Modell’s Urges NY Assembly to Pass Bill Legalizing MMA

Mitchell Modell, CEO of Modell’s Sporting Goods, today called upon the New York State Assembly to pass the bill legalizing mixed martial arts (MMA) in New York and allowing the State Athletic Commission to regulate it.  The bill – Assembly bill 6506 – has already passed the Senate this year, for the fourth year in a row.

“I know sports and I know sports fans.  Not every sports fan is a fan of MMA. Just like not every sports fan is a fan of basketball or baseball or soccer or any other sport.  However, there are millions of New Yorkers who are fans of MMA,” Modell said.  

“MMA is the fastest growing sport in the nation.  How can it be possible that New York is one of only two states in the entire country where professional MMA is banned?  It’s clearly not because there’s no fans.  It’s clearly not because it’s a tough sport where participants could be injured.  If that were the standard, we’d have no sports in this country other than maybe chess,” Modell said.  “Having another great sport in New York State will drive tax revenue and economic activity and that is what we need”

Modell noted that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), as well as other MMA promoters such as Bellator and World Series of Fighting, have all pledged to hold multiple fights in venues across the state in the first years of the new law, generating more than $100 million in economic activity statewide.

“As the CEO of the nation’s oldest family operated sporting good’s store, and a major retailer and employer  in New York, I know that bringing professional MMA to New York will be good for my business and I know it will be good for arenas, hotels, restaurants, and other retailers.  I know that it will help create much needed jobs for New Yorkers,” Modell said.

“I also know the ‘buzz’ MMA is creating.  In advance of UFC 159 next week in New Jersey, MMA fans have been flocking to Modell’s stores across the region.  I can only imagine the buzz and the business that would be created if the UFC held an event in New York City and across the state on a regular basis,” Modell said.