IFL Cancels August 15 Event, Plans To Restructure Promotion
The Int'l Fight League (IFL), which has "lost over $31[M] since its creation in 2006," has canceled its August 15 event in New Jersey, indicating a "further sign of financial problems that could ultimately cripple the company," according to Mike Chiappetta of NBCSPORTS.com. IFL CEO Jay Larkin said that the announcement "didn't necessarily mean the end of the company," and that the league is "hoping to restructure and didn't think it would be able to do that and still put on a strong event." Larkin: "We're closely watching the cash flow, what's coming in and what's going out. We're trying to extend the IFL until we find that investor or partner that wants to be part of this." Chiappetta noted despite trying to "differentiate themselves from the industry leader, the IFL has struggled to build a fanbase." The IFL in February signed a deal with HDNet to air its live events. Two shows have aired, and the August 15 event was "scheduled to be the final one under the current deal." IFL programming also airs on FSN. Larkin "believes there are still doubts about the viability of MMA past the success of UFC, but that it might take strategic partnerships to give groups a chance" (NBCSPORTS.com, 6/10). The IFL said that it "might seek protection from creditors via the courts if it did not come up with a solution, like a new partner or investor" (AP, 6/10).
AFFLICTION: In Las Vegas, Adam Hill wrote the addition last week of Donald Trump as an investor in MMA promotion Affliction "not only brings a seemingly endless revenue stream, but also a name to help in mainstream promotion of the events." Trump also has a connection to free agent fighter Tito Ortiz, who in May completed his UFC contract. Hill: "If Trump used his power to push the process, Affliction could beat the UFC into the lucrative New York market" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 6/10). Ortiz appeared on NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice" this spring (THE DAILY).
|
Related Stories By Company
|
Related Stories By Sport
|
CBS, UFC May Partner For MMA Broadcast
December 3, 2007 :
SportsBusiness Daily
IFL Promotes Larkin to CEO
November 21, 2007 :
SportsBusiness Daily
IFL Partnering With GoogleAds, YouTube
November 12, 2007 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Catching Up With IFL CEO Gareb Shamus
October 5, 2007 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Live IFL Fights On MyNetwork TV
September 25, 2007 :
SportsBusiness Daily
|
UFC's Fitch Back After Inking Marketing Deal
November 21, 2008 :
SportsBusiness Daily
And1 Signs MMA Fighter To Sponsorship
November 3, 2008 :
SportsBusiness Daily
ProElite, EliteXC Shutting Doors
October 21, 2008 :
SportsBusiness Daily
MMA Fighter Told How To Fight Kimbo?
October 9, 2008 :
SportsBusiness Daily
EliteXC Draws Solid Ratings
October 7, 2008 :
SportsBusiness Daily
|
|
