1. How do you see the 100 years of jai-alai in Miami?

The centennial of jai-alai in Miami is a significant milestone, not just for the sport but for the cultural ties it has fostered between Miami and the world. For 100 years, jai-alai has been more than a game—it’s been a cultural bridge, drawing an international audience and connecting Miami to its Basque roots.

In honor of the centennial anniversary, the World Jai-Alai League collaborated with the HistoryMiami Museum to present a special community gallery exhibit dedicated to celebrating 100 years of jai-alai in South Florida. The exhibit, which runs through November 10, is free to attend and showcases the evolution of how jai-alai has been marketed, influential figures who have driven its growth, and the latest chapter in its resurgence.

2. What makes jai-alai a unique sport?

Jai-alai is unique for its speed and athleticism. Often called the fastest ball sport in the world, the game’s energy is unmatched. The combination of skill, reflexes, and strategy required makes it exciting to watch and play. It’s also steeped in tradition—rooted in Basque culture—while maintaining a global appeal, especially in places like South Florida.

Jai-alai has a deep sense of history, yet it’s continuously evolving, now incorporating players from diverse athletic backgrounds and drawing in new audiences.

3. What do you attribute to the keys to the success of jai-alai in the 1970s and 1980s in Miami?

The 1970s and 1980s were a golden era for jai-alai in Miami, largely due to its association with the vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. The sport as captured on the iconic Miami Vice television show was a spectacle—offering not just a game, but an event.

4. Why do people still associate jai-alai in Miami with celebrities, the mafia, and the nightlife?

In its heyday, jai-alai was a glamorous and its popularity in Miami coincided with the city’s bustling nightlife and a growing reputation as a playground for the rich and famous. Celebrities like Jackie Gleason and Frank Sinatra, and sports icons Joe DiMaggio and Muhammad Ali attended Jai Alai in Miami.

5. How popular is jai-alai in the United States and Miami today? Has it regained some momentum?

For the past 10 years, jai-alai has been experiencing a resurgence. Thanks to the  World Jai-Alai League’s efforts and investment, we’ve revitalized the sport with a modern, fast-paced format called Battle Court and a highly competitive international roster which showcases the talents of the top jai-alai players in the world. Additionally, we’ve turned the sport on to a new generation of fans through social media, digital content strategies and expanded content distribution channels including airing Battle Court games on ESPN3.

Most importantly, we’ve brought on high-profile sports figures who now have an active role in our Battle Court seasons. This season, NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis and three-time NBA champion Udonis Haslem have returned as team owners to our Battle Court series where they regularly attend games and keep in contact with their players.

The fact that the Magic City Fronton is the last remaining fronton in North America has also created a unique draw.  We’re a family-friendly Friday night option in South Florida presenting a thrilling game in a casual, yet lively atmosphere. Let’s not forget we offer free admission and free parking, making us uniquely appealing on a Friday night.

6. What is the competition like today? Is betting allowed at the Magic City Fronton? What is its future?

The competition today is as fierce as ever, with top athletes from around the world competing as part of the World Jai-Alai League’s roster.  Battle Court Jai-Alai, a faster-paced version of the traditional sport, is presented weekly and is designed for a modern audience with a glass-walled court and updated game format which keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

While betting on jai-alai is not allowed at the Magic City Fronton, in-person guests have the opportunity to guess on the night’s winners using the Sparket app which adds excitement and cash prizes to the night’s top winners. Additionally, our Battle Court games are available for wagering through DraftKings Sportsbook, BetRivers (Rush Street Interactive), and FanDuel.

As for the future, we see jai-alai’s fanbase and enthusiasm for the game growing rapidly as it finds its place amongst niche sports. In the past two years, we’ve seen a wave of new ambassadors and team owners endorse the sport and become fans of the game. This includes 3-time NBA Miami Heat champion Udonis Haslem and NFL Hall of Famer, Ray Lewis.

7. This sport of Basque origin is now played by Americans. What is its growth prospect?

The evolution of jai-alai from its Basque origins to a sport embraced by American players is one of its greatest successes. The talent showcased by our American players, many University of Miami former athletes, who helped start our program in 2018 is unparalleled. That said, the league’s roster has become more international as we continue to raise the level of play and talent on the court.

Our Battle Court discipline is represented by an owner, a general manager, and a benefiting charity. Team owners include NBA champion Udonis Haslem, NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis and World Jai-Alai League equity investors include Grammy Award-winning recording artist and entrepreneur Armando Christian Pérez, also known as Pitbull.

With growing interest in fast-paced, skill-based sports, there’s significant potential for expansion, especially with new audiences and digital platforms. We believe jai-alai can grow both nationally and internationally, appealing to sports fans who are looking for something unique, competitive, and rooted in rich tradition.