The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has completed a strategic capital raise designed to strengthen its balance sheet and support a major expansion of its global live-event schedule, as the mixed martial arts promotion positions itself for what it calls a defining year of growth in 2026.
Announced on Tuesday in New York, the transaction will allow PFL to retire existing debt while funding ongoing operations and future growth, providing what the organisation described as increased financial flexibility. The raise also reshapes the company’s ownership profile, with affiliates of Knighthead Capital Management, LLC and 885 Capital expanding their stakes to become lead owners.
PFL said the investment reflects continued support for its premium live-event model and international growth strategy, as the organisation seeks to scale its presence across key markets while increasing its focus on the United States.
“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.”
Knighthead, which has built a reputation for investments across sports, media, entertainment and live events, highlighted its experience in operational turnarounds and scaling global platforms. PFL described 885 Capital as a growth-oriented investment firm with a track record of backing sports and technology businesses aiming to define their categories.
Michael Schmidt, CIO at 885 Capital, said the firm sees long-term potential in the league’s structure and market approach.
“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.”
The funding announcement comes as PFL puts in place a new governance structure. The organisation said it has established a nine-member Board of Directors to oversee strategic direction as it enters its next phase of growth and product development.
For PFL chief executive John Martin, the capital raise is intended to underpin both commercial stability and the next stage of its competitive offering.
“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.”
PFL is planning an expanded operational push in 2026, with an executive leadership team led by Martin alongside Lenny Daniels and Jason Oberlander. The organisation said its plans include broader global operations and an evolved product format aimed at enhancing fan engagement and building stronger storylines around its athletes.
Central to the strategy is a larger calendar of live events. PFL said it intends to stage 24 events worldwide in 2026, reinforcing its ambition to be a global MMA organisation with a consistent international schedule.
While international markets remain a core focus, the company highlighted upcoming events including PFL Road to Dubai and PFL Madrid: van Steenis vs. Edwards 2. Alongside those dates, PFL said it will increase its emphasis on the US market to deliver more premium events to audiences globally.
The league is also preparing to introduce a refined competition format designed to showcase elite talent through more meaningful matchups and deeper storytelling around rivalries and championship pathways. PFL said the changes are intended to improve the viewing experience while providing greater clarity on how fighters progress across divisions.
As part of that evolution, the organisation plans to launch an official rankings system, which it said will bring transparency and competitive clarity across weight classes. The league believes rankings will help strengthen fan understanding and engagement by providing a clearer framework for how title contention is determined.
PFL has positioned the latest investment as a step towards long-term sustainability, supporting both its operational expansion and its ability to deliver premium live events at scale. With lead ownership now strengthened and governance changes in place, the organisation is seeking to build momentum through 2026 as it pursues international growth, a stronger US presence, and an updated product designed to increase its global reach.
