Puncher’s Chance to sponsor PFL Season events and present “Upset of the Night”
across PFL Social Channels; Bourbon to be Served in all VIP Lounge Experiences
PFL Regular Season kicks off April 20 on ESPN and simulcast on ESPN+
NEW YORK CITY (February 9, 2022) - The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest-growing and most-innovative sports league, today announced a partnership deal with Wolf Spirit to name Puncher’s Chance® Bourbon as the official spirits partner of the PFL. As part of the deal, Puncher’s Chance will sponsor all PFL Regular Season events on ESPN networks and streaming platforms and be served in the VIP Lounge at Season events. Additionally, Puncher’s Chance will present “Upset of the Night” across all PFL social media channels and a highly recognized PFL athlete will also serve as a brand ambassador for the spirit throughout the season.
Puncher’s Chance Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a five- and six-year-old blend of fine whiskies. Inspired by two great American traditions – whiskey and fighting for what you believe in – Puncher’s Chance from Wolf Spirit out of Eugene, Oregon was created for the whiskey curious who appreciate an approachable knockout bourbon with finesse.
The brand name of Puncher’s Chance is a boxing reference, denoting that almost anyone is possible of a knockout punch, no matter the odds – particularly if that punch is delivered with perfect balance. Puncher’s Chance comes housed in a jet-black, screen-printed bottle with a gentle fade at the bottom to reveal the amber liquid within. The brand’s tiger mascot, a common symbol in boxing and MMA fighting, prowls the label.
“The Professional Fighters League is excited to partner with Puncher’s Chance Kentucky Straight Bourbon for the upcoming PFL Regular Season,” said PFL CRO Jon Tuck. “The PFL and Wolf Spirit both know the power of a knockout punch, and we look forward to delivering premium experiences featuring Puncher’s Chance to our audiences.”
“Our partnership with the Professional Fighters League is perfectly aligned for Puncher’s Chance, as our name and bottle design are an homage to the fighting spirit found within the MMA and boxing communities,” said Umberto Luchini, Founder of Wolf Spirit. “We see a tremendous opportunity to expose our great American spirit to PFL’s vast fanbase through an integrated approach – from pouring rights in the VIP Lounges to in-store activations to leveraging PFL talent for social promotion. We will also debut our first-ever television spot on ESPN in March timed to coincide with the MMA season.”
In 2021 PFL concluded a successful third season as six fighters earned world championships and $1 million each in prize money at the PFL World Championship, MMA’s biggest night, on October 27. The league has seen 100 percent audience growth in 2021 and added leading brands to its blue-chip sponsorship portfolio, with more world-class talent and events coming to MMA fans across the globe this year.
Professional Fighters League is the No. 2 MMA company globally and features an elite talent roster with 25 percent of its fighters independently ranked in the top-25 of the world, including 2021 PFL champions Kayla Harrison, Ray Cooper III and Movlid Khaybulaev. With live event coverage in 160 countries on leading distribution platforms, a portfolio of blue-chip brand partners, and backing from major institutional and high-profile individual investors, PFL is accelerating its global expansion to deliver a unique, innovative product to the more than 600 million MMA fans globally.
About Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league. PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship.
PFL is primetime in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and was broadcast and streamed live worldwide last year to 160 countries with partners including RMC Sport, FPT, Sky Sport, and more. The PFL roster is world-class, with 25% of PFL fighters independently ranked in the top 25 in the world. The PFL proprietary SmartCage data and analytics platform powers real-time betting and provides next-gen viewing experience.
PFL has over two-dozen blue-chip brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, IBM, GEICO, DraftKings, Bose, Socios.com, Air Force Reserve, US Marine Corps, and more. PFL is backed by major investors including Ares Capital, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Swan Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and several NBA, MLB, and NHL team owners.
MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams.
PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)
ABOUT WOLF SPIRIT
Perhaps the only liquor company in the world founded in an old laundromat (Nanny’s Wash & Dry, to be exact), Wolf Spirit is a true Eugene, Oregon original, producing fine, handcrafted products that capture the pioneering spirit of the American northwest. Founded by Campari Group veteran Umberto Luchini and helmed by longtime spirits industry expert Bradd Levitan, Wolf Spirit embodies the traits of its namesake. Guided by instinct and fueled by a hunger for brands with authentic stories, Wolf Spirit is building a pack of unique products with courageously bold identities that come together with purpose. Our premium brands include Puncher’s Chance® Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Tom of Finland® Organic Vodka, Blood x Sweat x Tears® Vodka and Bosscal Mezcal. Launched in 2017, Wolf Spirit’s products are now available nationally across the US with a keen focus on national and regional on- and off-premise chains. Find out more at https://wolfspiritdistillery.com/.