NEWS: Professional Fighters League names
Derek Chang to Board of Directors.— PFL (@PFLMMA)
June 28, 2021
Professional Fighters League has added an executive with
significant ties to China to its team.
The promotion announced Monday former CEO of NBA China Derek Chang
has joined the company’s board of directors. Chang is currently the
CEO of Friend MTS, a “leading provider” of content protection for
the sports and entertainment industry, and has previously held
positions with Scripps Networks Interactive, DIRECTV, Charter
Communications, YES Network and TCI. He also serves on the boards
of Liberty Media Corp. and Isos Acquisition Corp.
“Derek is the rare international sports and media executive with
vision of the vast opportunities for sports leagues in the global
world,” said PFL chairman and founder Donn Davis. “And,
importantly, Derek’s sterling reputation and extensive business
relationships can help PFL forge partnerships and chart expansion
worldwide.”
During his role with NBA China, Chang worked to expand the league’s
footprint across the country “by bringing innovative lifestyle
experiences to fans of all ages.” During his tenure, he helped NBA
China partner with the likes of Tencent, Alibaba, Vivo, ByteDance,
and China Mobile Migu.
“PFL has a top notch management team who are creating the makings
of a major global sports league and entertainment brand,” Chang
said. “While [in its] early days, PFL has already delivered a
unique, innovative, and premium product to its fans, fighters,
sponsors and media partners. I am thrilled to help them scale
the business and brand globally in the rapidly growing MMA
space.”
PFL concluded its regular season this past Friday and is set to
return on Aug. 13 with the first playoff event of the 2021
campaign. The card will take place Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and
Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and is expected to included boxing
champion Claressa Shields’ second MMA bout. The event will air on
ESPN2 and ESPN+.