Bellator Has Reportedly Been Sold To The PFL
The PFL has allegedly acquired Bellator as the deal will officially go through next year.
That is according to Al Zullino. The news over Bellator’s future comes after recent reports that the organization would be sold. As we have reported previously, MMA reporter Ariel Helwani confirmed that a sale was impending. This was after suggestions that a $500 million offer was needed to get it over the line. Meanwhile, Bellator’s CEO, Scott Coker, continued to remain coy over the organization’s future by not ruling out any sale.
Very sad news.
Showtime Boxing has been an institution for decades. Amazing people have worked on those shows for years. What an unfortunate turn of events. https://t.co/UVzsQt0by3
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 17, 2023
And now it appears that the inevitable has come, with the merger set to be official next year.
Bellator has reportedly been sold to the PFL 😳 #Bellator #PFL #MMA https://t.co/hZteDavUlM
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) October 30, 2023
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.
— Al Zullino (@phre) October 30, 2023
The move will strengthen the PFL moving forward, especially following their recent $100 million+ investment from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund via SRJ Sports Investments. Meanwhile, PFL’s CEO, Peter Murray, has spoken previously about wanting to create a ‘champions league of MMA,’ with a focus on expanding in the Middle East.
“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
Those moves will no doubt present the PFL as a serious competitor to the UFC moving forward, increasing the quality of fights for fans.
Social Media Response
I hope we see the rosters opened so that we see fighters in both promotions.
— Andy Hickey MMA (@AndyHickeyMMA) October 30, 2023
the roster going to be crazy
— Manafa 🇵🇹 (@manafa111) October 30, 2023
What happens after the two years?
— J (@JohnLarusta) October 30, 2023