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Media Veteran Steve Bornstein Appointed to MMA League Advisory Board

Steve Bornstein, a former chief executive at both ESPN and the NFL Network, has joined the advisory board for Scott Coker's mixed martial arts organization. His extensive background in sports broadcasting and media is expected to significantly bolster the league's strategic direction and growth.

8/16/2026, 5:31:52 PM

A prominent figure in sports broadcasting, Steve Bornstein, who previously held top executive positions at ESPN and the NFL Network, has been named to the advisory board of Scott Coker's mixed martial arts league. This appointment brings decades of high-level experience in sports media and operations to the burgeoning MMA enterprise. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Bornstein's career includes a significant tenure as chairman and CEO of ESPN. During his leadership, ESPN expanded its global footprint and solidified its position as a dominant force in sports programming. Later, he took on the role of CEO for the NFL Network, where he was instrumental in developing the league's own media channels and content strategies. His career trajectory demonstrates a consistent ability to identify and capitalize on evolving trends in sports consumption and media distribution. Scott Coker, a veteran promoter in the mixed martial arts world and the leader of the MMA league, expressed considerable enthusiasm for Bornstein's addition. Coker highlighted Bornstein's proven track record of anticipating changes in the sports landscape, media consumption habits, and fan engagement. Coker emphasized that Bornstein's expertise in connecting audiences with premium live sports content would be invaluable as the organization continues its development and expansion efforts. This strategic move aims to leverage Bornstein's insights to enhance the league's appeal and reach. Bornstein's involvement is anticipated to influence various aspects of the MMA league's operations, including media rights, content development, and overall brand strategy. His past successes in navigating the complex world of sports broadcasting suggest a potential for significant advancements in how the MMA league presents itself to its audience and secures its place in the competitive sports entertainment market. The addition of such a seasoned media executive underscores the league's ambition to elevate its profile and solidify its business foundation.

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