The Professional Fighters League announced that Lenny Daniels has been named its new chief operating officer. Daniels brings decades of experience leading premier sports properties, culturally defining franchises, and managing industry-leading digital platforms.

As COO, Daniels will oversee day-to-day operations for the PFL, including global business operations, brand and content strategy, and commercial expansion. He will also play a central leadership role in the PFL’s upcoming U.S. media rights negotiations and will report directly to CEO John Martin to ensure alignment on strategic priorities.

A veteran leader in sports media

“Lenny Daniels is among the most accomplished executives in sports media, having spent decades shaping and growing elite sports organizations,” said PFL CEO John Martin. “He has managed some of the biggest sports properties on the planet and understands how to deliver premium sports content, live experiences, and digital engagement at massive scale. Lenny will be a game-changing leader for the PFL as we enter our next stage of growth.”

Daniels previously served as president of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports U.S. (formerly Turner Sports), leading high-profile properties including Inside the NBA, NBA on TNT, NCAA and March Madness broadcasts, NHL and MLB coverage, and numerous digital initiatives.

He also helped evolve Bleacher Report and House of Highlights into leading digital sports platforms. In partnership with the NBA, Daniels oversaw the entire NBA Digital ecosystem, including NBA League Pass, the NBA App, and NBA TV, shaping how fans worldwide consume basketball.

Guiding the PFL into its next phase

“PFL is one of the most exciting and future-forward sports properties in the world,” Daniels said. “The opportunity to help build the next great global combat sports brand, powered by storytelling, technology, and athlete-first innovation, is rare. I am committed to delivering operational excellence across every level of the League.”

Earlier in his career, Daniels held leadership, creative, and production roles at Turner Sports, ESPN, and NBC Sports, contributing to multiple Olympic Games, NBA, NFL, and large-scale live productions. Daniels and his wife are based in Atlanta with their two sons.