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PFL Founder Donn Davis Resigns as Chairman as New Investors Gain Control

Fresh funding positions CEO John Martin to pivot the league’s model toward event-led growth.

Overview

  • Davis announced his departure on social media as PFL disclosed a capital raise that expanded ownership stakes for Knighthead Capital and 885 Capital, which Sportico reported as establishing lead ownership.
  • PFL said the new funds will retire existing debt and support operations and growth through 2026.
  • The organization created a nine-member board and added Lenny Daniels as chief operating officer and Jason Oberlander as chief commercial officer.
  • Davis’s exit continues a leadership shakeup that included the recent departures of former CEO Peter Murray and longtime president Ray Sefo, with John Martin now serving as the league’s public face.
  • PFL’s 2026 slate opens Feb. 7 in Dubai with lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov facing Alfie Davis, and the league’s ESPN broadcast deal runs through the end of 2026.