A media veteran is heading back to combat sports. Scott Coker’s new global MMA promotion has tapped Kevin Kay as its Chief Content Officer.
What We Know: Kay brings nearly three decades of media leadership to the role. His career spanned Viacom, Nickelodeon, Spike TV, Paramount Network, TV Land, and CMT. Notably, he helped bring UFC to Spike TV and developed major properties including “Yellowstone” and “The Ultimate Fighter.” Kay’s appointment is one of six senior executive hires announced by Coker as the promotion builds toward launch.
The others include Tom Fox, who will serve as chief operating officer after previous work for Gatorade, NBA Properties and Arsenal FC, executive vp, athlete relations Rich Chou, formerly of Strikeforce and Bellator MMA), Paolo Boccotti, executive vp, European production & operations, who has worked for Fight Code and Bellator in the past, Lawrence Stuart, executive vp, media rights & business development, who is a former CMP, Screenz and ICM Partners executive, and former Showtime Sports press lead Chris DeBlasio, who will serve as executive vp, global head of communications.
What They Said: Scott Coker, founder and CEO of the new global mixed martial arts promotion: “We have assembled a team of premium sports leaders who share our values and respect for combat sports. Tom, Kevin, Rich, Paolo, Lawrence and Chris each bring world-class experience and the industry relationships needed to drive MMA forward, while always honoring its roots, the athletes and the fans who supported this sport from the beginning. Collectively, we see where the sport can go and we also know where it comes from.”
What Remains Unclear: The promotion’s official name has yet to be revealed. The competition structure, media partnerships, and event schedule are also still pending announcement.
What It Means: Kay Kay’s hire signals a serious commitment to premium storytelling. He worked previously with Coker launching The Ultimate Fighter, which lasted 14 seasons. Because of that push into MMA during his time at Viacom, the company then acquired Bellator where Kay first worked alongside Coker. His role will focus on bringing fans closer to athletes and their journeys. Combined with $60 million in financing, the promotion is clearly positioning itself as a major player.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
