Scott Coker’s New MMA Promotion Adds Former ESPN CEO Steve Bornstein to Advisory Board

Scott Coker’s new global mixed martial arts promotion has added longtime sports media executive Steve Bornstein to its Advisory Board as preparations continue for the league’s anticipated 2027 debut.

Bornstein will advise the promotion on media strategy, distribution, technology, fan engagement and commercial development. The former ESPN and NFL Network executive joins an advisory group assembled to help guide the new organization’s international launch.

Bornstein became the youngest president and CEO in ESPN history and oversaw the network’s expansion across television, radio, digital media and live events. He later served as president and CEO of NFL Network and as executive vice president of media for the NFL.

During his time with the league, Bornstein helped oversee the launch and development of NFL Network, NFL.com, the NFL App and NFL RedZone.

He currently serves as president of North America for Genius Sports, a sports technology company specializing in data, artificial intelligence and interactive fan experiences. Bornstein is also a co-founder of The V Foundation for Cancer Research and remains a member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

Coker Continues Building Toward 2027 Launch

Coker, the former head of Strikeforce and Bellator MMA, is serving as co-founder and CEO of the new promotion.

Bornstein joins an Advisory Board that already includes former TelevisaUnivision CEO and Viacom CFO Wade Davis; Oaktree Capital co-founder and D.C. United owner Steve Kaplan; former Sony Pictures Television chairman Steve Mosko; and Visional founder Swimmy Minami, who is also a limited partner of the New York Yankees.

The promotion says its goal is to create additional opportunities for high-level fighters while building an international event and distribution model that recognizes the gyms, coaches and regional fight communities responsible for developing the sport.

Its leadership and advisory teams include experience across sports media, athlete development, live-event production, television, technology, communications and global brand development.

The organization has not yet announced an official name, roster, broadcast partner or inaugural event location. Further details regarding its planned 2027 debut are expected to be revealed at a later date.