Chang brings media expertise and international sports leadership to PFL MMA
NEW YORK (June 28, 2021) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, today announced that Derek Chang, CEO of Friend MTS and former CEO of NBA China, has been named to the company’s Board of Directors.
Chang was instrumental in expanding the NBA footprint across China by bringing innovative lifestyle experiences to fans of all ages. He expanded the NBA China business with major partnerships with Tencent, Alibaba, Vivo, ByteDance, and China Mobile Migu. Chang is currently the CEO of Friend MTS a leading provider of content protection technology for the sports and entertainment industries. Chang has held executive positions with many of the leading global media companies including 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 Donn Davis Chairman and Founder of PFL, “And, importantly, Derek’s sterling reputation and extensive business relationships can help PFL forge partnerships and chart expansion worldwide.”
“PFL has a top notch management team who are creating the makings of a major global sports league and entertainment brand,” said Derek Chang “While 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.”
The PFL concluded a very successful Regular Season and begins its single elimination Playoffs Friday August 13 on ESPN2 and ESPN+ live from Hard Rock Live at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
About Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the first and only to present MMA in the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship. PFL is the innovation leader with the PFL SmartCage delivering viewers on-screen fight analytics and real-time prop bets. PFL Roster is second to none with 25% of its fighters ranked in the top 25 in their weight-class. All PFL 2021 Season events are live in primetime on ESPN2/ESPN+ in the U.S. (typically on Thursdays), as well as on leading broadcast and streaming outlets in 160 countries worldwide.
