Professional Fighters League Welcomes John Martin as New CEO to Drive Future Growth

Professional Fighters League Welcomes John Martin as New CEO

On July 10, 2025, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) unveiled that John Martin has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer. With a noteworthy background in media and sports management, Martin takes over at a crucial time where the league seeks to amplify its growth trajectory.

Martin, who previously held leadership positions at Turner LLC and Time Warner, brings decades of experience in executing corporate strategies and scaling businesses. His appointment marks a significant step for PFL as it aims to enhance its market presence in the increasingly competitive realm of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Martin’s Background and Vision for PFL

Having served as Chairman and CEO of Turner LLC from 2014 to 2018, Martin led the company to impressive financial milestones, achieving annual revenues of $13 billion. His management portfolio included renowned networks and platforms like TNT, TBS, and CNN, showcasing his adeptness in handling substantial operations within the media sector.

Expressing his excitement at the onset of this new chapter, Martin stated, “MMA presents the greatest opportunity in sports, and PFL holds a unique position that is hard to replicate. My passions for media and MMA merge perfectly in this role.” His deep-seated love for martial arts, dating back to training in karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, positions him well to understand the nuances of the sport and the needs of its fans and stakeholders.

Donn Davis, founder and chairman of PFL, emphasized Martin's credentials, declaring him ideal for leading the organization to new heights. “His global leadership and operational expertise are fundamental to executing our vision and delivering what our fans and fighters deserve,” said Davis.

Strategic Management and Expansion

As CEO, Martin will oversee the complete spectrum of the organization's strategy, operations, finances, and talent management. He is committed to ensuring the PFL brand continues to innovate within the sports sector while fostering international growth. Peter Murray will transition to lead PFL International, focusing on enhancing the league's presence in global markets. This change will facilitate the accelerated launch and expansion of PFL’s operational reach outside the United States.

Under Martin's leadership, PFL aims to harness the burgeoning popularity of MMA, which boasts an estimated 650 million fans globally. This demographic is notably diverse, reflecting the universal appeal of the sport. The league plans to leverage this by expanding its audience engagement strategies through live events, digital platforms, and partnerships with top media outlets.