[GIST] PFL, Helios Sports commit to invest, expand into Africa
A global powerhouse in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Professional Fighters League (PFL) in collaboration with Helios Sports and Entertainment Groups (HSEGs) have committed to an extensive expansion into Africa through significant investments over the next 12 months, presenting fighters with the exceptional opportunity to compete for a substantial prize of $1 million in the upcoming Champions league.
The PLF Chief Executive Officer, Peter Murray, disclosed this at the official launch of PFL Africa in Lagos which joins PFL Europe and PLF Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as part of a network of regional leagues.
According to him, the investment will make the fighters have the ability, the capabilities, the experience, and determination to become champions.
“We are really here to support each and every fighter that is with the PFL, and this is really a proud moment to launch PFL Africa.
“Our vision is to create opportunities for the very best fighters all over the world and right here in Africa, to support their journeys as professional athletes, to give them consistent top competition on major media platforms, but also give them the ability to earn their way through a true sport format,” he said.
Africa, he said is home to some of the greatest fighters in the world and some of the greatest fans in the sport noting that PFL Africa serves the great fans with premium content while strengthening the PFL global footprint in what has for too long been an underserved market. “Alongside our great investment and broadcast partners we cannot wait to kick off PFL Africa league action in 2025.”
Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners, Tope Lawani, added that African talent has had disproportionate success on the global MMA stage and currently has a scarcity of events despite significant demand, creating a huge opportunity for growth as young Africans consume more digital content on their devices.
“We are looking forward to partnering with the PFL, a world-class organisation, and with Francis Ngannou, who is a manifestation of the success of African talent on a global stage. This marks HSEG’s fourth investment following our successful partnership with the NBA in Africa. We see several areas of direct synergies between PFL Africa and HSEG’s existing unique portfolio and we are excited by the opportunities such collaboration can bring to the continent,” Lawani stated.
Chairman of PFL Africa, Francis Ngannou stated that the league will shape the very foundation of African MMA.
His words: “As we have seen there is a great wealth of talent in Africa just waiting to be given a global stage. I am so very proud to give back to my homeland and to provide great content to a region with such a passionate and diverse fanbase.”
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