH acquisition of Midland RockHounds confirmed". Ballpark Digest. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  41. ^ "New Hampshire Fisher Cats Sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings" (Press release). New Hampshire Fisher Cats. December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023 – via MiLB.com.
  42. ^ "Norfolk Tides Look Forward to Continued Success with New Owner Diamond Baseball Holdings" (Press release). Norfolk Tides. October 17, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  43. ^ "Omaha Storm Chasers Welcome Diamond Baseball Holdings as New Owner" (Press release). Omaha Storm Chasers. September 24, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  44. ^ "Dodgers' new Single-A affiliate unveils new identity as Ontario Tower Buzzers – CBS Los Angeles". www.cbsnews.com. September 20, 2025. Retrieved January 13, 2026.
  45. ^ "Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Welcome New Owner, Diamond Baseball Holdings" (Press release). Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. December 12, 2024. Retrieved December 14, 2024 – via MiLB.com.
  46. ^ "Reading Fightin Phils Welcome Diamond Baseball Holdings as New Owner" (PDF) (Press release). Diamond Baseball Holding. June 25, 2025. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
  47. ^ Sordelett, Damien (March 17, 2023). "Fenway Sports Group agrees to sell Salem Red Sox to Diamond Baseball Holdings". The Roanoke Times. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  48. ^ "Springfield Cardinals announce new ownership organization; will continue to be AA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals". KY3. May 1, 2023. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  49. ^ Johnson, Brooks (March 15, 2023). "After 30 years, St. Paul Saints founders sell team to new ownership group". Star Tribune. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  50. ^ Adkison, Michael (December 9, 2025). "Houston Astros to sell Sugar Land Space Cowboys". Houston Public Media. Retrieved January 13, 2026.
  51. ^ "Syracuse Mets Enter Next Chapter Under New Ownership, Diamond Baseball Holdings" (Press release). Syracuse Mets. December 10, 2024 – via MiLB.com.
  52. ^ "Tri-City Dust Devils Welcome Diamond Baseball Holdings as New Owner" (Press release). Tri-City Dust Devils. December 12, 2024. Retrieved December 14, 2024 – via MiLB.com.
  53. ^ "Tulsa Drillers Sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings" (Press release). Tulsa Drillers. October 3, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  54. ^ Little, Simon (April 4, 2023). "Vancouver Canadians baseball club sold to U.S. firm". Global News. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
  55. ^ "Winston-Salem Dash to Begin Next Chapter with New Owner Diamond Baseball Holdings" (Press release). Winston-Salem Dash. April 3, 2024. Retrieved April 16, 2024 – via MiLB.com.
  56. ^ "Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Welcome Diamond Baseball Holdings as New Owner" (Press release). Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. April 17, 2025. Retrieved April 17, 2025 – via MiLB.com.
  57. ^ Silverman, Michael (November 30, 2023). "Worcester Red Sox Sold: Agreement reached to sell team to Diamond Baseball Holdings". Boston Globe. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  58. ^ Tucker, Tim. "Braves sell minor-league teams in Gwinnett, Rome and Mississippi". ajc. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
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