Scott Coker is proud of the executive team he has assembled. |
Christian Stein/Sherdog.com
Some familiar faces will be on board when Scott Coker’s new mixed
martial arts promotion launches in 2027.
Coker, who
announced plans for a new organization set to debut next year,
revealed on Wednesday the addition of six new executives to his
leadership team. One noteworthy member of that group is Rich Chou,
who served as matchmaker under Coker during their tenures in
Bellator
MMA and Strikeforce.
Chou’s official title is executive vice president, athlete
relations, and he will be “central to the league’s competition
strategy and its commitment to building authentic relationships
with fighters and fight teams,” per a release.
Coker’s Executive Team:
-Kevin Kay, chief content officer (Paramount Network, Spike TV)
-Tom Fox, chief operating officer (Gatorade, NBA Properties,
Arsenal)
-Rich Chou, executive vice president, athlete relations
(Strikeforce, Bellator MMA)
-Paolo Boccotti, executive vice president, european production &
operations (Fight Code, Bellator MMA)
-Lawrence Stuart, executive vice president, media rights & business
development (CMP, Screenz, ICM Partners)
-Chris DeBlasio, executive vice [resident, global head of
communications (Showtime Sports)
*past experience in parentheses
“We have assembled a team of premium sports leaders who share our
values and respect for combat sports,” Coker stated. “Tom, Kevin,
Rich, Paolo, Lawrence and Chris each bring world-class experience
and the industry relationships needed to drive MMA forward, while
always honoring its roots, the athletes and the fans who supported
this sport from the beginning. Collectively, we see where the sport
can go and we also know where it comes from.”
The organization is backed by $60 million in financing from Creator
Sports Capital and other investors. Coker recently
revealed that he hopes to hold a debut event in January 2027.
Other details, including “league name, competition structure,
athlete participation, media partnerships and event schedule,” are
expected to be announced soon.