PFL Middle East, the regional arm of the Professional Fighters League, is poised to become a billion-dollar enterprise within the next ten years, according to its founder. The MMA organization is set to launch in the second quarter of 2024, backed by a reported $100 million investment from Saudi Arabia’s SRJ Sports Investments.
The establishment of PFL Middle East follows the successful launch of PFL Europe, with PFL Africa and PFL India scheduled to debut in 2025 and 2026, respectively. Donn Davis, chairman and founder of PFL, expressed confidence in the potential of these regional entities, stating, “They have the audience base and they have the overall revenue ecosystem to be billion-dollar businesses of their own.”
PFL has garnered support from prominent investors, including Ares, Luxor Capital, and owners of various major sports teams. SRJ Sports Investments, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, joined this group by acquiring a minority stake in PFL in August.
Despite being a relatively young organization, PFL has quickly risen to become the second most popular MMA promotion globally, trailing only the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Davis attributed this success to PFL’s vision, product quality, and capabilities, noting that the partnership with SRJ Sports Investments provides the necessary capital to further solidify PFL’s position in the industry.
In the PFL format, fighters compete annually in a regular season, followed by playoffs and a championship with a $1 million prize. The Middle East league will feature 80 percent local fighters, and PFL has committed to doubling the salaries of top competitors. Winners from each regional league will have the chance to compete in PFL Global, akin to the Champions League of MMA.
PFL is investing $20 million in its Middle East venture, which includes the development and hosting of PFL PPV Super Fights pay-per-view events in the kingdom. This initiative will kick off with the debut fight of former UFC powerhouse Francis Ngannou against Tyson Fury in Riyadh next month.
With PFL Europe already broadcast in 120 countries, Davis expects similar exposure for the Middle East league. Distribution deals are expected to be announced by the end of the year, encompassing linear and streaming platforms within and outside the region.
The launch of PFL Middle East signifies a significant development for MMA fans in the region, offering access to top-tier fights and unprecedented opportunities for local fighters to showcase their talent on a global stage.
