Is ONE Championship’s Future in Doubt?
When ONE Championship started, it had lofty goals to be a hub for showcasing the best athletes from every combat sport. In some ways, they’ve succeeded, but financially and professionally, they are struggling.
Here’s a highlight of the problems that the organization is facing.
- $90 million in losses in 2023- over $530 million since its inception.
- Qatar Investment Authority embarrassed by involvement; major Qatari sponsors have pulled out.
- Current/former champions and formerly contracted fighters warn others not to sign with the company, citing a lack of activity, communication, and unprofessionalism from the organization’s president.
- Multiple rounds of layoffs: Staff cuts in 2024 and further reductions expected in 2025 signal a shrinking workforce and increased instability.
- Amazon Prime and TNT Sports Both Exit; US expansion halted.
- US Shows Cancelled or Postponed. No sign of shows being rescheduled in 2025.
- Chatri Sityodtong’s public outbursts and feuds with fighters, managers, and promoters have damaged his reputation.
- ONE Championship’s eSports and mobile game launch fails to deliver new revenue or fans.
- The company is burning cash, relies on new investors to stay afloat. Long-term viability in serious doubt.
Let us be clear that we are not rooting for the downfall of the organization. ONE Championship has hosted some great fights among all the combat sports they promote, and that includes grappling.
Leo Vieira and Tom DeBlass are doing a great job allowing more top Jiu-Jitsu athletes the opportunity to compete and be paid well. However, the company has lost over half a billion dollars and counting.
No business can sustain itself with these mounting losses, and investors will not continue dumping money into a lost cause. It seems that it’s only a matter of time before the organization closes.
Credit to Tim Wheaton for the above data and image.
Bobby is martial artist for almost 20 years with a BJJ black belt under Professor Sergio Miranda. He is also a karate black and former combat sports athlete, who loves all things grappling.