Buying into the future? PFL receives $28 million in funding from new celebrity investors

In its infancy, the Professional Fighters League has proven it can succeed against promotions like Bellator and the UFC. It appears the organization has gotten the attention of stars from all over.

The company announced that it received $28 million in funding by comedian Kevin Hart, TV producer Mark Burnett, motivational speaker Tony Robbins and Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis.

Putting his hat inside the octagon makes sense for Burnett, who has helped produced some of the most iconic shows for NBC, including The Apprentice, Survivor, The Voice and Shark Tank. NBCSN is the current home for the PFL. Speaking to Variety, Burnett had the following to say about the announcement:

“This a big sports opportunity. The most valuable thing in media right now is content that can drive subscription opportunities.”

A partnership with Burnett could result in more original programming. The elimination-style format of the PFL has a lot of support and can result in various possibilities. With fighters receiving chances at redemption, money (up to $10 million) and various other opportunities, the entertainment value writes itself.

Kevin Hart, who has seemingly taken over Hollywood, wouldn’t take on an investment unless he saw there was an opportunity to grow. Over the years, he has become one of the smartest men in show business. He had the following to say on why he is all in on the PFL:

“I love sports, and the PFL is my favorite new sport to watch. The PFL fights are the most exciting in MMA as every fight means something, with fighters working to win a spot in the playoffs and the opportunity at their share of the $10 million. I became an investor as I believe the PFL is the future of MMA.”

Investing in an MMA promotion isn’t that uncommon. After the UFC was sold for $4 billion, it became the premier spot for investors. It wasn’t long until the promotion gained investors in Tom Brady and Conan O’Brien, among others. With season one’s playoffs starting off in October and the finals in December, the opportunity for growth is there for the PFL.

The future of the Professional Fighters League is looking extremely bright thanks to big names trusting the fight game. An eventual season two will truly show the impact the new investors have brought to the organization. Momentum like this is sure to bring the league an increase in viewership and more interest from fighters. In the end, they may end up becoming little bother no more.