Professional Fight League Completes Successful Strategic Capital Raise, Positioning Organization For Exponential Growth

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced the successful completion of a strategic capital raise that strengthens the organization’s financial position and ownership structure as it enters a pivotal year of growth in 2026 and beyond.

The newly raised capital will be used to retire existing debt and fund ongoing growth and operations, providing PFL with enhanced balance sheet strength and increased operational flexibility. As part of the transaction, certain affiliates of Knighthead Capital Management, LLC (“Knighthead”) and 885 Capital have expanded their ownership stakes, reinforcing long-term support of PFL’s global strategy, premium live-event model, and international expansion.

Knighthead brings deep expertise in investing, operational turnarounds, and scaling global platforms across sports, media, entertainment, and live events, while 885 Capital is a growth-oriented investment firm with a track record of backing category-defining sports and technology properties.

“PFL is entering an exciting stage of its evolution, and we see significant opportunity ahead as we position the organization for its long-term success,” said Ara Cohen, Co-founder at Knighthead. “We have strong conviction in the league’s strategy, global reach, and leadership, and we have full confidence in John Martin to guide PFL into its next chapter. We’re proud to expand our ownership as the league accelerates its growth and international impact.”

Michael Schmidt, CIO at 885 Capital, stated: “John Martin & the PFL have a clear vision of how modern combat sports should be structured, marketed, and scaled. We believe the league’s athlete-first model, international footprint, and leadership position it well for long-term value creation, and we are pleased to deepen our commitment as the business enters this important chapter.”

PFL has established a new nine-member Board of Directors, who will oversee the organization’s strategic direction as it enters its next phase of growth and product evolution.

“This capital raise marks a pivotal moment for PFL,” said PFL CEO, John Martin. “With a stronger financial foundation, engaged ownership, and experienced leadership in place, we are positioned to build a more compelling product for fighters and fans while accelerating our global ambitions.”

With its financial foundation strengthened and governance structure in place, PFL has identified 2026 as a defining year for the organization, driven by expanded global operations, a new executive leadership team led by CEO John Martin alongside Lenny Daniels and Jason Oberlander, and an evolved product offering designed to elevate competition and fan engagement.

In 2026, PFL plans to host 24 live events worldwide, reinforcing its position as a truly global MMA organization. While international markets remain a core focus, with upcoming events such as PFL Road to Dubai and PFL Madrid: van Steenis vs. Edwards 2, the league will also increase its emphasis on the U.S., to deliver more premium events to audiences globally.

As part of this next chapter, PFL will debut a refined product format highlighting elite talent, meaningful matchups, and deeper storytelling around fighters, rivalries, and championships. An official rankings system will bring transparency and competitive clarity, enhancing fan engagement and understanding across weight classes to elevate PFL’s global competition.

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