Steve Bornstein Joins Advisory Board of Scott Coker’s New Global MMA Promotion – Sports Video Group

Former ESPN and NFL Network executive to advise startup league on media, distribution, technology, and fan engagement

Steve Bornstein, the longtime sports media executive and former president and CEO of ESPN and NFL Network, has joined the advisory board of Scott Coker’s new global mixed martial arts promotion, which is targeting a 2027 launch.

According to the organization, Bornstein will advise the league on media strategy, distribution, technology, fan engagement, and commercial development as the promotion continues to build its business and media operations ahead of its debut.

Bornstein joins an advisory group that includes Wade Davis, former CEO of TelevisaUnivision; Steve Kaplan, co-founder of Oaktree Capital and owner of D.C. United; Steve Mosko, former chairman of Sony Pictures Television; and Swimmy Minami, founder of Visional and a limited partner of the New York Yankees.

“Steve Bornstein is one of the great builders in the history of sports media,” said Scott Coker, co-founder and CEO of the new promotion. “Throughout his tenure as CEO of ESPN and later the NFL Network, Steve set the bar for excellence in sports television and was instrumental in bringing the culture of global sport into the world’s living rooms.”

Bornstein’s media career includes leading ESPN during a period of significant expansion across television, radio, digital platforms, and live events before serving as President and CEO of NFL Network and Executive Vice President of Media for the NFL. During his tenure with the league, he helped oversee the growth of NFL Network, NFL.com, the NFL App, and NFL RedZone.

He currently serves as President, North America for Genius Sports, where his work focuses on data, technology, artificial intelligence, and interactive fan engagement products.

“The opportunity to advise his new global MMA league at this stage is incredibly exciting,” Bornstein said. “MMA is a global sport with enormous potential, and this group is approaching it with the right combination of ambition, respect for the athletes, and a long-term vision.”

The promotion, first announced earlier this year, is expected to launch in 2027 with a focus on international competition and athlete development. Additional details regarding its event schedule, media strategy, and distribution plans are expected to be announced in the coming months.