The Professional Fighters League’s (PFL) fan-friendly format for mixed martial arts (MMA) secured a $28 million Series B equity investment through the support of big-name business, entertainment, and sports individuals. Most notable are Actor Kevin Hart, speaker and life-strategist Tony Robbins, Mark Burnett, TV pioneer and producer, and Ted Leonsis, the majority owner of the NBA Washington Wizards and NHL 2018 Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals.
PFL’s growing success comes from its fan-focused sports calendar that now has regular seasons, single-elimination playoffs, and season-ending championships for MMA fighting. This format caught the attention of die-hard MMA fans as well as attracting new ones, thus building media value and drawing sponsors from across other major sports leagues like the NHL, MLB, NBA, and NFL.
“I love sports, and the PFL is my favorite new sport to watch,” said Kevin Hart, entrepreneur, comedian, actor, and PFL investor. “The PFL fights are the most exciting in MMA as every fight means something, with fighters working to win a spot in the playoffs and the opportunity at their share of the $10 million. I became an investor as I believe the PFL is the future of MMA.”
Additional investments within the round include contributions from SWaN Ventures, Elysian Park Ventures, co-founder of Riot Games Brandon Beck, managing partner of Iconica Ventures Mark Leschley, and Debra Cafaro, CEO and chairman of Ventas Inc. and minority owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
