Who Owns Bellator MMA?
Updated onUse this page to find the Bellator MMA owner and explore the full ownership hierarchy. See the owner of Bellator MMA, the parent company, holding structures, and ultimate controllers.
Bellator MMA
An American mixed martial arts promotion (Bellator) founded in 2008 that organized professional MMA events and championships.
Professional Fighters League
A global mixed martial arts (MMA) sports league that runs season-format events, playoffs, and championships featuring professional fighters.
Bellator MMA
An American mixed martial arts promotion (Bellator) founded in 2008 that organized professional MMA events and championships.
Professional Fighters League
A global mixed martial arts (MMA) sports league that runs season-format events, playoffs, and championships featuring professional fighters.
Major Shareholders
Bellator MMA
Major Shareholders
| Name | Type | Ownership | As of |
|---|---|---|---|
Professional Fighters League (PFL) PFL acquired Bellator MMA from Paramount Global in a deal announced November 20, 2023; PFL is the direct owner of the Bellator promotion. | Corporate | - | Nov 2023 |
Professional Fighters League
Major Shareholders
| Name | Type | Ownership | As of |
|---|---|---|---|
Donn Davis Founder, chairman and reported co‑owner; identified by PFL and multiple press reports as a principal owner and the league’s founder/leading executive. | Founder | - | Jan 2026 |
Ares Capital (Ares Management) Named as a strategic investor in prior PFL funding rounds and listed among PFL’s institutional backers in company announcements and press coverage. | Institutional | - | Feb 2024 |
Elysian Park Ventures Listed as an investor/backer in several funding rounds and press reports (Elysian Park Ventures is the private investment arm associated with the LA Dodgers ownership group). | Institutional | - | Feb 2024 |
Knighthead Capital Named among institutional investors participating in earlier financing rounds reported in media coverage of PFL funding. | Institutional | - | Feb 2024 |
David Blitzer Sports‑team owner and investor reported as a PFL backer in press coverage of PFL’s growth and funding. | Individual | - | Jul 2024 |
Ted Leonsis Named among the early investor group (MMAX Investment Partners / reorganization of WSOF) and cited in later investor lists. | Individual | - | Jan 2017 |
Mark Lerner (The Lerner family) Part of the investor group tied to the WSOF acquisition and repeatedly referenced in media reports as an owner/investor in PFL. | Family | - | Jan 2017 |
885 Capital (UAE-based investor) Reported direct investor in late 2024 by multiple outlets (UAE investment fund). | Institutional | - | Dec 2024 |
Alex Rodriguez (investment via A-Rod Corp.) Announced as an investor and board member in a January 21, 2026 PFL funding/board update. | Individual | - | Jan 2026 |
Legends Hospitality Purchased a minority stake as part of a commercial/partnership agreement announced in 2021. | Corporate | - | Aug 2021 |
Celebrity/minority individual investors (examples: Marshawn Lynch, Wiz Khalifa, Ray Lewis) Reported minority/backer status — cited as examples of celebrity investors in PFL’s earlier rounds; specific ownership percentages not publicly disclosed. | Individual | - | Apr 2021 |
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