The new global mixed martial arts league, led by CEO Scott Coker, the former Bellator president and Strikeforce founder, has added Steve Bornstein, the former CEO of ESPN and NFL Network, to its advisory board as the promotion continues toward its debut in 2027. Bornstein “will advise the promotion across key growth areas, including media strategy, distribution, technology, fan engagement and commercial development,” the league said Wednesday.
The advisory group helping to shape 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 DC United, Steve Mosco, former president of Sony Pictures Television, and Swimmy Minami, founder of Visional and limited partner of the New York Yankees.
“Steve Bornstein is one of the greatest builders in the history of sports media,” Coker said. “Throughout his tenure as CEO of ESPN and later the NFL Network, Steve set the standard of excellence in sports television and was instrumental in bringing global sports culture into the world’s living rooms. Steve has always been one step ahead of where sports, media and fans are headed. His experience connecting fans to premium live sports will be invaluable as we continue to build.”
At NFL Network and as Executive Vice President of Media for the National Football League, he helped launch and expand NFL Network, NFL.com, the NFL App and NFL RedZone.
Bornstein currently serves as President of North America at Genius Sports. He is also a co-founder of the V Foundation for Cancer Research and serves on its board of directors.
“Scott Coker has spent his career building real trust with athletes, fans and partners around the world,” Bornstein said. “The opportunity to advise a new global MMA league at this stage is incredibly exciting. MMA is a global sport with enormous potential, and this group is approaching it with the right mix of ambition, respect for the art and athletes and a long-term vision.”
