Overview
- Scott Coker announced Thursday that he is launching an unnamed global mixed martial arts league backed by $60 million in seed financing led by Creator Sports Capital.
- Coker will serve as co-founder and CEO and Peter Levin of Griffin Gaming Partners will be co-founder and chairman, according to the founders’ press release.
- The investor group named in the announcement includes Griffin Gaming Partners, Upper Deck, Tony Hawk, Steve Kaplan, Swimmy Minami, Dean Dakolias and others with reported NFL and NBA ownership ties.
- Organizers describe the project as 'fighter-first,' saying it will raise athlete pay and create clearer career pathways, while promising to unveil the league name, format, leadership team, roster, media partners and event schedule in the coming weeks.
- The venture enters a crowded market dominated by UFC and newer rivals and faces execution risks because $60 million is significant for launch capital but smaller than the funds and media deals that underpin incumbents; next milestones to watch are announced leadership hires and media or venue agreements.