John Martin Named CEO of Professional Fighters League

John Martin, a former CEO of Turner LLC and CFO of Time Warner, has been appointed CEO of the Professional Fighters League. Martin will oversee strategy, management, operations, finances, and personnel, succeeding Peter Murray, who becomes CEO of PFL International. Martin, a martial arts practitioner with a black belt in karate and blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, calls the role a "dream job."

John Martin, a seasoned executive with a background in media and sports, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Martin, who previously served as Chairman and CEO of Turner LLC and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Time Warner Inc., will oversee the league's strategy, management, operations, finances, and personnel, succeeding Peter Murray, who will transition to lead PFL International [1][2][3].

Martin's appointment comes at a critical juncture for the PFL, which is seeking to establish itself as a major player in the mixed martial arts (MMA) landscape. The league, known for its unique "win and advance" tournament format, aims to capitalize on the growing global popularity of MMA, which boasts a fan base of 650 million worldwide [3].

Martin brings a wealth of experience to the role. His tenure at Turner LLC, where he managed a portfolio of cable networks, digital platforms, and sports assets, resulted in $13 billion in annual revenue and nearly $5 billion in operating income [2]. Prior to Turner, Martin served as CFO at Time Warner Inc., where he oversaw financial operations for Warner Bros., HBO, Turner LLC, Time Inc., and Time Warner Cable. He was an early advocate for expanding UFC's cable distribution, recognizing the immense potential of MMA [2].

Martin's appointment is also notable for his personal passion for MMA. A martial arts practitioner with a black belt in karate and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Martin has competed in amateur tournaments into his 40s. His enthusiasm for the sport is evident in his statement that the role of CEO at PFL is a "dream job" for him [1][2].

Under Martin's leadership, PFL aims to build a sustainable and profitable business model. The league is backed by major blue-chip investors and has secured a unique position in the MMA market. With a global broadcast reach of 190 countries and 20 leading media partners, PFL is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for MMA content [3].

Martin's appointment signals a strategic shift for PFL, as the league seeks to compete with the established UFC. With a focus on growth, innovation, and operational excellence, Martin is poised to lead PFL into a new era of success.

References:
[1] https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/john-martin-professional-fighters-league-ceo-1236451458/
[2] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/professional-fighters-league-names-john-martin-as-chief-executive-officer-302501821.html
[3] https://www.lowkickmma.com/pfl-appoints-former-turner-chief-john-martin-as-ceo-as-peter-murray-steps-down/