Is the mixed martial arts world ready for a new global challenger? Former Bellator boss and Strikeforce founder Scott Coker thinks so, and so does a group of strategic investors across sports, media, technology and finance providing $60 million in financial backing. So, TKO Group’s UFC, led by Dana White, and Bellator MMA will want to watch out.
After nearly four decades shaping the global combat sports landscape, Coker is back to lead a new MMA league venture with funding led by investment firm Creator Sports Capital and participation from Griffin Gaming Partners and others. Additional investors include Upper Deck; Steve Kaplan, owner of D.C. United and co-founder of Oaktree Capital; Swimmy Minami, founder of Visional and a limited partner of the New York Yankees; skateboarding legend Tony Hawk; former Fortress Investment Group vice-chairman Dean Dakolias; and others, “including several with ownership stakes in both the NFL and NBA,” according to the founders.
Coker will serve as co-founder and CEO of the still unnamed company, whose global debut is eyed for early 2027. Peter Levin of Griffin Gaming Partners will serve as co-founder and chairman of the board.
The company’s advisory group features former TelevisaUnivision CEO and former Viacom CFO Wade Davis, former Sony Pictures Television chairman Steve Mosko, and Kevin Kay, the former president of Paramount Network, CMT, Spike TV and TV Land.
