Steve Bornstein, former CEO of ESPN, who has joined the advisory board of Scott Coker's new MMA league. [Getty Images]
Steve Bornstein, former CEO of ESPN, who has joined the advisory board of Scott Coker's new MMA league. [Getty Images]

A new global MMA league led by Scott Coker — former president of Bellator and founder of Strikeforce — has added Steve Bornstein, former CEO of both ESPN and NFL Network, to its advisory board.

The league, set to debut in 2027, announced Thursday that Bornstein "will provide counsel across key growth areas including media strategy, retail, technology, fan engagement and business development."

The advisory group supporting the league's global launch also includes Wade Davis, former CEO of TelevisaUnivision and former CFO of Viacom; Steve Kaplan, co-founder of Oaktree Capital and owner of D.C. United; Steve Mosko, former chairman of Sony Pictures Television; and Swiney Minami, founder of Visionary and limited partner of the New York Yankees.

Coker announced in May that he would launch the new global MMA league next year, backed by Creator Sports Capital, a venture capital and private equity investment firm, with participation from Griffin Gaming Partners, a gaming-focused investment company.

"Bornstein is one of the greatest figures in the history of sports media," Coker said. "During his tenure as CEO of ESPN and later NFL Network, Steve set the gold standard for sports television and played a pivotal role in bringing world-class sports culture into homes around the globe."

"Bornstein has always been ahead of the curve in anticipating where sports, media and fans are headed," he added. "His experience delivering the best live sports to fans will be an invaluable asset as we move forward."

Bornstein currently serves as president of Genius Sports for North America. He is also a co-founder and board member of the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Joining the advisory board, Bornstein said Coker "has spent a lifetime building genuine trust with fighters, fans and partners around the world," adding, "I am thrilled to advise his new global MMA league in a sport with remarkable potential."


yjc@heraldcorp.com