New MMA League From Scott Coker Gets Financing From Tony Hawk
The Hollywood Reporter • • sports
Key Points:
- Scott Coker, former Bellator boss and Strikeforce founder, is launching a new global MMA league backed by $60 million from strategic investors across sports, media, technology, and finance, aiming for a debut in early 2027.
- The investment group includes prominent figures such as Steve Kaplan, Tony Hawk, and partners with ownership stakes in the NFL and NBA, highlighting strong cross-industry support for the venture.
- The new league aims to address gaps in athlete career advancement and access to elite competition, focusing on integrity, respect for athletes, and placing them at the center of the MMA ecosystem.
- Coker’s proven track record in developing MMA legends like Ronda Rousey and Daniel Cormier, combined with investor confidence, positions the league as a serious challenger to established organizations like UFC and Bellator.
- Further details on the league’s leadership, structure, format, and event schedules are expected to be announced soon, signaling a significant new entrant in the $20 billion global MMA market.