Bellator’s Sale To The PFL Has Reportedly Been Finalized; Takeover Set for 2024
In the latest MMA news, Bellator’s sale to the PFL has reportedly been finalized, with the move set to become official in 2024.
The news has long been talked about, with constant rumors over a $500 million figure being placed to take over the organization.
In response to those suggestions, the CEO of Bellator, Scott Coker, could not confirm whether or not there would be a sale moving forward.
This was particularly since the organization has racked up numerous events for the 2023 season. Having said that, though, journalist Ariel Helwani was adamant that a sale was forthcoming.
Bellator’s Future
“Expect the sale of Bellator to be completed in the coming weeks,” Helwani
And now the deal has been confirmed by Al Zullino.
“PFL owns Bellator, now, I’m told. They’re taking over from 2024. As I’ve already reported, the plan is to run the Bellator brand for the next two years.”
PFL’s Aims
So, moving forward, the PFL has plenty of ventures lined up. The CEO of the PFL, Peter Murray, has previously spoken about implementing a champions league of MMA, with the intention of putting up the best fighters against each other.
“Our global expansion is well underway. We’ll have six regional leagues up and running between now and 2026. We already have PFL Europe, successfully. Its inaugural season is underway. Our last event in Paris just three weeks ago was the most viewed MMA event on television in France’s history.
“That (another regional league) is PFL MENA, in partnership with SRJ, our strategic partner on a global and regional basis. (We’re) very excited about the build. Then towards 2025, we will launch PFL Australia and PFL Africa … And then in 2026, we will launch PFL Brazil and PFL Asia. We are in late-stage finalization of strategic partnerships, both in Australia and Africa. What I’m telling you is not an aspiration; it is a global strategy that we are in the process of executing and building,” Murray said
And in the process of doing so, it is hoped that the venture will increase the talent pool in the Middle East. The move is vital given the PFL’s recent investment of over $100 million from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund through SRJ Sports Investments.
“It’s part of our vision and strategy. So (the) PFL MENA roster that we will announce (for) 2024 will have the best fighters from the Middle East, including Saudi fighters competing in our regular season playoff and championship format. We’ll also have women fighters on every card and (will be) developing women in the sport throughout the region, in the Middle East. We have a very specific strategy to sign and develop some of the best fighters who are Saudi-based,” Murray
The news will no doubt provide a serious amount of competition for the UFC moving forward. But in doing so, it will ultimately increase the standard of competition moving forward.
And that can only be a good thing for fight fans and fighters in seeing the best fights being made. Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingblitz.
